2001 Renault Clio Renaultsport 172 2.0 16v VVT

Summary:

Must be nearly unbeatable at what it does!

Faults:

The speedometer (and therefore odometer also) didn't work at purchase.

General Comments:

This is an initial review - we've not had the car long, but have been very impressed indeed by it in that short time.

We are a family of four, and worried that we might not get everyone in (including baby seat), but no problem. Not as easy as our estate car, but that's hardly to be expected!

The car strikes a wonderful balance between fun (small with very nimble handling) and power that starts to border on serious performance. It's docile in town, but opens up progressively when needed. Just be a little careful if you're not used to this much power in a light front-wheel-drive car - the steering can be a little bit twitchy when using the full power.

The car also brakes beautifully and turns on a sixpence, and fuel economy nears 40 mpg on normal driving.

I am just over 6 feet tall, and it took me a while to find a good seat position, but I did manage it and am now very comfortable.

Overall this car is great to drive (good in a straight line but best at point-to-point), but is surprisingly comfortable given the firm suspension, with good specification (CD multichanger, trip computer, lumbar support etc) and good economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th February, 2011

2001 Renault Clio Prestige 1.4

Summary:

Recommended as a town car

Faults:

Coil on No3 cylinder replaced at 50000 miles.

General Comments:

Bought as a first car for my daughter; good handling, nice style and comfortable. The 1.4 has bundles of power for a first car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2010

2001 Renault Clio Extreme 1.2 petrol

Faults:

I bought this car 3 months ago... My CD played straight away, the played up and says CD error...

I then took the car back as the clutch was slipping, and was told my warranty didn't cover this...

Just yesterday my car started juddering when driving slow or gear changes. I thought to myself this, might be something to do with the gear box???

Can anyone help by letting me know what this problem is if you have had the same problem?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st June, 2010

2001 Renault Clio

Summary:

Not great

Faults:

I have a Renault Clio 1.2 51 plate. I have owned the car since September, and have had continual problems.

First it flooded and had to have the sunroof resealed. This cost £160.

Then I have the same red squiggly electrical fault light coming on, that seems to be a common fault. There is no pattern to this, sometimes it comes on in the middle of driving, and at others when I am going slowly or just starting the car. If I can't rev the engine, the car cuts out. I have had this in the garage about 5 times, have called the RAC 2 times, and no one knows what's wrong. A few codes come up, but are not connected to anything.

I have recently had another fault where it cuts out any time I slow down or stop, and it was taking a while to restart. I had this repaired at Renault, costing £137. It was part of the engine misfiring. They told me this would fix the electrical light. However the cutting out has stopped, but just after leaving Renault, parking and starting the car again, the light is back!!!

I see this is a common fault; does anyone have any ideas as it's driving me mad?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th May, 2010

16th May 2010, 11:59

I purchased a Clio 1.2 Billabong for my son recently, and have just started experiencing a problem that has already been mentioned in previous posts, but no remedy has been offered.

Basically when you turned the ignition key to start, all the relevant lights came on, but it wouldn't turn over. You just got a clicking noise. Anyway, after looking at another website, it was suggested that if you look at the starter motor, there are two attached wires; one thick red one from the battery and a thin white wire. If you get somebody to turn the ignition whilst wiggling the smaller wire, it should start. Anyway, tried this, and hey presto, success!! I was going to take it to a garage at who knows what cost, so was relieved to sort the problem at no money!!

In case that doesn't work, another suggestion was to change the battery in the key fob, as it may be strong enough to open the doors, but not enough to disengage the immobiliser.

Hope this works for anybody who has the same problem!!