Faults:

Window leaks, door seal leaks, rattles from interior trim, suspension rattly, exhaust fell off, brakes weak even after new discs and pads, oil leaks, smokey engine, notchy gearbox, driver door lock sticky, flat battery + broken alternator, the list goes on.

General Comments:

The Clio from this time was terrible. It was a decent enough car to drive, 1.4 was OK about town and could get a decent 40 mpg taking it slow. But the car fell to bits at relatively young age and low miles.

It was my second car and I thought it would be better than my old Punto, but it was much the same, fun to drive little cars, but seriously lacking in build quality.

1.4 RT model was common and mid range, similar enough to a Fiesta or Corsa from the same time; I believe the appeal with this car was its cheaper asking price. But I bet anyone who went for a more expensive car liked it more, this car was a false economy. What is the point if it is so cheap it falls to bits?

The only good thing about it was the good memories I had with it during my student years.

No wonder you do not see many about anymore, they all went to the junkyard early.

Faults:

Leaking sun roof.

My solution to this problem was simple, this is an old trick that works a treat. Open the sunroof, thoroughly clean the seal where it meets the glass. If it has hard residue on it, scrape it off with a knife, taking care not to cut or tear the seal. Do this all around the seal, clean the glass where it meets the seal. Same thing if hard residue on glass; clean it off, then comes the highly technical bit, smear a liberal amount of grease all around the seal again where it touches the glass.

Result; dry interior, but never go through a car wash or use a power washer near the sunroof or ever open it, or you will have to grease it again.

Faults:

Infuriating leak-seems to come from sunroof seal. Drips from r/h. trim, and now also from sensor near windscreen mirror.

General Comments:

If I can't solve this I'll sell the car, it's so annoying. Ruins what is otherwise a lovely car, but I can't stand having damp inside the car.

Faults:

Since I have had it has had the following.

Full exhaust

Collector (under the manifold)

CV joints

CV boots

Shock absorbers.

I have driven this car for the last 64000 miles all over Europe and it has done me well. Has carried 2 bikes and a 420 litre roofbox over the mountains in France and Italy.

It is a little workhorse, but I would say getting a little tired now.

General Comments:

Economical, nippy, and most of reliable (hope that continues).

Faults:

Leaking roof.

TDC sensor packed in creating intermittent starting problem.

Electric window motors are on the way out.

General Comments:

Very good little runner. Its stood up to everything I have thrown at it.

Faults:

Front Coil Springs replaced 44,500 miles.

Front Wheel Bearing replaced 44,000 miles.

Catalytic Converter and exhaust flex-pipe replaced due to corrosion (expensive). 43,400 miles.

Coolant leak on hose connector. 43,400 miles.

General Comments:

I really enjoyed driving this little car.

It was fun to drive and had great equipment levels, including Air-con, fog-lights, sun-roof, alarm system and computerised trip counter/fuel consumption etc.

The cabin is nicely presented, with generally good visibility, and it feels 'big' in the front seats, with lots of leg room available.

Rear seats are quite cramped especially if a tall person is in the front though.

Was very reliable, although did hit a rough patch at around the 43-45k miles mark (see above). Up until then - and indeed since then everything has been perfect.

Great for a single person or couple, and the five doors are good if you have occasional passengers, but isn't really a family car.