USED Renault Clio Hatchback (98 - 05)

My car

I owned this car since June 2003, have covered 52,000km and sold it a couple of days before due to family expansion (need something much bigger).

The car was very satisfactory in terms of driving and performance, and also I liked very much the style.

In terms of fuel economy, it proved very good and the best range I have achieved was approximately 750lm with only 45lt (the total capacity of the fuel tank).

The weak points were the space for the rear passengers (expected for a 3.77m car), the driving position, and the clutch.

In these four years, I had three problems which cost me in total 60 Euros. An alarm button stuck and was replaced (18€), and the starter motor cables were cut and had to be replaced (25€). The airbag light came on due to faulty de-activation switch of passenger airbag which was also replaced (21€).

Renault here in Greece was very helpful.

All in all, it's a very competitive little car, capable of giving also some driving happiness.

My car

I have this car - it is very good and very stable at high speeds. Its only problem is the speed sensor.

It is the best in its band of cars (compact cars).

My car

I bought my 03 Clio with good expectations. I loved the way it drove, it was comfortable and had good acceleration, even for a 1.4. But this didn't outweigh the disadvantages.

Within a couple of weeks of owning it, it went wrong. Im not completely sure what was wrong - something to do with the electrics, but it made it undriveable. It shook and wouldn't accelerate past 40mph; luckily it was under warranty.

Then a few months later it decided it didn't want to start. It would take three, four or sometimes more attempts to start it. Then one day it decided it didn't want to start at all. It turned out to be the engine sensor, which I hear is a common problem on Clios.

Also, the fan belt constantly made a whining noise, the brakes squeaked and the sunroof rattled.

Last week I wrote it off (not on purpose, although people knew my opinion on it). Although it probably aided the fact I came out slightly bruised and battered, I was secretly glad I would probably never have to drive it again.

If you're thinking of getting one, don't! It's the biggest piece of rubbish ever - I would definitely not recommend one.

My car

This is an enjoyable car to drive around a city or town, has great dry handling, is pretty nippy for a 1.2, looks quite cool most of the time and I usually get around 37mpg. Oh, and the four standard speakers deliver surprisingly good sound.

The only problem I've had since buying it in April was a relay switch being knocked out and damaged (found under the glovebox, uncovered from wandering passenger feet!) which was not the car's fault.

The things that bug me about the car though are: The noisy sunroof The steering wheel shakes like mad at 80mph+ Wet handling is dodgy The parcel shelf bumps up and down sometimes

One other thing is an apparently common occurence: two mates of mine experienced the bonnets popping up on their Clios and smashing the windscreens (one on the motorway, the other on dual carriageway) which worries me slightly.

I'll be looking to buy a Clio 182 after this (come on wage rise) and would recommend the Clio 1.2 Dynamique as it has caused me no real problems.