1998 Renault Clio
Summary:
Dangerous sack of over-ripe potatoes
Faults:
Exhaust pipe leaks.
The dashboard is falling apart because the plastic is embarrassingly low-quality.
The valves have started to click, and the engine is starting to sound like a diesel after about 900 kms.
Horrible smell of gasoline in the car.
Seats don't adjust well, they stick on their rails, so it's almost impossible to move them back or forwards.
The driver's side door sticks, and it's very difficult to open from the inside.
The hood lock has broken loose from its housing, so half of the time, we are unsure whether the hood is properly locked in place or not.
Both rear-view mirrors (on the doors) have broken off their base, but seem to stay in place due to the power of gravity.
The clutch is jumpy and over-sensitive.
General Comments:
The car is powerful and fast, but has neither the weight distribution nor the suspension to support such power.
It's dangerous around corners, and looks like it's going to flip over if you push it too hard.
Anonymous styling and boring to drive.
Small and uncomfortable overall. Plush seats, but zero legroom.
The dashboard looks like it was designed by someone with a severe back injury. Nothing is easy to reach, nor has it the slightest sense of ergonomics.
The horn is on a stick on the turn-signal switch... What??!!
No power steering... feels like you are driving a dead elephant. The handling is equally stodgy.
Tiny narrow tires make the car feel like it's going to swerve out of control any time.
Too dangerous or unsafe to go above 80 kms/h, unstable. The high center of gravity, and lack of proper suspension make this an accident waiting to happen.
If you have a chance to buy this car...
... DON'T!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 31st October, 2010
20th Feb 2023, 16:13
Best review summary ever! Anyways, I had a Clio living in the UK back in the day, was terrible also.