2003 Renault Clio Sport 172 2.0 16v

Summary:

Don't buy one if you are keen on quality, because Renault don't know the meaning of the word

Faults:

The interior rattles.

The passenger seat mounting rails have been replaced.

The seat-belt securing bolts have been replaced.

The oil guage had an intermittent fault. causing it to stop working.

Like my last 2002 model Clio, the engine uses lots and lots of oil, why?

General Comments:

I bought this car after I test drove one a few months ago. I had reliability problems with my last Clio, which was the same era (2001 model). I thought that I had just been unlucky.

Seriously disappointed in the car because of its desperately poor build quality. The interior rattles, it just sounds like a bunch of nuts and bolts. After all it is not a BMW, but it did cost £15,000.

The performance of the stereo system is poor in comparison with my last Clio, I must have a faulty unit. My television gives better audio performance and volume!

However, it looks great and drives really well, though not as fast as I thought it would be.

I would be very wary of Renault dealers, as they have no care in your car when the fix it, watch out for marks, scratches and dents!

Renault UK are not very helpful at all, this is a great tip if you are thinking of buying one.

The dealers are not helpfull either.

To resolve problems, takes an ice age and a lot of stress and effort. Most often you don't get the results anyway.

I have had two Renaults, and can quite safely say that I will not be buying another so long as I walk the Earth.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th February, 2003

26th Feb 2003, 02:49

I have to agree with your sentiments too.

My Scenic is a great car, although no sports car, it also has had more than a few faults.

It drives well, doesn't drink fuel, and is one of the most comfortable cars I have driven, but build quality is shocking, it's a pity because Renault build cars with flair.

When i bought the Scenic we were contemplating trading our second car my crumbly mouldy old Vauxhall Cavalier, for a smaller car "a Clio" for better fuel economy, but now now there's little chance of that after our experiences with the Scenic.

My Cavalier is worn out now some 9 yrs old, but even at 120k it is still a DAM sight better built than our Renault.

The Scenic has had window trims fall off, interior light fittings are hanging out, washer motors have packed up, and the coils have been replaced twice, and it's still not running smoothly.

The paint work is in fact poster paint from the ELC which chips VERY easily.

Once bitten twice shy.

2003 Renault Clio 172 Cup 2.0

Summary:

Yes

Faults:

Non I hope.

General Comments:

OK a few things to think about before purchasing your Clio cup!

I can't comment on the reliability or how it fairs against other cars on the road, but I have a few things to tell about the dealers! I'm having mine delivered in early Jan of 2003 but whilst I was shopping about for it I found that many of the demo cars where being used regularly by the sales people! and when I say being used I mean used! Thrashed is a better term. Out of the 3 dealers non of the demo cars had more than 500 miles on them, but each were being seriously driven. the dealer told me they were bench tested and that there is no need to run them in, I think he was lying! if yours is in for service or a mechanical fault check the mileage before leaving it with them, it seems that everyone wants to drive them hard!

Oh yeah and don't buy a demo!

Do these cars hold there value well? Is it going to be like the Williams?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2002

1st Jan 2003, 09:18

Bought mine brand new, got it just before Christmas, so far it has been great.

I have run mine in according to Renault recommendations. No higher than 3000 - 3500 revs for first 650 miles then use carefully, but fully for next 650 miles. After 1500 miles it should be run in. It is a very fast car, the one I tested had 2000 miles on it and was seriously quick, but I think it is important to run it in.

As for holding value it depends how many they sell. Initially it was meant to be 1000 only in the UK, but this may have changed. If they sell loads then it will be standard 172 depreciation if not it may hold up a bit. I have yet to see another one on the road...

Have fun!