Faults:

Generally a very good drive.

At its 5 year service, I had to have the cam belt changed, which set me back about £230.

It has also developed some kind of tick/rattle; it seems to be a constant issue whilst driving, and can be extremely annoying. I don't think it is anything that I should worry about, as it went in for its MOT after it developed the tick, and nothing showed up. I would however like to know if anyone has any thoughts on what this could be, or has something similar happening to theirs?

Another problem that seems to have come up, is that the connector for the airbag light under the drivers seat comes loose after the seat is either pulled forth to let someone into the back, or adjusted back and forth. This can be annoying, as the first time it happened was when it was in for a service; this set me back about £30 to reconnect it at the Renault garage.

In the past year, the engine turns over more before it decides to start up. It seems to be worse in cold weather than it is in warm weather. As this is my first car, I am not entirely sure whether this is something that just happens with age or not.

General Comments:

Very good car, not the best around corners, however I can't really knock it; the little problems I have listed are the things that give the car character. It makes the car very specifically mine, a little bit like the scratches it has received in the 3 years I have owned it! I would recommend this car to anyone.

Although a friend who has a Megane has said he doesn't feel safe when I drive my car over 60 miles per hour, however I think the fact the car feels like it could fall apart at any second makes it more exciting to drive.

Faults:

The engine cooling fan broke down.

Transmission box started failing, and it never worked properly again. Now the car sometimes shifts, sometimes doesn't.

The suspension sucks... every bump makes it squeak.

The "engine support" was about to break!

Handles and knobs broke into pieces.

General Comments:

Expensive repairs and spare parts.

I've only heard negative comments about the automatic version. If you really want it, get the manual one.

Faults:

Heater boost not working on full power, OK on reduced though.

General Comments:

To cure the heater fault is expensive at a garage. Do it this way yourself.

Remove glove box, lift the front black trim up, remove 3 screws and one near catch inside. Remove side trim from the clips gently and remove the screw, pull out the glove box.

A multiplug goes into the heater body with a yellow and black wire. Unscrew the 2 self tapping screws and out comes the resister. The connections will be burned, clean up and refit, refit in reverse order.

Time taken, half an hour.

Faults:

Another new member to the leaky Clio club!

I've just had to pay out loads of money to get the ECH replaced, as water has been getting into mine and blown it, which caused the car to immobilise itself!

I've noticed that when I park on my drive (which is on slope) and park facing the house, rainwater collects up to a depth of 3 or 4 inches in the rear passenger footwell. I tried parking it round the other way so the car is facing the road, but the water collects in the driver's footwell instead.

Renault are attempting to find out how it's getting in, but no joy so far. They have said however, that unless I can discover the source of the leak, the electrics will keep blowing!

Mine is a relatively new Clio - 2005 - you would think that they could have found a solution to what appears to be a very common problem!