2000 Renault Clio MTV 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An all round winner

Faults:

No major problems other than a rattling sunroof.

General Comments:

I have been very happy with my Clio.

I honestly cannot think of another car that offers so much equipment, space and fun with low running costs.

The car returns great fuel economy and is great to look at.

However the engine is a little underpowered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2004

17th Feb 2005, 13:21

I agree that the Clio is a good car.

However, I have a little problem with the fuel economy. I barely get 28 miles to the gallon... and that's with a 1.2 Renault Clio MTV edition. Do you guys get the same, or have to better fuel economy?

2nd Jun 2005, 09:52

I have a Clio MTV and the only problem I've had with it is a slight rattle coming from the handbrake, and a slight rattle from the sunroof. Nothing major though. The fuel economy is good until I start town driving and I usually get 400 miles from a tank full.

8th Jun 2005, 16:39

I have found my Clio MTV to be a Brilliant car, it has good economy, I normally get about 300-350 miles to a full tank. The boot space is large for a car of its size and with a little push everything will always fit in! The only problem I ever have is that the steering is very light and this sometimes makes me feel uneasy rounding bends, its never showed any signs of slipping however and always holds the road well and this is most likely just my thoughts! It has enough space across the back seat to get 3 adults in more comfortably than a lot of other small cars.

1st Jan 2006, 07:39

I have my Renault Clio MTV for a year now and I love it to bits, it's a great wee car. It has never let me down and it passed it's MOT without spend little to no money. I recommend any one to purchase one.

2000 Renault Clio S 1.4 8v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great fun for what is cost, with French pro's and con's

Faults:

'Faults' only, starting with the irritating bits and getting more serious. I haven't included the stuff you expect to replace over time:

Sunroof can squeak, the seals needs regular greasing with suitable gunk.

Gearbox is very stiff when cold; not a problem after a few minutes.

Dashboard behind the wheel has almost always rattled - completely irregular and unpredictable.

Rear spoiler came adrift in a car wash; aerial had to be resealed to the roof for the same reason.

Rattling from the engine compartment since about 36,000. Not the engine itself, but something close by being allowed too much movement. Mechanics cannot identify.

Driver's door regulator (the electric motor etc) went at about 42,000, but that door had suffered cosmetic damage a long while previously.

One of the rear drum brakes is prone to seizing overnight, particularly if it's very cold or if the car is not driven for a day or two. The unit has already been stripped down once, but it's started again recently.

Immobiliser / key fault. Could become major repetitive problem: the car is stranded on my drive at this moment as the spare key is now faulty. The first broke around a year ago and I was horrified at the cost (£100+ for a new key). 'Plip' works, but the immobiliser does not recognise the key. Not a new Renault phenomenon judging by other reviews. I just hope they can deliver quickly, and glad it didn't happen in the middle of nowhere.

General Comments:

List above is being pedantic; this car is great! Bought new, chose to stick with dealer servicing, and feel like it gives far more than I paid for.

I get 45mpg on the open road however light or heavy my right foot is, still got two of the original tyres on (Michelin replaced two for me because of a fault), and until today it has always started & run sweetly. The insurance verges on the ridiculous & regular maintenance has cost me; dealer charges, a few litres of oil, two sets of wipers & a rear exhaust section in three and a half years.

On the road, it's only shortcoming is that the Michelins lose it on corners far too quickly. Might try a different tyre next. Bought the 1.4 model to cover long journeys to meetings and it is still totally comfortable for that - the engine sounds as if it is in it's element.

Love the rounded look of the bodywork and details: looks so much better than the Ford-inspired hybrid of curves and slashed lines that is the current model. Can usually leave most of the wannabe boy racers behind as well! Just hope that Renault have begun to nail some of the niggling build quality issues...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2004