Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.5 dCi Dynamique (65bhp) 3d (2002/51) 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?
Economical but stylish first car.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My friends liked it. My brother said the diesel engine sounded like a tractor. My neighbours wouldn't care but at least it wasn't broken into like some other cars round by me, so I guess the security is good.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. I had so much grief with the sunroof it has put me off Renault and sunroofs for good.
What are you likely to buy next?
I have already bought it - a Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 Life. Lower insurance, better round town and no sunroof!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,795
When did you buy the car?
February 2010
Did you get a good deal and why?
I think I paid too much for this car. It was my first time buying a car and they could probably tell!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
This was my first car and I wanted something economical for my commute and low on insurance. Plus a couple of my friends have Clios and liked them.
What was the dealer like?
OK. They let me test drive a few cars, and were generally helpful.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fab. Great on all types of roads. In winter it was slow to start and warm up, especially in the arctic conditions we had a couple of years ago.
What's it like to park?
Easy peasy.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
ABS rings were corroded and brakes were imbalanced due to leaking brake fluid. I noticed this one icy morning when I braked to stop at a red light and kept going! Luckily this was early in the morning and no-one was hurt. Other than that, just usual replacing parts at service -tyres, coil springs, cambelt, battery. The biggest problem was the leaking roof. I tried fixing this with sealant but the leak just changed location. Going round a bend after a heavy night of rain would often result in a shower through the central light fitting!
What's most practical about your car?
Economy. I used to get 70mpg easy on the motorway/dual carriageway and 50 mpg round town.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
CD player. And the split folding seats came in useful on numerous occasions. For a small car it can hold a lot.
