2009 Renault Clio Extreme 1.2 petrol

Summary:

Pretty basic car

Faults:

Rear exhaust section replaced, basic services and belt change, brake pads also changed all round.

Engine a little noisier now (tappet noise?) especially when cold, but shows no signs of any major problems.

Air con no longer works.

General Comments:

If you're after a cheap used runabout, the Clio is a not bad choice if you want something different from the usual offerings from Ford or Vauxhall or whatever. Decent looking in white, this is a stylish little car.

Inside is also nice. Comfy seats, smooth ride, and enough equipment on this "Extreme" edition.

The car is OK to drive, 1.2 is slow as you would expect, but cheap to run. Easily does over 42 mpg on average.

I have had it a few years and it has been reliable, easily better than Renault of the past; my Aunt had a Clio in the 1990's and it was an unreliable disaster, but this 2009 car seems much better quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2022

10th Feb 2023, 16:16

They are a stylish alternative to the Fiesta or Corsa. Reliability leaves a lot to be desired, but they definitely improved after the year 2000.

2009 Renault Clio Rip Curl ? petrol

Summary:

OK

Faults:

I hired this car in Portugal. I had no trouble with it and it drove nicely, if a little underpowered.

On picking the car up, I was surprised to be asked to only put 3/4 of a tank of fuel in when I returned it, the amount which was on the gauge when I set off from the airport.

I only used approximately 1/2 a tank in the week, so wasn't expecting too big a bill when refilling at the airport filling station. On starting to refuel, I noticed that the fuel gauge was not moving from 1/4 full, but not wishing to have an argument, I carried on - eventually putting probably 12 litres, at least, too much fuel in. On setting off the bumps shook the sender unit - and the gauge jumped to full! This could be a nice little earner for the hire company!!!

General Comments:

Nice little car - rear seats and belts can be awkward and uncomfortable for older passengers.

Head lamp main beam switch poor - whenever you dip, it's difficult to avoid going too far and activating the main beam flasher.

Cigar lighter doesn't work without ignition.

It's handy nowadays to be able to charge your phone etc without having your ignition on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th October, 2009

16th Oct 2016, 13:16

The 12V point disconnection is pretty much standard on all modern vehicles. It's to avoid manufacturer liability if something attached to it goes up in flames while the vehicle is unattended.

If you look at recent news stories about smartphone fires, it's not difficult to see their viewpoint.