Renault Clio 1.4 RN 5d (91) (1992/K) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Second-hand prices seem reasonable.
Costs
Fuel economy is acceptable, but not great around town for such a small car and maintenance is expensive.
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On the road
Driving
Handles very nicely, with a very taught suspension. Tends to understeer when pushed, but it's very controllable. The brakes, however, aren't the best.
Performance
For a 1.4, it's pretty nippy. I'm usually first away from the traffic lights! However it does start to struggle with passengers onboard. Motorways are fine (if noisy) it will cruise happily at an indicated 90mph.
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Living with it
Reliability
It's never once failed to start 1st time. But it has needed far too many replacement brake pads and discs, suspension components, and engine mounts (it's been driven hard, but not that hard). Some minor rust patches from around 12 years old.
Image
I think its angular lines look very masculine (and much nicer than any post-98 model), but it's been forever tainted by the feminine Nicole/Papa adds.
Comfort
The seats offer little lumber support, and the driver's seat is offset from the pedals. Even children complain about the space in the back adults really suffer!
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Security and Service
Security
Pretty easily broken into, I imagine, but I've never had any incidents. The removable radio/cassette space has a nifty cover, so a potential thief can't tell if it's been removed or not.
Service
Renault Croydon were superb Wilson's of Epsom were outrageously bad broken promises and flagrant lies.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Pretty solid, a couple of gaskets and that's all.
Other
Frequent suspension and brake problems a couple of new exhausts clutch starting to stiffen up (leading to the cable snapping).
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No