Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.4 16V Dynamique + 3d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Its quite a young and funky looking car and you can accessorise them to jazz them up further. At the moment it says young professional that likes to have fun.

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

Mum and Dad are SO much happier I have a newer car, with a roof! Mates think that a 2 seater sports car is better but financially the Clio is working out the favourite

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes but it would be the new shape and the new sport version. Actually I would probably upgrade to a Megane Sport instead of another Clio. But they are nice cars and I like them a lot.

What are you likely to buy next?

Megane or a Porsche Boxter S.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,995

When did you buy the car?

September 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I part exchanged my knackered Rover MGF and I got some decent cash for it which was a result. Overall I only paid £3000 for a £6000 car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

They were lovely and actualyl found the car for me at another location and shipped it over. I was very specific about what I wanted and I was told in no uncertain terms by a different Renault dealers that they were as rare as rocking horse doo-doo... but Bridges Renault found one for me!

What's it like to drive?

Nice actually. People complain of the weird seating arrangement but I have always been quite comfortable. Pedal positions are fine. Its nippy in 1st to 2nd so can usually burn something smaller like a fiesta or yaris off at the lights. 3rd to 5th are smooth and it feels comfortable cruising at 40 mph. Motorway driving concerns me. As soon as I hit 80mph I think I can hear whining so I turn the stereo off but then its nothing, so apart from that, no problem, its a good little runner for town and motorways

What's it like to park?

Bigger than an MG so was a bit concerned at reverse parking but actualyl it was OK. I'm quite short so I can't really see the edge of the bonnet but i've not had any difficulties really.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I had a click in steering wheel when I first got it. It was every time I turned the wheel 90 degrees in either direction there would be a little click as is plastic was rubbing against plastic. I took it to the dealer twice but they could never find anything worng with it. It also happened in my friends 172 version and it was the expansion of plastic in hot weather. Now its cooler I'venot heard it since. Only other thing is that ignition coil has gone but its under warranty so not cost anything.

What's most practical about your car?

5 seats (as opposed to the 2 I used to have), miles better fuel economy than the MG, cheaper to fill up the tank and for a larger car, its quite sporty looking, especially in metallic black with tinted windows and alloys.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Its the first time I have ever had air con in my own car (previous cars were all soft top so never saw the point), I love the air con, it was brilliant during the heatwave. Loving the onboard computer that tells me how many miles left I can do before I need petrol. It seems to stop after 40 miles left though and then I panic :o)