Renault Clio Hatchback (2001 - 2008) 1.5 dCi Dynamique (65bhp) 5d (AC) (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Safe, practical, penny pincher.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They are surprised at the overall running costs. Low insurance , tax, fuel.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No, I'm use to meatier cars, this lacks the pace to overtake when required. Electrical problems are mostly dashboard errors. so is costly, because it needs a garage to sort it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Slightly sportier version of the same, but I like the peugot 307/8, or Vauxhall astra/corsa, even the ford focus equivalents.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,249

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

At first I thought I was getting a good deal but once purchased found lots of things wrong with the car. dealer helped out initially with a few minor details but haven't been forthcoming since.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Quick buy to get back to work.

What was the dealer like?

I felt I was co-ersed into buying this car with false promises of getting car road worthy.I started making enquiries, but before you know it they were signing the paperwork on assumptions.

What's it like to drive?

All said and done this is actually a comfortable drive. It is extremely economical. Does however lack a bit of punch. this is not for the sporty driver perfect for me though and the distance I drive means I only send £60 per month on fuel costs. Low cost tax is a bonus.

What's it like to park?

Steering is brilliant, so parking is easy. uprights impair visibility a little bit but no great issue. Mirrors although shaped do not give full blind spot accuracy, but what the hey, you need to look over your shoulder anyway, right.

Have you had any problems with the car?

What hasn't. The car mechanically is sound. but the electrics are pathetic. I have to double check everything is switched off. On the one occasion I used the hazard lights, I switched them off but a dodgy switch kept them on overnight and drained the battery. The windows don't operate properly. windscreen wipers don't function the way they should. and the heating settings are all over the place. The bracket supporting the prop shaft to the gear box broke whilst driving. seatbelts don't tension correctly. the brakes have worn too quickly for the distance I have covered. The clutch is so hard I get muscle spasms in my butt cheeks.

What's most practical about your car?

Fuel economy.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Haven't got one. I suppose though the fact it is diesel counts.