1994 Renault Clio RT review from UK and Ireland

Nearside central locking mechanism never worked.

Sunroof seriously leaked after a month or so, soaking me and shorting out the central locking electrics and the internal light.

Rev counter started not working sometimes, and made a ticking noise when not working.

Passenger electric window controls stopped working, and kept failing even after I took the door apart; removed the junction box and fixed them another 2 times.

Brake pads melted and started smoking, then the front brake pads and discs needed to be replaced at the first MOT.

Indicator went double speed, then slowed down when brakes were applied, turns out the bulb holder unit had melted and fused together.

Drivers side door wouldn't shut properly - I'm told this is because they used the same hinges on the 3 door as they did on the 5 door, and this happens because 3 door models have heavier doors and wear the hinges quicker.

Brake master cylinder failed at about 92500 miles - very scary to drive and £120 to replace.

Just after that it started sucking all the water out of the coolant reservoir and releasing it when the cap was undone. Also left a white gunge around the reservoir cap and went very sluggish. (no white stuff in the oil though).

Got the oil and filter changed, also got the coolant system flushed through, still sucking in water.

Priced up a head gasket change and got a friend to agree to do the work, then the battery light came on - ran OK for a week or so then died. Just about managed to get it home, now it won't start. Tested the battery at work, found it to be OK so must be the alternator or the belt. Found that this is a tricky one to change, so the car is now parked up and I'm on the bus.

Renault can obviously make cars, but not ones that work properly for more than 12 years or can easily be fixed. All the internal fittings use star keys and most things that break are difficult to get at. Plus the electric windows are mind numbingly slow when closing.

Having said that, the 1.4 1994 Clio RT is a lovely car to drive, has very efficient heaters, holds the road nicely, has really comfortable seats (not the back ones tho), and has loads of extras such as lumber support, fog lights, heated wing mirrors, and remote stereo controls.