Faults:

When I put the car in 3rd gear, the red stop light and handbrake light comes on. If I ease off, it goes off, but this problem doesn't happen all the time, and it only happens when I'm driving. What could this be?

Could this be a loose connection? It just went through an MOT fine.

General Comments:

This car is quick and can outpace a lot on the roads.

Great on fuel for a fast car, but that's because it has no turbo.

This car is the Cup version, so no frills, and all plastic to save on weight.

Faults:

Red light in between the STOP sign and SERVE sign will not go off, even when the key is out. Not sure if this is making the battery go dead, as we keep having to jump start the car.

General Comments:

Car is quick.

Comfortable.

CD/Radio could be updated.

Faults:

This model of Clio appears to have a common fault with an electronic temperature gauge in the engine. It means that when this is faulty, the car's management system thinks the engine has overheated and the car will not start. This has been bugging me something rotten.

Headlights are difficult to change due to access to the cluster. This may not seem like a problem, but try it in the driving rain in winter. Note also it's an offence in the UK to drive with faulty lights, even if you are not using them.

General Comments:

Very cheap to run about 45 mpg.

Handles well for a cheap car.

Looks okay.

Easy to park.

Cheap road tax.

Faults:

1 x brake shoe locked within 1 week.

Everything was fine for a full year, until this year (my car gets a full service every year - not abused).

1 x wheel bearing replaced (rear pass side)

1 x head gasket + water pump + timing belt and thermostat

1 x wheel bearing replaced (rear drivers side)

1 x full coil pack

1 x rattle on the sunroof (common fault)

Now has an oil leak coming from the spark plug seal (not inside the plug cylinder, but from the plug seal where it meats the rocker cover). Spits oil out under pressure, but not on tick over.

General Comments:

Bought the car due to it being cheap to run.

Nope - spent more repairing the car than what I would save.

Would never buy a Renault again, and have advised everybody I know not too.

What bugs me is Renault sent me a letter saying that there is a potential safety issue with the bonnet catch, and they would look at it free of charge. LOL.

What about all the other faults!!!

Faults:

Sun roof handle rattle (replaced under warranty - a common fault) - Listen out for this during a test drive!

General Comments:

Generally, very impressed. The Clio is a small car, with a big car feel. Ideal for the first car.

Interior on the Expression - generally good quality and a nice bright feel - unlike some of the other interiors in the range (such as the Authentique and Dynamique, despite the latter being the top of the range model).

Engine is well designed and offers good performance for its size. Service intervals are well spaced - ideal for keeping costs down.

Air Conditioning works well. Definitely recommended if you can find a Clio with AC.

Generally a good driving position, and all controls are easily reached and are easy to use. Stereo on the Expression can be controlled by a steering wheel "satellite" - controls just behind the wheel.

Power steering on the 1.2 16v engine is electronic - powered by an electronic motor rather than a hydraulic pump; meaning no power steering fluid to top up; and the system doesn't take power from the engine (ideal for parking, etc).

I genuinely enjoy driving the Clio. I have not had to do anything with the car except have it serviced (recommend - ask for Fully Synthetic engine oil if you have the car serviced by an independent garage).

I have heard of these cars being plagued with engine problems - several friends have these - just check the log book, and try and go for a car with "1 lady owner".

The Clio really doesn't deserve all the bad press - it's a great little car, and I'd recommend one to anyone.