2003 Renault Clio 172 2.0 16v

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

Nothing!!!

General Comments:

Fantastic car - I cannot fault it and will buy another, it will leave BMWs standing and still return good fuel economy/reliability and fun! what more can you want!

Looks good, cabin is great... I love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2005

10th Oct 2005, 04:21

I want something that doesn't fall apart, and something that the dealers are capable of fixing first time when (on one of the many occasions) it goes wrong. I would also like something from a manufacturer that a) acknowledges that four breakdowns, six build quality issues, and four electrical faults in a four month period on a brand new car (three within the first week!) is unacceptable and b) bothers to return phone calls.

Admittedly mine was an early one, but it was a total disaster. I will never buy another Renault product again. The 172 offers incredible performance for the money, but when you live with one for a year, you soon see where they made the savings.

This car replaced an Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark which was better built and more reliable!

24th Oct 2005, 20:11

Quite quick down low revs, poor up high revs. zs180 runs rings around it.

7th Nov 2005, 02:35

ZS 180 is a basically a "SLOW", "CHEAP" looking car, suitable for "OLD" men.

...we know you feel as though you are driving a performance machine when cruising in your zs 180 (rover 45), but in reality your car is nothing more than a maxed powered Rover 45, with average performance due to its fat weight!

2003 Renault Clio Expression 1.1 16v

Summary:

A bit tacky, but what do you expect for a cheap everyday run around?

Faults:

The sunroof Rattles.

Ignition Coils fail regularly.

Brake Pad friction material separated from the backing plate.

Seats have started to wear badly.

General Comments:

I've changed the wheels and suspension to aid the handling of the car.

I've also made my own electronic control unit to make it more powerful and economical over standard.

The cabin space is a bit of a weired one... Whats with the cup holder infront of the gear stick??? If you dare put a drink in it you will get drink everywhere when going for third gear!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th October, 2005

2003 Renault Clio dCi65 1.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Not a Bad Little Economical Car! Just French!

Faults:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2005

2nd Nov 2005, 13:37

I'm surprised you find tyre wear a problem. I've got a dci (100ps) and I'm still on the first set of front tyre after 34000. Might be worth checking your tracking.

Got to agree about Renault servicing. Very expensive. I got to an independent also.

15th Jul 2007, 07:00

HIYA everyone. I have a Clio Billabong, 03 plate. Does anyone have the same problem as me, with a leaking sunroof, over the two front seats??

19th Sep 2010, 16:18

I also have a leaking sunroof. It says in the manual that the seals have to be cleaned every 3 months. Only leaks during a bad downpour.