1997 Renault Clio RL Panache from UK and Ireland - Comments

In only 16 months and 8000 miles the following items have failed of needed replaced:

Engine immobiliser (twice - see below for more details)

Full set of tyres.

At least 3 each of brake discs and pads.

Timing belt.

Exhaust.

Both front wheel bearings.

Also has intermittent front wheel squeal (see more below)

I must start with a few positive comments as the car has not been a complete nightmare. I regularly get between 40 - 50 miles per gallon and the acceleration in the car is very good - just don't try and overtake going up a steep hill. The ride is also very comfortable and the heater is a god-send in winter.

Now for the negatives: As I mentioned above, the immobiliser has completely failed on two occasions. The first time was after a late-night return to a holiday and resulted in an hour and half wait in near zero temperatures, first for the recovery vehicle and second for a lift home. When I say the immobiliser failed, I mean it is impossible to turn it off and the car is completely useless. The second time was just last night and fortunately due to the earlier hour and a new roadside assistance contract the experience was much less painful, although still just as inconvenient. What makes it worse is that while last time the car was OK again the next morning, this time it is still dead. The other point to note is that the car was put on the Renault computer after the last fault and no problem was found.

As for the squeal, this has also been referred to the dealer and again there is apparently nothing wrong here either.

You are correct, the heater is amazing. like no other car I've ever been in. a few minutes and it it blowing really warm heat. great for early winter mornings.

I'm hoping to get a new car soon, but I doubt I'll find one with heaters like my Clio has got - they're amazing!