1994 Renault Clio Be Bop review from France

Nothing serious, just the normal, expected wear and tear (I say expected meaning for the mileage, age and usage of the car)

One new clutch approximately 20 000km ago which isn't bad considering the car is used for my job as a courier in a busy city (stop and go, stop and go).

Water pump failed when driving home from Marseille (Marseille - Nantes is approximately 900 km). The weather was very hot and she overheated near Angoulême. Not extremely expensive to repair.

Sometimes have trouble with dampness in the motor - damp air from the ocean and the river (especially in summer)

No problems in winter.

Glass wipers on the front and rear need often replacement.

Minor oil leak from the filter. She has had many trips to the repair shop, but we have failed to discover the reason for it.

Wheel bearing needed replacement recently (100km ago) as the wheel began knocking violently on corners and round points.

But as I have said, nothing major has failed... yet!

I am in love with my Clio.

She is economical (I went from my home to England, a distance of approximately 1200km in total, and used only around 100 litres of diesel).

She is also very comfortable. I am rather tall and I have plenty of room for my legs. However the space in the rear seats is a little limited. There are only 2 doors and the tailgate.

I love the heaters. In the winter when temperatures often drop to 2 - 3 degrees here, the car is warm in no time at all.

The front glass de-mister is rather slow, which can be frustrating.

She works well at high and low speeds. Overtaking is easy, even in 5th speed at 110km/h I can reach 140km/h in no time at all for overtaking those annoying lorries! Stop and go traffic is no problem either. She maintains her economy in all conditions.

Very reliable, easy and inexpensive to fix (in France, anyway).

Maybe I am biased, being French and owning a French car, but I truly believe that this is a super car and one of the best that money can buy!