Faults:

The airbag light came on - solved. Traced to a simple loose plug under the driver's seat.

The radio started cutting out when I go over sharp bumps - still unresolved.

The whole car electrical system momentarily switches off and then on again sometimes when I switch the headlights from low to high beam. (Intermittent problem that no mechanic can trace.)

The low beam headlights dip in output when I use the indicators.

The fog-lamp warning light glows faintly when I brake.

General Comments:

I really like this little car. I bought it as an economical commuter, and it fulfills that role fantastically. Runs well, stick to the road and is very comfortable for it's size.

The intermittent electrical problems drive me up the wall, though. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Maintenance through the agents is VERY expensive! Service for service, this car costs about 8 - 10 times more than my Mercedes to run.

Faults:

Gearbox problems.

Brake problems.

Starting problems.

Central locking problems,

General Comments:

The Clio is really attractive and comfortable.

It has plenty of power, it's nippy and easy to park.

When things start to go wrong, they really go wrong. The servicing at Renault is worse than disgusting, and they seem unable to fix anything.

When my car was stolen a month ago, it was a relief to get rid of it.

Faults:

Car cutting out & difficult to start after first service.

Have to press reset button on engine to start car.

Service light kept coming on when driver seat was adjusted.

Accelerator sticking.

Indicators working when it felt like. Eventually stopped completely.

No hazard lights.

Water leak. Replaced water pump.

Head gasket blew. Skimmed head & replaced head gasket. Looked as if this was done before.

Engine block warped. Car dead at 140 000km!

Conclusion: If gasket blows, get a new motor!

General Comments:

Always saw Renaults on the road after the won F1. Now hardly any around.

Reasons for not having a Renault: More expensive to service than a BMW, parts are unaffordable, service is pathetic!

The Clio was first car I bought, but definitely the last Renault!

Advice to Clio owners: SELL!!

Faults:

Slight shudder when idling, but the dealer checked it and said it was normal. Not too sure about that though?

General Comments:

I bought this car for my wife and it is a nice little runabout. It drives well for it's segment and has a neat interior. The back seats are very cramped, but we do not use them except for my small son who finds it comfortable. I just find the fuel consumption is very high for a 1200. I know this is an 8 valve car, but I am getting 9.6 l per 100km on the computer and 6.8 l per 100km is the absolute best I have done when we took it for a 400 km drive into the country to Bulwer and back to Durban. I don't know if any other Clio owners have experienced this, but maybe you could log a comment on what you are getting. I drive a Honda Jazz and get 6.3l per 100km with Urban driving and it is a 1400. The car lacks a bit of power, but drives very well on open roads and in the city. The insurance is low and the maintenance costs are average.

Faults:

Faulty Seat belt 9 000 km

Clutch Cable 15 000 km

Interior Trim of seat coming loose 15 000 km

Exhaust 25 000 km

Catalytic convertor 39 000 km

Exhaust 40 000 km

Clutch 40 000 km

Exhaust 41 000 km

Clutch 41 000 km

H T Leads 41 000 km

Engine Mountings 41 000 km.

Note these are approximate readings.

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails.

Love the vehicle.

Not very comfortable.

A good sport feel.

However the company service has made us hate the car.