2000 Renault Clio S review from UK and Ireland

'Faults' only, starting with the irritating bits and getting more serious. I haven't included the stuff you expect to replace over time:

Sunroof can squeak, the seals needs regular greasing with suitable gunk.

Gearbox is very stiff when cold; not a problem after a few minutes.

Dashboard behind the wheel has almost always rattled - completely irregular and unpredictable.

Rear spoiler came adrift in a car wash; aerial had to be resealed to the roof for the same reason.

Rattling from the engine compartment since about 36,000. Not the engine itself, but something close by being allowed too much movement. Mechanics cannot identify.

Driver's door regulator (the electric motor etc) went at about 42,000, but that door had suffered cosmetic damage a long while previously.

One of the rear drum brakes is prone to seizing overnight, particularly if it's very cold or if the car is not driven for a day or two. The unit has already been stripped down once, but it's started again recently.

Immobiliser / key fault. Could become major repetitive problem: the car is stranded on my drive at this moment as the spare key is now faulty. The first broke around a year ago and I was horrified at the cost (£100+ for a new key). 'Plip' works, but the immobiliser does not recognise the key. Not a new Renault phenomenon judging by other reviews. I just hope they can deliver quickly, and glad it didn't happen in the middle of nowhere.

List above is being pedantic; this car is great! Bought new, chose to stick with dealer servicing, and feel like it gives far more than I paid for.

I get 45mpg on the open road however light or heavy my right foot is, still got two of the original tyres on (Michelin replaced two for me because of a fault), and until today it has always started & run sweetly. The insurance verges on the ridiculous & regular maintenance has cost me; dealer charges, a few litres of oil, two sets of wipers & a rear exhaust section in three and a half years.

On the road, it's only shortcoming is that the Michelins lose it on corners far too quickly. Might try a different tyre next. Bought the 1.4 model to cover long journeys to meetings and it is still totally comfortable for that - the engine sounds as if it is in it's element.

Love the rounded look of the bodywork and details: looks so much better than the Ford-inspired hybrid of curves and slashed lines that is the current model. Can usually leave most of the wannabe boy racers behind as well! Just hope that Renault have begun to nail some of the niggling build quality issues...