Faults:

Oil pressure switch end broke off causing oil leak over engine (£8.46)

Rear silencer box replaced (£16.50)

Front shock absorbers replaced (£42.00)

Radiator failed (£70.00 incl bottom hose)

Brake pads replaced (£15.00)

Servicing costs are barely non-existent.

Timing belt replaced 65k (£24.00+lab)

Front brake hoses replaced (£26+lab)

Intermittent squeal from rear near side brake when applied.

Servicing costs are near non-existent.

Cheap to buy, but poor residuals.

General Comments:

Not as good as a Peugeot 205 XRAD van, slower acceleration, slightly noisier, slightly harsher, but close.

Cruises at 90mph on motorways.

Faults:

Constant rain water leak into the front foot wells. I discovered it was coming from the air ducts that ventilate the foot wells. Finally sorted it out by cleaning the seal around the sunroof several times, and thoroughly cleaning the area around the drainage holes under the bonnet.

Paintwork seems to get damaged very easily. I always try to take care not to scratch the bodywork, yet little scratches are already appearing.

General Comments:

When I first bought the car, I was a bit unsure about spending so much money to upgrade from my old H-reg Nova. But I can see why the Renault Clio is such a popular car with younger people. It's very comfortable, and the interior is quite stylish. It has lovely gear change, and excellent handling.

This car is very easy to park, and a pleasure to drive, both around town and on longer motorway journeys.

The 1.2 engine, although slightly under powered when carrying passengers, is extremely economical. I would definitely buy another one!

Faults:

Rear pump brake, at around 80.000 km.

General Comments:

The car served the purpose. Very economical and extremely reliable.

The power steering really helps a lot.

No major problems, exhaust was never changed, and oil consumption was almost null. The same applies for the fuel (about 6 L/100 km).

Maintenance costs are very low, and the performance is reasonable.

I did a lot of long trips with it, and always found it comfortable.

I bought a new one, after this!

Faults:

The car suffered from a lot of brake squeal, but this was rectified easily by greasing the backplate of the brake pad.

Driver's side electric window judders half way through its movement.

General Comments:

The car is very well equipped and the simple internal layout is very appealing.

The car has excellent performance for its small engine, and has little trouble overtaking.

For a small car, there is plenty of boot space, although the rear legroom is a little cramped.

Faults:

Rattling sunroof! Underpowered, fine for the city, not great for the motorway (unstable above 80 mph, when you manage to get above 80 mph, excellent safety feature!). Rear wiper needed replacing soon after purchase, apart from that nothing else.

General Comments:

Excellent city car. Good value for the money. Comfortable, easy to drive/responsive. If you can afford it go for the 1.4 or above. Handling, OK. Excellent all round visibility for parking etc. V economical. Great first car. Good looks (better than the second 'new' clio).

Due for a service now, got a quote, they (main Renalut dealer) didn't sound too expensive in comparison.