Faults:

The diff blew after 2 days of owning the car, and then 2 weeks after it was repaired the gearbox popped. Probably because I was driving a Nissan previously, and took everyone's advice about weak drive trains a little lightly, unlike the repair bill - £375 for a fitted diff, £480 for a fitted box. When the box was replaced, I was told that the nearside driveshaft would also need replacing soon, £180 fitted.

My near side electric window is also playing up. I think it's the switch because when it's pressed up you can hear the motor, but down there is nothing.

So if you want one like I did, then please don't do what I did and ignore advice about weak boxes. It will cost both arms and a leg.

General Comments:

Drivability is superb. The car makes me grin ear to ear every time I go flatout. I owned a Nissan Primera 2.0 eZX, and in a straight line the Primera was slightly quicker, but come to a corner and the Clio has no problems catching up.

The handling takes my, and any first time passenger's, breath away. It's one of the main reasons for purchasing the car, the other is its looks, it looks harder than week old leftovers, but no so much that it looks out of place on normal roads.

I've fitted Spax lowered suspension, 17" super t`s, K&N induction kit, a power-boost valve and a Mongoose exhaust system. But until the car is Superchipped, I'm leaving any more mods on hold.

I find the interior comfy, the front seats hold you firmly in place. The rear is a little cramped for anyone over 6 ft, but it is a small car. I love the dash, it feels like you're flying a plane with all the gauges, even though there is a bit of plastic squeaking somewhere that I can't get to.

Faults:

Alternator failed just after I got it.

The usual Clio leaking sunroof!

General Comments:

When I brought my Clio, it was a 'Les Roitour' special edition 1.2 RL. Since then, I have added to the car to make it look like better Clios.

I have added a full Clio 16v interior, Clio RSi alloys, body coloured RT bumpers, a K&N induction kit. I also have upgraded all my speakers to Alphine and built an acoustic shelf for the 6 x 9s. I did added Clio phase2 16v alloys, but they seriously affect the handling and speed. I also fitted and promptly removed a peco big bore 3 exhaust.

When on the RSi alloys, my Clio handles like a dream and I can honestly say it is better handling than my friends 1.4 Saxo or 1.8 XSi 306.

My clio has never let me down and I even took my test in it! The only problem has been the infamous leaking sunroof that gets taped up in the winter any way. Performance isn't great (seen 110mph a few times) and fuel economy is low 20s when driven hard, but it's OK for a 1.2.

Basically Clios rock and I can't wait to upgrade to my mint, standard, low-mileage 16v phase 2!!