Faults:

Electric windows failed

Heater failed

Induction pipe split

Engine management melted (£300)

Exhaust rubbers snapped

Idle control valve failed

Steering column worn

Alternator failed.

Replaced all the above £lots.

General Comments:

It is a good car, performance wise. Bearing in mind its only insurance group 11, it is fairly quick.

I have changed the cams, computer, forced air intake, cylinder head ported and polished and 4 branch manifold.

It is now 140bhp and around 6.5 seconds to 60.

A lot quicker than standard, but still with 8v torque. Fantastic.

Faults:

Since we bought the car, the rear brakes have made a 'worn' sound and no one has been able to fix it, although the rear shoes are like new.

Needed a new head gasket at about 100,000 miles which set me back £200 (a Renault dealer wanted £700 though!)

Needed a new hot water pipe recently as it burst whilst on the motorway.

The heater matrix has never worked since we bought the car, this means that for the last 2 1/2 years the fan has never blown hot. Cost to fix about £50 for the part, but it requires removal of the dash board, so total estimated cost about £400!

The bulbs on the dashboard and the clock/heater controls have a mind of their own as well.

General Comments:

Although the car has its problems, it is very cheap to run and insure and tax.

It always starts, it gets me wherever I need to go no matter how far it is.

The only draw back really is the faults listed above, it isn't the quickest thing on the road, but is fun to drive.

It is also quite spacious for a small car. Ideal first car really.

Faults:

Clutch fully dis-integrated.

Needed new starter motor, (probably because the fool who put my clutch in put the starter back in at the wrong angle!).

Passenger side foglight, headlight and indicator are all misted.

Bolt through the spare wheel lowering bracket snapped due to rust.

Back passenger side arch showing signs of rust.

General Comments:

This car is great.

The torque on this car is truly outstanding.

However it is a shame sometimes you have to wait for the power band to kick in.

The handling is superb; I have uprated suspension and increased camber on the front wheels - there are very few cars that will match you down country roads!

A simple performance exhaust and air filter make all the difference providing you with a very nice note and increase your b.h.p. by 8 or 9.

Other noticeable simple add ons such as a chip upgrade (I would recommend hill power) and power boost valve make a lot of difference.

Add-ons such as these will leave you running at about 150-160bhp, roughly the same as a Williams.

I have had a couple of races with Williams Clio's and haven't lost yet.

As for the interior what more can be said than that the leather 16v seats are amazing.

They keep you in your seat, whilst providing you with a more than comfortable ride and the lumbar support is a nice extra too.

Especially for the price, this car has got to be the best hot hatch ever made.