Faults:

The suspension started vibrating strongly under braking once you are past 100 Km/h. This problem actually started right after the car went in for service. So I am blaming the dealer. They did a terrible job, charged me about USD $1350, and stole a few things. My sunglasses, CD case with several music CD's that were important to me, and managed to damage one of the rear doors in the process.

The chip inside the key failed, so I had to get a new one imported from France. It took over a month to get it, and it meant I had to fork out another $300.

Had to replace the lights. I guess they had served enough time to warranty that.

General Comments:

Even though I totally hate the dealer, I feel this car is one of the nicest cars among compact hatchbacks. The engine, even though it's only a 1.4 liters engine, pulls out 98HP, which makes it an agile car.. It accelerates quickly, and it's good at overtaking, even though it's a bit short on torque. The suspension is a bit soft for my tastes, so even though it makes for some better comfort, it doesn't corner as nicely as you would want it to. Interior space isn't really that good, specially on the rear seats, but it's OK for me, since I am single, and I don't carry many people inside most of the time.

Reliability is a strong point on this car. Apart from the chip inside the key failing, I've never had to be towed, or even assisted on the road. The engine feels solid and well built, it should serve well for a long time. I am thinking about changing it for a newer car, probably a Chevrolet Optra, mostly because of the high prices and terrible service in the dealer. Thanks to them, I'll never buy a Renault again, even though I think they are nice cars, and good value for the money.

Faults:

My suspension springs have cracked.

My coil pack has been replaced.

My M.A.P needs replacing.

My steering rack has been replaced.

Two sets of discs and 4 lots of brake pads have been replaced in a car that has Done 67,000m?

My rear brake drums have been replaced.

General Comments:

I love the car itself, outside is sexy, cute and with a few extras a cut above the rest.

Faults:

After two years of instrument panel warning lights coming off and on with now impact on the engines performance I am now experiencing problems common to this year of Clio. On slowing down to idle the Ignition warning light (orange coil) comes on and the cars idle is lumpy. It eventually cuts out.

Door seals leak at the top of the frame.

Rear springs broke at 37k miles.

General Comments:

I have noticed that the tamper proof metal box has come adrift (again a common fault) and has worn away the PVC of the wiring loom. I have little confidence in the dealers or getting some contribution to repair costs.

The car is unsafe as it can cut out on idle on busy junctions etc. I now want to have a quick fix and sell it on. If anybody has good advice on tackling this problem, then I believe many disappointed Clio owners will be appreciative.

Faults:

2 days after I bought my clio the electronic fault and pre heating warning light came on. I was told that this was not covered by the warranty, lucky the garage repaired free of charge as I only had the car 2 days but found a considerable amount of electrical faults with the car. Considering they had just serviced the car a few days before I bought it I found this strange.

2 months after buying the car the brakes seized on. My own mechanic said if the service had been complete as it should have been the issue with the brakes would have been noted.

4 months after purchasing the car no longer starts when you first turn the key. After 4 or 5 tries the car starts. 2 days after this started the electrical fault and pre heating warning light came on. Have contacted the dealer who stated this will not be repaired under my warranty and could be caused by anything from there not being enough break fluid. Mentioned all the issues other people appear to be having with clio, but got no where.

My friend also has a clio which cut out on her and had the same electrical fault light showing.

General Comments:

The car drives well and extremely comfortable.