2002 Renault Clio Extreme review from UK and Ireland

Sept/Oct 2002- After having the car for only a couple of months from new, the driver's window dropped, had to call the AA out to secure the vehicle. A plastic guide on the edge of the glass had snapped, Renault Birmingham replaced the guide, saying the window was now fully operational.

Over the course of the next few months, the car went back to Renault Birmingham about 4-5 times with the same fault, the driver's window. They replaced the regulator, honeycomb, stripped the whole door down replacing all the window parts. After each time back at their dealership, they would say they'd fixed the problem and that it had been thoroughly tested. It would last on a matter of weeks, before it would start playing up again. Not once was I offered or supplied with, a courtesy car.

Air-bag light came on several times on the dashboard. Renault Birmingham secured the connection under the driver's seat, using the marvelous technique, soldering.

Rear high-level brake light had never been connected, a problem I only became aware of after having the car for many months. I only became aware because my mom happened to be following me in her car. Renault Birmingham connected this, something I presumed would've been done at the factory. So much for quality control.

November 2003- Headlights failed, had to drive for several days in darkness with side lights and fog-lights (luckily fitted to this model). Renault Birmingham had to strip the whole dash out to replace a wiring harness.

11th/15th July 2005- Never had any problems starting my Clio, but this week the car is struggling to start first and in some cases second time. Added an expensive engine cleaning fuel additive and touch wood, car seems to be starting okay now.

I was starting to think all the problems had finally been sorted out out, but when I came to use my car tonight, 17th July 2005 the headlights have once again failed. Plus, just under 2 months left on 3 year warranty. I'd better get myself back down to Renault Birmingham, SHARPISH!!!

After all these problems I've had, I can honestly say I would NEVER buy another Renault. This car has given me nothing, but grief.

I know several people who currently have/did have Renault Cars and they've experienced plenty of faults themselves.

Come on Renault, get your act together!!