Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.2 16V Dynamique 3d (AC) (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says I am a typical 19 year old male (was 18 at time of purchase), I prefered this car as it wasnt as common as the corsa and in my opinion looks a lot nicer. Also with teenage insurance being so expensive the choices are pretty small, for example my first years insurance has cost a little over 2000£ (£170 per month).

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

My friends love the car, the car is quick and doesnt use a lot of fuel on trips out. Family also really like the car as its fairly economical and it looks good, also for how much I paid and the features of the car makes them think I got a bargain.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would upgrade to a newer plate, and a car with better bodywork (as mine has a few marks and scuffs on from previous owner), But I would have to find one with the auto headlights and aircon, as i dont want to downgrade.

What are you likely to buy next?

Im not really sure at the moment, I like the look of the 3 door Vauxhall Astras but I also like the look of Volkswagen Golfs 3dr. I guess when my insurance premium goes down next year I will start looking into it properly.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£650

When did you buy the car?

March 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes I got a good deal, Brought the car from a private seller who lived down the road from me. Car has a full service history, has had lots of work done and has been looked after quite well.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was my first car, cheap to tax, insure, good on fuel and quite quick and nippy compared to other cars of a similar specification.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

To drive this 1.2 is very nippy, it really does shift when you put your foot down considering its a small engine. The suspension is comfortable and the ride height is low and sporty looking. On the motorway doing between 70-80mph it revs between 3500-4000rpm and is still very torquey and it does pull to overtake bigger cars but it would be better with a 6th gear. The car can also fly round corners and grips really well, a friends corsa has terrible understeer compared to my clio.

What's it like to park?

To park this car is really easy, its not that long and has a good steering lock so it can fly into a tight space in that busy car park.The steering is very light and from full lock to the other side is really quick and light.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, the car did used to have squeaky brakes when I first brought it as they were new, but after i used brake cleaner on the discs and took it for a quick drive it was great. There are a few squeaks and rattles here and there, mainly over bumpy roads but they don't really bother you.

What's most practical about your car?

The car has a pretty decent sized boot, that comes in handy. Although it is a 5 seater, me and 3 mates went to Thorpe Park in it and the shortest had to go in the back, leg room isnt the best especially when me (the driver) is 6 foot and has the chair further back than most.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The car has some great features as standard, such as the automatic headlights, automatic window wipers, the electric sunroof and climate control with Air-Con. The factory radio is terrible, the CD player on it was intermittent and when you turned it up a bit it distorted and sounded terrible (which actually made me feel a bit disheartened as I am a huge music fan), so within a week I brought a Sony head unit and the Amp in that radio is a lot better, the factory speakers in the Clios are actually pretty good. The electric sunroof is lovely in the summer, although the seal on it is coming toward the end of its life as it rattles and in heavy rain it can leak a little. The climate control is really good, you can set a temperature and press auto and the car does the rest.