Renault Clio Renaultsport (2006 - 2012) 2.0 16V (197bhp) 3d (2007/57) 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?
Not sure - ummmm, I like quick cheap cars!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It's Trophy Blue with racing stripe (previous owners choice but I have grown to love it!) so people think it is a chav car - which it is but it makes me smile when I look at it in shop window reflections.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, it's a good car but would want something with more all range power next time.
What are you likely to buy next?
Civic Type-R, Megane RS, Honda S2000 or if I convince my partner a Lotus Elise!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£11,000
When did you buy the car?
August 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, got a grand extra for my part-exchanged Focus and a great finance deal on a lease.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It was so much faster than anything else in the price range and the car looked great.
What was the dealer like?
Excellent sales service, great people. Aftersales shocking, poor communication, expensive labour and parts (Renaultsport parts, like the brakes, are cheapest from a dealer but still pricey) and very slow to complete work.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fun! It's huge amounts of fun through bends and the brakes are brilliant, the power all comes after 5,000 rpm and low down there is little torque but if you keep the revs up it is fantastic. Makes an annoying buzzzzz on the motorway as the engine is doing 4,000rpm at 70mph in 6th! Fuel economy okay, averaging 32mpg on my daily commute. 400 miles comes from a tank. Ride is firm but you would expect that from a car that corners so flat.
What's it like to park?
Easy, big mirrors and good rear visibility. Wider than you would think though.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No, it's been very reliable, starts in the depths of winter first time and it has been nothing but consistent. Runs rough and lacks pick up when cold but this is common apparently!
What's most practical about your car?
It seats four comfortably and the boot is big - split seats fold nice and flat.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Starter button very cool, Recaro seats option was a great choice by previous owner and the Xenon adaptive lights are superb.
