I've just bought a Renault Clio RT 1998, but a few worrying noises coming from her, so hoping one of you lovely lot can help reassure me! She idles like a dream and looks well looked after - very tidy bodywork and interior; 65,500 miles on the clock. Bought her last week for £725, she had just had the cambelt and water pump done.

I am a relatively new driver and a bit concerned over a few things I've noticed!

Firstly, she has a whirring sound that comes from her engine when slowing right down from speed - when she comes to a stop, the whir comes from under the bonnet, like something winding down - lasts about 5 seconds, gradually fading out. My boyf thinks maybe the clutch? Also just noticed that turning round a corner (braking and downshifting from 4th to 2nd) she was a bit crunchy - she can be a bit crunchy trying to get her into 1st (especially block changing from 3rd, but also from 2nd).

Also, when doing a tight turn, there's a 'thunk' from the back left (I think) when I release the steering from full lock - worried the steering rack is on the way out or a problem with the bearings.

Also a squeal when I pull off - we think it might just be wheel spinning (I'm used to a diesel tank and not a nippy petrol!) but also worried it may be something else like a belt?

Finally (sorry for so many questions!), when waiting at a roundabout yesterday, the engine just died! I'm sure it wasn't a stall, as no lurch or judder. Just went very quiet. This worries me!

What do you think could be causing these various problems and do you think these could be costly to fix? I was ripped off with my first ever car and it totally died after 7 weeks - now concerned that I have saved up again to buy this one and she'll do the same! Just noticing clunks and noises more as I drive her - don't mind spending money on her, but I need to know she's safe to drive, especially as I have a child in the car with me a lot :-/

All advice gratefully received :-)