Faults:

Faulty starter motor.

Faulty alternator (not charging).

Clutch cable snapped.

Rear caliper piston seized.

Rear shock absorbers worn.

Steering column insecure.

Electrical problem with the rear lights.

General Comments:

The Clio 1.8 16v is a great car for young drivers who want good performance at a low price. In the group 12 insurance bracket and developing 137 bhp, the Clio will accelerate to 60mph in 6.7 seconds.

The normal Clio will never handle like a Williams, but is very comfortable, and has very excellent GT type seats, which hold you firmly in place.

The main problems with the Clio is the space to work on the engine. With a big 1.8 litre twin cam engine in a small hatchback, room to work is limited. Just like most early 90's french cars, the reliability is an issue, but if kept upon and mended when the faults occur, the Clio can be a trusted A to B car.

To conclude then, the Clio is a fast and exciting car, my Clio is high mileage and still feels at tight as a drum. For the insurance and even most 13, 14 or even group 15 cars, the Clio is capable of many upsets!

Faults:

Hi,

My daughter has just been involved in an accident, which resulted in her hitting the windscreen with her head. She was front seat passenger, her boyfriend, who was driving was also thrown forward and his head struck hers, neither airbag deployed which would have saved the head injuries. The impact to the car was frontal.

Talking to other Clio owners, some have experienced problems with wiring under the seats, and in some cases Dealers have said this is quite a common fault. If a warning light does not come up on the dashboard, you are left of the opinion that everything is OK. The only time you will find out is when you need them.

Has anyone else got any knowledge of these type of problems. We consider ourselves very lucky as the injuries, although painful, are able to be treated and a full recovery is expected. Somebody else may not be so lucky.

I would appreciate help from owners who have any experience of similar faults.

Alan Mason.

Faults:

Stereo became faulty at 9,000 miles and needed replacing at 19,000 miles.

Suspension fault developed at 25,000 miles.

Brake pads needed replacing at 13,000 miles and again at 38,000 miles.

Sunroof catch broke at 42,000 miles.

Head gasket blew at 53,000 miles.

General Comments:

Considering its age and relatively high mileage, the Clio was a reliable and solid car.

Its interior space and comfort were beyond belief for such a small car.

Ride and handling were both excellent.

Cost a reasonable £7,400 from new and held its value fairly well before retailing at £1,800 seven years later.

Faults:

Broke down three times during final 4 months of ownership.

Driver's side electric window motor failed at 69,000 miles.

Interior trim was flimsy and broke easily.

General Comments:

Generally reliable, but started to show its age towards the end.

The best handling and performing small car I have ever driven.

Paid £3,500 for it when it was six years old. Sold it two years later for £2,000.

Would have kept it even longer, but wanted something with a bit more space.