Renault Clio (1991 - 1998) 1.4 S Maxim 3d (1997/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I really want a sports car, but can't afford the insurance for a proper one I guess. Still, I don't really get this question.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, used to drive a corsa C, the missus preferred that, but it was a shared car and I needed my own!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not, only reason being is I now have a years no claims, so i'd get a toyota mr2 and could afford the insurance. But I am never going to buy a french car again, ever, not because mine's bad but because there are so many complaints about french cars. german or japanese please.

What are you likely to buy next?

an mr2. One that's around the same age as my clio (probably 1997 ish), in black, 1.8 litre. rock solid, reliable, fun cars, and within my price range. sensible buy methinks.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,595

When did you buy the car?

August 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I guess so, £1595 for a car that had done 14,440 miles isn't that shabby, car was in lovely nick and the interior looked as if it hadn't even been touched. Unfortunately I was borrowing the money, and had to pay on the day I saw it as the car was a long way away, and I had to pay with a building society cheque so couldn't haggle. Could have haggled on the dent on the drivers door, or corroded alloys, but not fussy for first car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Low mileage (14,440), engine size, previous owners were old man and renault mechanic, looked OK for an old banger, probably wouldn't depreciate much, cheap spare parts + renault specialist nearby

What was the dealer like?

Guy was OK, but he cashed the tax disc between the time I bought it and picked it up.

What's it like to drive?

It's alright, brakes aren't too sensitive but still responsive enough, steering isn't too heavy, clutch is ok, goes round corners like a dream! Quite fun to drive I guess, for a 1.4.

What's it like to park?

Great, excellent rear visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Front wheel bearing... it's a clio, what do you expect. Central locking went a bit tits up for about a week, but it sorted itself out. Sunroof rattled like crazy- I superglued the bolts and it's fine now, and it still opens. Mechanically, it's fine, which i guess is the most important thing for a first car.

What's most practical about your car?

As stupid as it sounds, the ash tray. It's huge, and I keep my petrol money in there, makes it a lot easier! I also like the panel that pulls down over my CD player, great idea.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My sound system, probably... but stock, I'd say the bucket seats. Shame about the fact the drivers seat is slightly at an angle, renaults QA department obviously on drugs or something.