2002 Renault Clio Expression review from Slovenia

Electronic failure, the gas pedal stopped working - on a busy highway. Had to tow the car. Computer had to be replaced (after 1 week).

Ignition coil failure (car running on 3 Cyl, the catalyzator could start to burn).

The car couldn't be started - sensors had to be replaced, common problem with new Clio's that they fail to fast start again.

Electronic failure, gas pedal stopped working. Went to service, they've "fixed" the problem, next day the car died on me one more time when I was driving to an important meeting.

The ventilator panel stopped working. Had to be replaced.

Don't use the long lights and wipers at night - because the lights shutdown. There's a bug in a computer system and Renault is aware of it. Except that they refuse to repair it on my car...

The repairmen at Renault broke down two plastic parts (engine cover and ashtray bottom) during all the repairs and they refuse it replace it - like, my fault..

Etc..

All this problems occurred in 6 months since I got the new Clio. At Renault Slovenia they're all saying that they can't replace it and it should work now... I'm afraid to drive around now, because my Clio died on me around every 2500 kilometers (1250 miles). I had French Clio '98 - not a bigger problem in 4 years!

I'm not pushing the car to the limits, revs go up to 4500 max, but the car engine keeps using the oil (!!!). Full oil in this car drops down to minimum in just 2500km. I can't believe it...

Otherwise, the New Clio handles the corners much better than the old Series (1998-2001).

The engine is quite good, the car is very comfortable and it has many places to drop off your things. Seats are one of the best. But some nasty noises can be heard from the wheel when turning fast on a parking place.

The backseats are more comfortable than in the past series of Clios.

The best new part is the ABS System that really takes care of you in tough situations. The car stops very shortly and handling is very good! The 4 airbags make you feel secure, although there were already problems with the underseat connectors. The airbag light and SERVice light went on and I had to attach the cables (so I was told on Renault service) back again more firmly...

But it all comes way to short for me to be happy about this car and most of you will agree that the car reliablity is the most important factor. In half of the year using the new bought Clio, it broke down 5 times and left me on the road... I've managed to contact a lot of new Clio 2002 owners on the Internet and they face the similiar problems, so I'm not the only one... I guess Renault has some tough problems to face to keep the customers. I'm switching to Ford or one of the Japanese cars, I've seen enough, although I *was* a proud owner of Renault for more than 6 years...

Good luck!