2003 Renault Clio Dynamique 1.2 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not very good, I would not buy another

Faults:

My car required a new clutch within 8 weeks, it was new when I bought the car.

A leaking sunroof.

A faulty fuel gauge.

A warped glove box lid.

Then the sunroof rattled, still does.

The windows rattle, my dealer could not fix the fault.

The bolts in the boot fell out.

You can see the primer under the paint in strong sun light, apparently this is not covered by the paint warranty.

General Comments:

This could have been a lovely car, but shocking build quality and dealer apathy, combined with Renault UKs appalling customer service mean I have never been able to like this car.

After reading these reviews, I feel a little better as I realise other people have experienced the same level of poor quality and service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2006

2003 Renault Clio Renaultsport 172 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Quick and fun!

Faults:

Vacuum Control Unit failed at 31,000 miles, but this was fixed under warranty.

The Aux Belt tensioner had to be replaced when the car had its first major service as the garage could not adjust it. Again this was replaced under warranty.

The exhaust rattles at 4000 rpm, but was not fixed by the garage.

General Comments:

This is a quick and fun car to drive.

The engine does like to be revved and the 5k kick always manages to put a smile on my face and will continue to pull all the way to the red line.

The handling is very good, but it will torque steer noticeable on rough cambered roads though, so a good grip of the steering wheel is advised. The brakes are also very strong.

The Michelin PE2’s tyres are good in both the wet and dry.

My car does seem to be well screwed together, which has been a problem on a lot of other Clio’s.

When you consider the cost of the car the specification is very good, having extras such as climate control, xenon headlights, auto lights and wipers, half leather.

The front seats are excellent and very supportive, although the pedal offset is not the best, but you do get used to it.

The dealers are not the most helpful. When I have had problems with the car they never seem to have the parts. So you always have to wait till the next day to get the car back. And they never have a courtesy car available.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2006

2003 Renault Clio Expression Verve 1.4 DOHC from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great little city car very cheap to run

Faults:

A Squeaky seat, new coil under warranty along with computer chip with the auto caused gear change problem.

General Comments:

Great little town car and goes well on the highway also.

Very cheap on fuel even around town and on long trips.

Looks great and goes well for a 1.4 lt.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2005

2003 Renault Clio 172 2.0 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

Nothing!!!

General Comments:

Fantastic car - I cannot fault it and will buy another, it will leave BMWs standing and still return good fuel economy/reliability and fun! what more can you want!

Looks good, cabin is great... I love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2005

10th Oct 2005, 04:21

I want something that doesn't fall apart, and something that the dealers are capable of fixing first time when (on one of the many occasions) it goes wrong. I would also like something from a manufacturer that a) acknowledges that four breakdowns, six build quality issues, and four electrical faults in a four month period on a brand new car (three within the first week!) is unacceptable and b) bothers to return phone calls.

Admittedly mine was an early one, but it was a total disaster. I will never buy another Renault product again. The 172 offers incredible performance for the money, but when you live with one for a year, you soon see where they made the savings.

This car replaced an Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 Twin Spark which was better built and more reliable!

24th Oct 2005, 20:11

Quite quick down low revs, poor up high revs. zs180 runs rings around it.

7th Nov 2005, 02:35

ZS 180 is a basically a "SLOW", "CHEAP" looking car, suitable for "OLD" men.

...we know you feel as though you are driving a performance machine when cruising in your zs 180 (rover 45), but in reality your car is nothing more than a maxed powered Rover 45, with average performance due to its fat weight!