Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I am really into cars, and I have a BMW Z4M on the drive - it is my no. 1 dream car, and I feel privileged to own one, BUT I didn't want to use it for work every day, and that's where the Clio 182 came in - I wanted a reasonably priced fun car that would return a good mpg, and that I wouldn't be frightened of parking in a multi-storey!!

I think the Clio 182 is a fantastic car - It pulls very cleanly up to 4,000 rpm, and then lets loose after that almost like a turbo where the cam really kicks in!

Mine is a 2004 with 26k genuine miles (so very low) in Trophy Blue with the Anthacite wheels - it looks gorgeous!

This Clio 182 is great fun to drive; 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, although I have seen an Autocar review that says 6.3 seconds (and I can believe that!)

I think the build quality is superb, with the exception of the boot lining and the parcel shelf - it is a bit tissue paper like!

Having said that, this is great to drive, and the handling is fantastic! I get about 34 mpg, which is 10 mpg better than my BM, and I have a pretty heavy foot with it!

I love the figure hugging seats, and the equipment you get with this car as standard such as the climate control, cruise control and the remote stereo - Love it! The silver seat belts look nice as well.

The double exhausts certainly hint at the sporting credentials!

This sounds really sad, but I honestly enjoy driving it as much as my BM, and I think on the twisty bits, the Clio would keep up with it!

Great car!

Faults:

Just thought I would add this as the "black box at the back of the engine" that many have had problems with rubbing wiring came unattached on my car after only 20,000 miles. I was unable to put it back on, so just threw it in back of car.

Previous to this, I had poor idle problems from new that were fixed after 1500 miles when the car started running on 3 cylinders and Renault fixed under warranty.. Dodgy spark plug. When I took it in before this, Renault told me it was supposed to idle rough because it was a lean burn engine "What bull".

Just before I sold it, the coil light came on occasionally and the car would go in limp mode, not revving over 3,000 and reaching a max of 25 mph, sold it with this problem..

Overall, a nice car spoiled by Renault's poor after sales care.

General Comments:

Nice handling when you got it up to speed.

Faults:

The car has had a clunking from the left side (can't tell which wheel) since buying it new - no problem, but very annoying, and the Renault dealer suggested it is to do with the suspension, but no problem and normal for the model.

Six months ago I started to hear a low tick or brushing noise from the dash area (maybe from the front of the car but sounding through the dash). Over a month this grew until people outside the car were flagging me down to say it was making a heck of a racket. This turned out to be the alternator, which had worked loose and needed replacing as the brush shaft (not technical sorry!) was rocking. I replaced it with a reconditioned one and I think I can hear the dreaded tick again now.

Yesterday, driving at just under 60, and the SERV ABS lights came on. They stayed on, but on checking, the fluid level was fine and could detect nothing untoward. Since then the lights have come on - gone off - come on without any pattern or reason for it.

Having checked the Internet, I am appalled by the number of incidents around the Clio - particularly the Dynamique (mine). I am also worried now about the incidents of stalling and cutting out, as I have noticed mine cut out as I reverse to park in the drive - up to now I have put it down to my driving, but now I am not so sure.

General Comments:

Generally the car is comfortable enough to drive, but no real character to it.

It looks the part and is reasonably economical to drive, but is underpowered for pulling away rapidly. Once it is moving though it is very comfortable and quick enough for decent long distance driving.