Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.2 16V Dynamique 3d (2003/03) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
That I was a nit to buy a French car!?!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They used to like it (it is a nice looking car) but that now I should get shot of it!
Would you buy this car again and why?
No way on earth! Sorry Renault, but until you get your wiring right, I am one person who is not coming any where near you. I would give this car a one star, but I remember when it used to be nice to me & I had no complaints.
What are you likely to buy next?
A nice reliable Ford Fiesta.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£9,950
When did you buy the car?
May 2003
Did you get a good deal and why?
It was quite a good deal as I got quite a lot of spec on the car for not a lot of money. Nice sports seats, front fog lamps, heated wing mirrors, automatic lights & wipers, CD player with 6 speakers, airbags in the dash & also in the seats. These weren't optional extras, they came with the car.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Really liked Clios (used to) & there was a deal on the special edition "Billabong" range.
What was the dealer like?
It was quite a while ago, but he seemed ok albeit a bit pushy.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Lovely to drive when everything works. Steering is light & it's really nippy. You can beat people away from the lights even with 5 people in a 1.2! Ahem...
What's it like to park?
Easy peasy. It's a dinky car & easy to tell where the back & the front end.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Where should I start? At present the car is running lumpy when it's idle & doesn't accelerate & I get a lovely queue of traffic sitting behind me.... Apparently it's the fault of the TDC sensor or the Lambda sensor (even though I replaced it 3 years ago) or maybe a coil pack?? Wretched thing. All I can say it, it was fine for about 5 years & has only gone wrong in the last 3 years. Oh & the sunroof leaks like mad. Google "Clio sunroof leak" - I don't there is one Clio owner who hasn't had one!
What's most practical about your car?
It's easy to drive (when it works), the steering is light & it's nippy as anything. It's pretty roomy for a little hatch back & the boot fits all the food shopping in. It's really good on fuel, you won't have to go to the petrol station very often!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The trip computer is pretty cool & tells you how many miles of petrol you have left.
