My first Renault !

Hello all, Recently purchased a 13 year old Clio 1.2 Dynamic as a ULEZ compliant second car/local run about. First Renault I've ever driven (and owned) after more than 45 years of driving ! So far I've been cleaning it up as it has been parked under a tree most of its life and had the usual problem, blocked scuttle drains and damp interior. This issue is now resolved I hope, and after plenty of elbow grease, t-cut and time, the car is transformed for the better IMHO !
Came here after reading frayz excellent Sound proofing thread. I had some Dodomat sound insulation over from my other car, so have used most of it up on the Clio, and it is quieter on the motorway, so another good result, though I still have a bit of the car to insulate. Next job is to change the belts, I've no idea if it is still on the original, so well overdue !
Love driving it, even though it is the base model of the range !
Pete

Welcome aboard. It's a slippery slope, you'll be after renaultsport in no time😂.

Clio_fool said:

Welcome aboard. It's a slippery slope, you'll be after renaultsport in no time😂.

Click to expand...

You're right there - already looking at any ULEZ compliant 1.4's

vtec-e said:

You're right there - already looking at any ULEZ compliant 1.4's

Click to expand...

Pretty sure the 182 is ULEZ exempt

Belts / waterpump / fluid changed this week. Either 13 years/50k miles old, or possibly 7 years/23k miles old. Belts were shiny and marked Renault, but not particularly cracked. One of the old waterpump bolts holding the lower cover snapped off. Just pleased the job is done, and feel happy to rev over 3K

Just passed another MOT with no advisories

Replaced the 9 year old 'value' tyres with new Falken 'value' tyres and noticed how much quieter it is on the motorway. Now the engine is quite audible, and sometimes I hear some wind noise. Definite improvement

It does everything I need it to do for a second car that can be parked anywhere and carry anything, keeps up with traffic for the most part, and has a charm with its skinny tyres, simplicity and lack of modern gizmo's. Next up will be a couple of new plastic wheel trims to replace the two worst scuffed ones.

Thanks for reading

The pov spec clios are a great no hassle runabout. My dci is the same, park anywhere/carry anything.

They’re definitely underrated for sure!
Drove my brothers dCi80 Initiale the other day and I was instantly teleported back 12 years to when I had my dCi100. 😌

I'm pleased to have rescued the car as it could easily have suffered badly from the water ingress if left, and the bodywork needed some simple TLC to tidy it up. Only recent issue was a leak after changing the engine oil, but I now know to fit a new crush washer next time ! The low gearing is not a problem on the motorway as the engine spins so smoothly with the new cambelt at the legal limit on the motorway

vtec-e said:

The low gearing is not a problem on the motorway as the engine spins so smoothly with the new cambelt at the legal limit on the motorway

Click to expand...

I notice this with my 1.2 16v, motorway cruising a little over the speed limit and its at almost 4000rpm but its happy and hardly audible!

The Clio has had a 'clonking' noise from the RH front suspension since I got the car, and as the noise has got worse recently, I had a look underneath and saw the strut moving about at the top as I jacked up and lowered the hub/suspension arm. So, today fitted a new top mount and bearing. Much quieter now

Interesting, the worn top mount hole which is oval now, is worn on an axis from front left to rear right at an angle of about 45 degrees. Do they always wear on that axis ?

Have used the Clio over the weekend on the local country lanes and a 10 mile trip down the motorway. The general refinement and NVH is much improved, so much so, I will change the other (left) top mount as I can hear a small amount of noise coming from that side. The left side has no clonk or play like the side I've just replaced, but I think will benefit from replacement.

I am sure I can hear a similar noise from the rear. Has anyone changed the rear bushes from a noise point of view ?

Thanks for reading !

It sounds like you've done a great job maintaining and rescuing your car! Addressing water ingress and bodywork issues promptly can definitely extend the life of the vehicle. The recent oil leak due to the crush washer is a common issue, but it's great that you now know to replace it next time. The smooth performance of the engine with the new cambelt at motorway speeds must be a satisfying result of your efforts. Keep up the good work!

Just got my first Renault and I'm thrilled! The ride is smooth, the design is sleek, and it's fuel-efficient. Excited for all the road trips and adventures ahead. Feeling like I've made a great choice. Here's to many happy miles with my new Renault!