Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.5 dCi Dynamique (65bhp) 3d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm not sure. I'm neither small, fun or French.

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

They are always pleasantly surprised by how good it still looks when cleaned up (occasionally) given its over a decade old and has over 100,000 on the clock. As I work in London but the car doesn't, my Dad uses it in the snow instead of his Z4.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not personally as when I next buy a car it is likely to be larger to accommodate dogs/bikes etc...however if I was after a small economical car then, based on my experience only, you couldn't go far wrong. Its cheap to run (£35 road tax and 55+mpg), stylish and reasonably fun and reliable.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a small estate: A4, 3 series, 159 or V50 type. I could however be tempted by a golf gti mkV.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

December 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was my mum's car from new and my mark 1 Clio was at that stage on her last legs.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Surprisingly fun. 65bhp is never going to blow your socks off but there is reasonable torque which helps. The suspension is a bit rattly over uneven surfaces, but you can really chuck it into a corner and it grips, stays flat and pulls through nicely. Its never going to be a 182 but more fun than you'd imagine. Turn the radio up to drown out the creaks from the interior though!

What's it like to park?

Easy. Its very small.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing major considering it is now 11 and a half years old and has done 103,000 miles. Its had to have a new alternator and the sunroof has leaked from day 1 despite Renault's best efforts to fix it. The only other things are the usual wear and tear items and a few little irritating things like the front passenger seat will no longer move so access to the rear seats is only via driver's side.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot isn't a bad size for such a little car. With the seats flat it has taken two golden retrievers out and about (on relatively short journeys). Economy is brilliant though. Considering the age, it averages 55+mpg driving predominantly on country roads and will push high 60s on a long motorway drive.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The one I wish it has is air conditioning. It isn't a gadget filled car. Do electric windows and mirrors count? Having said that, the design still looks great today and in metallic black with well proportioned alloys it looks better than the Mark III in all but RenaultSport guise.