Faults:

I have owned my Clio (02 plate, 1.2 16 valve) for 6 months. Nothing went wrong until Christmas where (like masses of others) I experienced the 'toxic monitoring warning light'. This can only be likened to the blue screen of death with PCs in terms of the degree of pain this will undoubtedly cause any owner.

One morning I switched on my engine and was confronted by the flashing symbol on the bottom corner of dash display. The result was a huge loss of power (max speed 50 mph), and severe juddering / misfiring etc.

In short I read other reviews on here in search of an answer. At this point there isn't one that I'm aware of!! I have had the following work undertaken to rectify this problem:

Complete replacement of coil pack - still no result.

It was found that the wiring had been chaffed through linking into the CPU as an result of the protective tamper proof metal bracket. I had this resoldered. - still no result.

I then took my car to an auto electricians. They diagnosed a problem with the number 2 valve and a possible problem with the injectors.

Took car back to garage who performed a full scale assault on the engine. They found that four of the eight valves (not exhaust valves) were so severely caked in carbon that some of them had warped. The valve beds were also (obviously) caked in carbon. Had four new valves installed and the valve beds cleaned out. Needless to say this should not have happened. Also had a new ignition coil fitted.

I've now had my car back for two weeks, and all was fine until yesterday. Same problem!!! I was told by the garage (independent) to use some redex or similar as a good measure as (being upfront) they weren't a 100% sure that the problem was rectified, and told me to see how I got along. As soon as I did this (i.e use redex type cleaner) it seemed to work straight away. However the problem has again returned.

I like the car; it's attractive, got a good level of spec, cheap to insure and tax etc. But I'm giving serious consideration of getting rid of it. I need a reliable car, which this is currently not. I know that the onboard computer hasn't blown, so outside of that I haven't got a clue. So far I've spent £850 and don't want to spend anymore.

Like everyone else, I'm open to suggestions.

General Comments:

Avoid petrol and buy the diesel. Can't have as many probems as the petrol.

Faults:

Numerous minor irritations, but the biggies have been gearbox failure at 40,000 miles (£900 to replace with a reconditioned unit), noisy VVT dephaser (£300) and a couple of PAS oil leaks (£300).

Frankly, unimpressed.

General Comments:

Having thoroughly enjoyed my previous long termer (205 GTi), I am hoping to find the 172 Cup as rewarding.

Things haven't gotten off to a good start though. Having been unlucky in my selection, I have suffered a number of significant mechanical problems (not least of which has been gearbox failure).

I bought into this model knowing that the gearboxes have a poor reputation, and had quickly concluded that the unhelpful shift action spoilt what is, otherwise, an extremely impressive package. I'm just hoping that the gearbox doesn't provide any further disappointments!

If it weren't for the gear shift and the reliability problems, I would be over-joyed with the car: I've not been on track with it yet, but its road performance is very impressive and it's surprisingly economical too (35 mpg average - mixed driving).

I don't think it's going to be as loveable as the 205, but all being well, hopefully it'll get close.

I would recommend one, but would advise potential buyers to choose carefully.