Renault Clio Hatchback (2005 - 2012) 1.2 16V Extreme (AC) (09) 3d (2009/59) 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?
Younger driver, inoffensive.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Slow but practical, I doubt they'd trade theirs for mine.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Not with this engine, I would possibly be interested in a sportier model but I'd be dubious about the build quality of the interior and the depreciation on a highly specced French supermini.
What are you likely to buy next?
Mini Cooper (have traded the Clio in for this).
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£7,200
When did you buy the car?
November 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Had to pay £550 extra for manual air-con, the only thing I managed to get bundled in was a height adjustable drivers seat. Reasonable amount of bundled kit (MP3/CD player with aux in, front fogs, electric windows).
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The Government backed scrappage scheme was running and it seemed a reasonable price for a new supermini, however, this was only a £1000 saving off the non-scrappage price.
What was the dealer like?
Poor, numerous delays, staff left business without providing any update to contact details, uninterested in warranty issues. A quick call to Renault Customer Services and my local dealer in Tyneside were much better.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fifth gear is solely an overdrive gear to try and bring the revs down on the motorway. Reasonably nippy around town and up to 50mph. Absolutely lacking in power beyond this, almost dangerously so. If you're going uphill on a dual carriageway at 70 and get cut up, it's a long wait back from 50mph to 70mph. Cruises happily at 70mph but a tiring drive on long journeys, would thoroughly recommend going for the 1.5dci instead.
What's it like to park?
Very easy (when you can find 1st gear!), rear visibility isn't the best but featherlight steering around town.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Passenger door lock mechanism failed, major issues have been related to noise - creaky dashboard, squeaky break pedal and clutch pedal. The heater motor started making a chirping noise on the first setting. Isolated cases of this on the internet, very difficult to persuade anyone in the dealership this was happening! 1st gear has always been very notchy despite gear oil changes.
What's most practical about your car?
Space, for a supermini the boot size is good, headroom is excellent. Rear is a bit cramped but you could probably get two adults in at a push.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
'See me home' headlights, auto locking doors (above 5 mph) and aux in stereo.
