Faults:

Leaky sunroof, was the seals, and as the C/L sensor is in the roof, water got in and this didn't work for a few months, fine now though, fixed by replacing seal into runner.

Bit of a rattle from driver door.

I find changing down to 2 and 1, it's a bit tough to slip in.

My mate has the same car and his is fine, but, my accelerator pedal is awful, its really stiff and I have tried everything to fix this, but nothing works, though after a couple of months I got used to it and it really doesn't bother me any more.

Apart from that, a very good car.

General Comments:

This is quite possibly the most comfortable car I have been in (of similar small hatches), with loads of room (3 of my mates who are over 6 foot fit in the back just fine... well nearly)

Bit sluggish off the lights, especially when loaded, well in my personal view, though most people tell me its much better than their car of the same size.

Despite the above, I leave all my mates (106, 309, Fiesta, etc) for dead at the lights, acceleration is much better than similar cars of this size, and a top end speed of 110mph.

How reliable is this car? well in two years I have not had one problem, needed new brake pads to pass the MOT, and I did get a puncture the other day, but I guess I can't blame Renault for that one.

All in all, a superb car, especially for a first time buyer. I'm upgrading to the Saxo VTR now, but my Clio has served me well.

Faults:

Oil pressure switch end broke off causing oil leak over engine (£8.46)

Rear silencer box replaced (£16.50)

Front shock absorbers replaced (£42.00)

Radiator failed (£70.00 incl bottom hose)

Brake pads replaced (£15.00)

Servicing costs are barely non-existent.

Timing belt replaced 65k (£24.00+lab)

Front brake hoses replaced (£26+lab)

Intermittent squeal from rear near side brake when applied.

Servicing costs are near non-existent.

Cheap to buy, but poor residuals.

General Comments:

Not as good as a Peugeot 205 XRAD van, slower acceleration, slightly noisier, slightly harsher, but close.

Cruises at 90mph on motorways.

Faults:

Constant rain water leak into the front foot wells. I discovered it was coming from the air ducts that ventilate the foot wells. Finally sorted it out by cleaning the seal around the sunroof several times, and thoroughly cleaning the area around the drainage holes under the bonnet.

Paintwork seems to get damaged very easily. I always try to take care not to scratch the bodywork, yet little scratches are already appearing.

General Comments:

When I first bought the car, I was a bit unsure about spending so much money to upgrade from my old H-reg Nova. But I can see why the Renault Clio is such a popular car with younger people. It's very comfortable, and the interior is quite stylish. It has lovely gear change, and excellent handling.

This car is very easy to park, and a pleasure to drive, both around town and on longer motorway journeys.

The 1.2 engine, although slightly under powered when carrying passengers, is extremely economical. I would definitely buy another one!