1997 Renault Clio Reviews

Hi, I have a Renault Clio Biarritz 1.1, and I have read all the previous comments about the constant leak in Renault cars.

Well sadly mine is the same, but worse; whenever it rains, my car leaks in the passenger footwells, into the immobiliser, and I also have a really heavy shower going round bends, because the water all falls out on me.

I recently drove to visit my Granddad, and was there for an hour, and came out to my car, which had been leaking, so I had let the immobiliser out, to find it would not start, and the infrared immobiliser was not responding to my key.

Two hours later, after still trying clicking the key, it wasn't working. That was a week ago, and my car is still at my Granddad's miles away. I keep going back to try the immobiliser after cleaning and drying it thoroughly.

Please some one give me advice, because I miss my car, and I'm still a student and can't afford another car. Advice would be much appreciated about the immobiliser, so I can get it to work.

Rear brake pipe went after 2 weeks of ownership, giving VERY limited braking. Discovered when hurtling towards a queue of traffic at the lights; must have stopped an inch behind the car in front's rear bumper.

Sunroof leaks very badly. Discovered when turning a corner when my girlfriend was engulfed with about 2 litres of rain water. Used gaffer tape to fix.

The sunroof leak filled the ridiculously placed remote locking sensor with water, leaving me stranded. Found information later on the Internet on how to use the emergency immobiliser bypass. Every time I want to drive now, I have to input a 4 letter code on the central locking button, VERY ANNOYING.

Radio signal is horrendous. Fitted a CD/MP3; was better until someone ripped my aerial off.

Passenger side door lock broke with a simple turn of the key.

Battery earth cable went, leaving me again stranded. Needed to use a jump lead to earth the battery to get going. The engine management went insane on the drive home, cutting the engine out and leaving me once again hurtling towards a queue of stationary traffic with no braking assist. Ended up holding everyone up while trying to get it started with a jump lead to earth it.

Doesn't seem to want to start these days. Sometimes it's straight away, sometimes it's about 12 attempts.

Endless punctures.

Everything rattles and squeaks.

Typically for a Clio, the speedometer needle wiggles up to about 35mph.

Nearside front shock absorber is on its way out.

Needed a nearside front wheel bearing, and welding to the same suspension strut mount.

Seemed like a good deal for a car with very low mileage for the age, and in great condition.

The seats are comfortable, though the ride is very jarring.

The steering is quite precise, though it has no feel whatsoever especially at high speed.

Grip in the wet is brown trouser scary, despite good tyres.

The engine is very weedy. I wasn't expecting much from a 59 BHP 1.2, but it's worse than expected. It takes an age to get up to speed, which is dangerous when entering a motorway.

Fuel consumption is low, though the fuel tank is small.

DO NOT attempt to drive this car on the motorway. At speeds above 50mph, the front end is extremely vague, giving no confidence whatsoever. Approach 70, and it feels like the body panels will fly off.

Interior plastics look and feel awful. They squeak constantly, and bits of trim fall off around you; the sunroof winder handle fell off onto my bonce while turning a corner.

Boot space is good for a small car.

It has character, one of its only plus points. Like a puppy that does the toilet everywhere, rips furniture, but is cute.

Such a shame it has an endless list of faults, as it is likable.

If your buying a small hatchback on a small budget, buy a Fiesta or Polo instead.