2003 Renault Clio dCi65 review from UK and Ireland
"Not a Bad Little Economical Car! Just French!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Lamp Control Module within ECU went 'screwy' which caused the Right Hand indicator to come on by itself randomly. Renault Replaced ECU under warranty which meant reprogramming all the keys.
Offside Wheel bearing went at 42,000 miles, Renault refused to do under warranty as my car is an 'import'. (Aren't they all???) ;) Cost £99 to put right.
Seems a little heavy on tires, but I do a lot of twisty roads on my commute to work.
General comments?
Most economical car I've owned. I'm doing easily 63mpg, with getting at least 600miles to each tank of Diesel (my record being 640 miles before I filled it up and the fuel light wasn't even on!)
Service intervals are 18,000 miles or 2 years, but Renault will 'rape' you for servicing costs. Other dealers will do 'Renault' services with Renault parts for a lot cheaper costs.
Road Tax only costs £85 a year!!! Insurance is pretty cheap too.
Performance of the line won't set you a light, but once it's going Overtaking performance is pretty good. The dCi120 version I drove as a loan car was like a bloody rocket!
The Variable Electric Power Steering takes a while to get used, but does give the car a very solid and direct feel into corners which is helped by the rather wide 185 tires that are fitted.
CD Player/Stereo is pretty good.
Interior trim is OK, nothing to shout about.
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  | One of the best cars I've driven under £20000 |
| Ideal car for a young person, who wants all the extras at the fraction of the cost |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 16500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 49000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Almera |
| Date of Entry | 29th July, 2005 |