2008 Renault Clio Reviews

1) All the engine mounts, and some of them got changed twice. I changed them all to a Vibratec set, but they are awfully stiff.

2) Starter motor refused to stop and burnt itself.

3) Thermostat failed twice.

4) Alternator was changed because it did not produce sufficient electricity at full throttle.

5) Clutch gearbox master cylinder was changed thrice, and the clutch driver compartment master cylinder was changed twice.

6) The clutch was changed once.

7) The knock sensor was changed twice.

8) Engine rebuild at 45000km caused by the oil pump relief valve sticking open. The parts changed on this occasion were the crank shaft, connecting rods, piston rings, oil pump, oil cooler, water pump, all the bearings, all the engine seals including the head gasket, and the timing belt.

Amazing to drive, but a bit too stiff.

The normal seats are better than the Recaro ones.

The interior is poor and plasticy.

Plastic on the headlights became cloudy, however they were changed under the warranty for free.

At grater speeds, i.e. above 100 km/h, I could hear whistling on the passenger window. The window seal on the front passenger doors was changed. It was under warranty again, with no extra costs.

Despite being a small car, it is quite heavy, so it is quite slow with the standard 1.2 16V (75 bhp) engine.

However, it is quite comfortable, and it has enough space for 4 medium sized grown people.

It handles nice, and brakes good.

I bought this car two weeks ago. My previous one was a Clio RXT 1.4 16v 98hp automatic transmission. I'm interested in driving an automatic or semi automatic car, that's why I'm on it now.

This new Clio of mine has a 1.2 16v 80hp engine. In city driving, it is really fun to drive this car because of its low consumption. The average is 7,2lt/100km in city driving. Comfortable and roomy enough, especially after the Clio 2.

On the motorway this engine has disadvantages in consumption and performance. Going up the hills is challenging for this car, it needs to shift down to 3rd, even sometimes 2nd. And also if there are 4 people in the car, you need to keep a long distance for overtaking.

Rear visibility is challenging. A parking sensor needed.

The car is black, but the cockpit has blue lines, which I couldn't understand.

After driving a 2001 Clio 2 for four years, this Clio 3 replacement fulfills my demands, which were lower petrol consumption, a larger inside, new, less need for service. The cruise control works great on highway. I rarely use the gas pedal. And also the gear pads on the steering wheel (I call them "the ears") are very easy to use. The gearbox doesn't allow you to make a mis-shift while driving.

Handling is better than Clio 2, with larger tyres and higher weight. The steering wheel responds to the driver reactions easily.

Braking is good, gives confidence.

The dashboard looks sporty, even it is miles away from working sporty.

The seats are comfortable enough that after driving 7 hours in a day, I didn't feel any backache.

I highly recommend this car if you aren't interested in racing, but low consumption.

Water leaking from door seals - front and rear!

Rear brake squeak - possibly dragging a bit.

Generally like the car apart from the constant water leaks. I'm taking it back to the garage for the 5th time since I've owned it! It's really taking the shine off a car that I like. I expected much more from an 18 month old vehicle!