1999 Renault Clio Grande review from UK and Ireland

I got the car when it would normally have had a lot to change, so here goes: 4 brake pads, 4 tyres, but since that other than the filter and one or two bulbs; nothing at all.

The front disc are about to go soon.

The previous owner made a few teenager modification on this car, which took a long time to put right (some still aren't), but overall nothing has gone wrong; just wear and tear.

This is my first 4 wheels; I went from a 50cc Suzuki zillion to a 125cc Taiwan made cruiser to a 600cc Yamaha; but all cheap 2 wheels are easy to go wrong, so when this little thing came along it was awesome.

Every morning I start off first time; apart from about 5 occasions that wasn't the case, but the second time did it. With the bike, towards the end I had to push start it (because the starter motor didn't work), and I didn't have a kick starter.

The windscreen gets misty very easily, and that's the only complaint. I get my own back from the car by collecting a lot of rubbish in it.

While driving, the 1.2 litre engine produces unbelievably little power. I was overtaken by a lorry a couple of times, which reminded me of when I was on the 125, but my gosh! this is reliable, not just relatively reliable. I have been driving this car 2 years in a row without service, other than topping up the oil once. It didn't even need water, partly because my friend screwed the water tank cap too tight and I couldn't open it.

So overall, a tough machine; built like a tank, but a very slow tank.