Faults:

Thing that connects the right front wheel to the axle broke at 51,000 miles - cost £350 to repair at independent garage.

Microchip in key stopped working after 58,000 miles - cost £150 to get replacement from Renault in France.

Driver side electric window motor broke at 62,000 miles - cost £250 to replace at independent garage.

All this within 12 months!!!

General Comments:

Handles pretty well, with nice ride in town and pretty firm on motorway.

Engine performs well, though sounds like its straining at 5,000 RPM on motorway, its pretty capable in most situations.

The throttle is a bit spongy, and third gear catches a bit, but apart form that the transmission seems to be fine (fingers crossed).

This car is very roomy for its size/class, and passengers seem very comfortable. Front seats are quite wide and spongy, and after about 1.5 hours I get back pain from the seat.

I'm 5 foot 11 inches and my knees get caught under the steering wheel despite an adjustable steering wheel and seat - very uncomfortable.

Sound insulation is alright, though you get a very deep rumble on bumpy local roads - kind of cool really. People outside can hear your stereo really easily - even if you're just listening to Radio 4!

Interior trim is very low quality - it was already starting to come away from doors and windows when I bought it, and I've noticed this on loads of other Clio's of the same age.

Faults:

None -Yet! However at last service was warned that one of the rear struts was leaking and would probably need replacing sooner rather than later.

General Comments:

Have absolutely loved the car from the moment I bought it. It's quite happy to plod about town, yet when you want that power, -drop a gear, let the rev needle rise up to 4,500rpm (the VVT kicks in) and bang you're off!!!

Because it's a rarer mk1, and an exclusive (limited ed. full leather, dark met green, standard BBS alloys, no. 118) people who know what it is will turn to stare, -especially boy racers.

Sounds wicked when being pushed, and gives supposedly more 'superior' hot hatches a good run for their money.

Down points... there aren't any real ones. Driving position could be better, tends to lean in bends (-yet grips superbly!), a little cramped in the back for passengers.

Dealer was appalling! Wilson of Epsom (Avoid!), however the Renault servicing since has been excellent.

The car is VERY reliable, I've not spent a penny on it in the 1.5 years I've had it. (Except basic servicing charges).

Would recommend one to anybody who wants real performance and value for money. Check insurance tho' all you young boy racers!

Faults:

I've had the car for 6 months, had a problem with the spark plugs, but was fixed at dealership. the airbag warning light comes on for no reason, I just move the passenger seat and it goes off, electronic engine fault light came on, dealership didn’t know why, I put in half a bottle of redex fuel cleaner- its been fine ever since. The sunroof rattles and interior marks easily.

General Comments:

This is probably the best car I've had (touch wood) it handles so well, it looks sporty in and out, its got everything really, - ABS, trip computer, sports seats, alloys, heated wing mirrors etc..

The performance and fuel economy is excellent I can get 48mpg, for a 1.2 16v is very fast, my friends didn’t believe me when I told them it was only a 1.2 they thought it was a 1.6.

Faults:

Got my Y registration clio in May 2004. It's a new style 2001 expression model Since then had nothing, but trouble.

1. Sunroof Leaks - given to dealer to be repaired and came back the same.

2. Brakes siezed and snapped whilst traveling at 40 mph on a busy road.

3. Airbag light comes on all the time.

4. The car was shuddering, and needed new plug.

5. Electrical fault warning light comes on every couple of days and car cuts out.

6. Brakes are not very good.

General Comments:

The car is completely unreliable and if I could afford to I would give.