Renault Clio Hatchback (2005 - 2012) 1.5 dCi Dynamique S (86bhp) 2d (AC) (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I like a thrifty purchase but don't sacrifice style for it.

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

They think it looks really smart with the tinted windows and alloys,A lot of people who've been passengers didn't realise it was a diesel due to the quietness of the engine!The part leather interior and steering wheel have also drawn praise.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably won't be buying again for at least a year but I like the new Clio(The 2013 model) or possibly the Vauxhall Corsa Limited Edition with the VXR alloys and bodykit.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,500

When did you buy the car?

June 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought from Motorpoint in Burnley,It was a pre May 2009 facelift model but that didn't bother me as most of the May/June 2009 changes were only cosmetic(New Bumpers/Grille etc).It was still a great value purchase in my eyes as it would've been approx. £14k brand new the year before.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a frugal but comfortable car as my daily commute to work was raised from a 6 mile round trip to 65 mile one!

What was the dealer like?

I know car supermarkets sometimes get some stick for their after sales service but I can honestly say hand on heart that Motorpoint Burnley were excellent from the word go.There was a small crack on the wing mirror housing at the time of purchase that was swiftly repaired.The part exchange price for my old 54 plate Vauxhall Astra was extremely competitive in addition to this as car supermarkets sometimes get slated for not offering a decent part ex price,Not the case with me at all!

What's it like to drive?

I don't particularly think of myself as a boy racer but it's handling is more than adequate and the punchy 1.5 diesel engine is refined on the motorway(Especially mid range).It's quick enough off the mark too.On the other side of the coin if you take it a bit easier the MPG is brilliant(65 to 70 if you take it easy on a long run).The only minor criticism is that the steering's a bit light at higher speeds.

What's it like to park?

Parking is easy as it's a compact size,Steering is nice and light for manoevering.Good visibility all round.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I was a bit dubious at first about buying French but to be totally honest I've now had it for just over three years and have only had to pay for the usual services,brakes,tyres,etc,The only minor expense was to have the windscreen washer replaced last week(It cost £34 inc VAT and fitting at an independent garage).It's sailed through both it's MOTs so far with one minor advisory(Tyre-My fault!).

What's most practical about your car?

Even though it's the 3 door model I've found there's ample room for us all(I've got 2 children aged 7 and 15),The boot is a decent size for this class and the driving position is very comfortable.The best thing for me though is the 55 litre fuel tank(Most other cars in this class are only around 45 litres).With it being diesel the range is epic!Road tax is only £30 a year in addition to this.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I do like the trip computer that tells me what MPG etc I'm doing(Never had one before),I also love the part leather seats and steering wheel.Nice alloys too.