Faults:

Water pump failed on first day of ownership.

Complete new set of ignition coils required after 2 weeks.

New door skin needed after 4 weeks (corrosion had appeared)

A fault in the rear brakes caused them to lock at speed resulting in me leaving the road.

The oil level indicator stopped working after 5 weeks.

The rear window seal collapsed inwards after 6 weeks.

The drivers window regulator failed after 8 weeks - £253 was the figure quoted by my Renault dealer for replacement.

General Comments:

Yes this car is fun to drive and is generally comfortable (although the gearstick position leaves a lot to be desired - quite a forward stretch).

However, the reliability has been nothing short of appalling with the car spending more time in the garage than on the road during the 2 months I have owned it.

Would not touch another Renault even if the car was offered for free!

Faults:

First engine started to rattle and got replaced.

Second engine started to rattle and got replaced.

Third engine started to rattle - in process of deciding what action to take.

Rear window heating bars broke twice.

Brake disks physically stick, making you have to apply many revs to free them. Replaced once, new set are just as bad, but they want to charge me to replace them this time.

Car unlocks itself - has happened many times over the three years. Renault say they cannot find the fault.

Seats wear badly.

General Comments:

I have been in continual contact with Renault, trying to get these problems sorted - many of which are still to date outstanding.

Have tried to get a replacement, but they will not play ball.

How can such a large car manufacturer shrug off responsibility in this way.

Seriously consider buying a Renault Clio.

Faults:

Nothing major. A rattling sunroof was fixed by the dealer under warranty without any hassle. Faulty CD player was replaced without any questions or additional cost also.

General Comments:

For a 1.2 (8-valve) I have been very impressed with the performance of the Clio. Around town it has returned 35+ mpg & has been ideal for my 15 mile commute to work. On motorway journeys it has coped well also & is comfortable at speeds up-to 80mph, things get a bit hairy thereafter! The cabin is fairly spacious, however there's not enough headroom in the rear for people over 6 foot tall.

Faults:

New catalytic converter after one year.

New rear shock absorbers after one year.

Various modifications made to the sunroof. However, this still rattles.

New brake shoes after two years.

Exhaust fell off after two years.

Continual rattling from behind steering wheel.

General Comments:

The car has lots of extras for the money, but who needs central locking and sports seats when your exhaust falls off after two years!

Faults:

Front floor mat fixing pulled out of carpet after about 1000 miles.

Drivers seat lumbar adjustment has never worked.

Stereo occasionally switches itself off.

Sunroof rattles continuously, especially on uneven and rough surfaces.

The map reading light switch, which I rarely use fell to pieces at about 30000 miles.

General Comments:

A lovely little car for the back lanes. It is reasonably quick with good fuel economy even when pushed.

The sports seats are laterally supportive, but have little lower back support.

The pedals are offset to the right slightly, which on a long journey leads to right leg numbness where the thigh presses against the side bolster.