Well, picked up my new Cup on Saturday, so I thought Id share my initial impressions with you all!
After a nice drive down to the dealership, found her sitting outside all ready for me - first impressions were favourable - the colour especially looked gorgeous. Something was just right about the car. Anyway, after a quick inspection and the handover, it was back on the motorway for the journey home.
I was told by the salesman that the engines are bench tested before fitting so other than taking it easy to bed the brakes in and get used to the car, there was no real need to run it in. However, being slightly suspicious of all salespeoples banter, I did take it fairly easy on the car at first. Im impressed by the pace of the car already - a real wee pocket rocket
Just beginning to rev it to 6k now that Ive done over 550 miles - an oil change around 1000 miles and then Ill be free to give it death on a regular basis Found the brakes pretty sharp, but good - still slightly wary of them due to slidey roads and lack of ABS. Like the handling as well - sits nice and solid on the road without feeling too harsh.However, I have experienced a couple of the build quality issues that seem to be reported - first of all the trip computer gave up the ghost after about 3 hours. Next up was a rattle which appears to be a loose passenger seat sub frame, and I think the drivers door might have dropped on its hinges slightly.
And then, this morning on day number 3 of ownership, the heater direction control kind of stuck and then seemed to give - with the result that I cant select where the air is to go
So straight into the nearest dealer with the list. Result - they managed to fix the trip computer (faulty stalk/button) but apparently the hook on the end of the heater cable has broken, so theyll need to order that in. To be honest, the (admittedly minor) problems have taken the shine off of the new car a bit, but I can just about forgive them so far. Hope these small teething problems will be the last of my build quality grumbles *fingers firmly crossed*
Not overly impressed with the aftersales side of the dealers so far - didnt seem particularly bothered about my problems on a 3 day old car, plus the Parts dept looked as if Id began to speak Dutch when I asked if I could order a set of clear side repeaters for the car (despite being told by 2 different salesmen at 2 different garages that the 2003 model 172s now come with them). Ho hum! Anyone else managed to track down these elusive items that Renault are clearly not doing?
Hoping to attend a ClioSport meeting soon to chat with a few owners - Ive spoken to a couple already (hullo Marc and Paul!) and get some bits and bobs ordered for the car. Induction kit and exhaust will be quite high on the list as Id like to hear a bit more of that lovely engine note
Anyway, happy motoring fellow Clio peeps!
