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

What does this car say about you?

That I am a stereotypical 17 year who plays music too loud and has a silly exhaust. The insurance is also sky-high due to it being driven by T@ats.

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

Friends used to love it and all wanted to buy one.....until they saw my repair bills. It's a lovely looking car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Put me off Renault. If you're a 17 year old and have your heart set on a Clio, please don't get one. I didn't want anything else apart from one and I regret it. A lot. Please take my advice and buy a Polo or Fiesta. They are made so much better. Pay that little bit more but pay less on repairing it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCI.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£995

When did you buy the car?

February 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Paid what I expected to pay. He wasn't budging or anything.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Being a typical 17 year old and wanting a Black Clio.

What was the dealer like?

Just wanted to sell the car. Didn't know a lot about it as it was new in.

What's it like to drive?

Best part of the car is it's performance. Pulls nicely and it's second and third gear are rapid. Pulls away from every 1.2 apart from the Corsa.

What's it like to park?

Fairly easily. I always reverse in and you can see out of the blind spots and back easily.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yep.....a lot. In the last 5 months I have properly spent around £1000 on it. I owe my parents a lot of money. Needed a camshaft sensor. £70. 3 new tyres £150. (Bad front suspension made it go through a new tyre in 3000 miles). Had to replace the two shocks at the front due to the previous owner driving too fast over speedbumps. (Yes, she was a women). Track had to be done. Failed its emissions due to o2 sensor (Lambda sensor). Caused all sorts of problems- few hundred spent with all the problems is caused. Brake pipe went. Sunroof leaked but my step-dad just sealed it up-cost around £20 in parts but would have been more at a garage. To get through it's MOT it cost £655 (I am good friends with the garage owner and he said that the labour time was a lot more than I paid.

What's most practical about your car?

Nothing really. It rattles and creaks. I can driving very eco-friendly when I want. I always average around 48 MPG. I have got 60+ going to work and back doing around 50-60mph.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Has a trip computer, auto lights and wipers. Beeps when you leave your lights on- this always saves me.