Used Car Review Renault Clio 2001-2009

Fancy something completely different in the small car field? Such as a French car with that has plenty of style – and more than dash of performance if you go for the ultra-hot variants.

In Europe, the Renault Clio is considered to be large enough for use as a family car. Though in Australia Clios tend to be used more as a premium alternative and are generally being driven by singles or couples.

Clio is generally reliable and is put together well enough, though often not quite to the standard of the Japanese cars of the same size. Then again, the Renault is so much more pleasant to drive than a Japanese car, particularly if you’re an enthusiast who likes a lot more than simply transport in your machinery.

Some cars with ‘Sport’ in their name are pretenders with no extra performance, others are the real deal. Renault Sport Clio certainly falls into the latter category

The extra-hot Renault Sport was in the vanguard of the French marque’s return to Australia in May 2001. There is nothing subtle about this machine, the Renault engineers installed a big 2.0-litre engine into a small, light car. They also gave it bigger brakes and firmer suspension to match the extra power. The result is an excellent hot hatch that’s a huge amount of fun to drive.

Though the Renault Sport models tend to grab the limelight and make up quite a large percentage of Clio sales, there’s more to the range than this three-door excitement machine. After the Sport had made its name, the more affordable models began to arrive downunder in December the same year. These were five-door hatchbacks to complement the sporting three-door models and sold pretty well from the time they were introduced.

Handling is sharp and pleasant, even in the standard models, simply superb in the Sport. Ride comfort is very good for a car in this class. Rough roads are generally handled with ease, but if you plan to do a lot of bush driving the car may be a little out of its depth. If you are still keen, try one for yourself on some dirt roads, many find it quite acceptable.

As well as the hot 2.0-litre engine in the Sport, Renault Clio is also offered with a 1.4 or 1.6-litre powerplant. These units have enough power for most people, though those who really enjoy their driving may wish the engines had a bit more urge.

Power is taken to the front wheels only and is delivered by way of a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission. Somewhat oddly to the Australian way of thinking, the auto option is only offered with the 1.4-litre engine, not with the larger units.

It's probably wise to buy a Renault Clio that's always been serviced by an authorised dealer, ask to see the service books and check they match the car. You will no doubt be asked to pay more for a car with a history like this, but it’s money well spent. All the more so if you continue to have the car serviced and keep the record clean and therefore do a better deal when it's time to trade up.

Having been back since the first year of the 21st century, the Renault marque is now well re-established in Australia. There are now quite a few dealerships, although they tend to congregate in major cities.

We have heard of no real problems in getting hold of spare parts. These are slightly more expensive than similar bits for Asian cars, but not outrageously so considering what you are buying in the way of European image.

Insurance on all but the Sport Clio is a little more expensive than average, but some companies will really slug you for the Sport version. When shopping around, check on what's covered and what's not before settling for a lower price.

Sales of the Clio were disappointingly slow and imports were temporarily discontinued in 2006. The Renault Sport Clio reintroduced the brand in 2008. The first examples of the third generation Renault Clio were imported early in 2010 but are unlikely to be on the used-car scene in these early days.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The body is generally built to a good standard but there have been a few rough areas in some cars, especially in the cabin. Check the interior to make sure that everything fits correctly. And during your test drive find a rough road and listen for any squeaks or rattles in the cabin.

Look for body damage or areas that have been repaired. Paint that doesn’t quite match from one panel to another and/or crinkles in the body are relatively easy to spot once you have some experience.

An engine that doesn’t start easily and idle reasonably smoothly should be treated with suspicion. The sporting versions aren't as smooth as the standard ones.

Check the camshaft and accessory drive belts have been replaced according to schedule, that is within the recommended four-year / 100,000 km period.

A gearbox that’s stiff at times could have problems, some are OK once they are warmed up but a bit reluctant to move when stone cold, this is probably acceptable.

Quite a few Sport Clios will have been driven hard. Check the condition of the tyres and be wary of any with severe wear on their outer edges.

On the Sport, also look for a lot of brake dust on the insides of the wheels, particularly the fronts, as well as on the brake callipers and suspension components.

Make sure to follow up your inspection with one from a professional, preferably one with experience of these cute little French cars.