Renault Clio 2005 - 2014 - Used, experience, engines, failures

Renault Clio

The third generation Renault Clio came on the market seven years after the introduction of the second generation. The second generation Renault Clio is a very good starting material, which only needs to be modernized and perfected. The design of the new Renault Clio is subordinated primarily to reliability, which resulted in a maximum five-star result in Euro NCAP tests. The previous generation of clio scored only four stars.

Renault Clio of the third generation, above all a small and elegant, but comfortable and functional city car that can easily go on a long journey. It offers a comfortable ride and acceptable sound insulation. The Renault Clio is easy to control and completely predictable in all road conditions. The title "Car of the year", which he won in 2006, also goes in his favor.

Renault introduced the new Clio in 2005. It came on the market as a compact with three and five doors. Initially, a Renault Clio was available with four 1.2 16V (48 and 55 kW), 1.4 16V (72 kW), 1.6 16V (82 kW) and three diesel engines. 1.5 dci in the power range from 50 over 63 to 78 kW. In 2006, Renault introduced a version of the sporty Renault Clio Sport concept (in some markets called the RS) with 2.0 16V (145 kW) and a sophisticated front axle. During the year the company also introduced a 2.0 16V (102 kW) version with a conventional front axle and the GT name. Both engines come with a 6 speed manual transmission. In 2007, the manufacturer introduced a Limited Edition version of the RS F1 TEAM R27. It also introduced the new 1.2 TCe (74 kW) turbo engine, which replaced the 1.4 16V engine. In 2008, he introduced a van called the Grandtour. In 2009, the Renault Clio underwent a facelift that touched mainly the front and interior of the vehicle.

The interior design of the Renault Clio is certainly characterized by youthful and fresh breath, in its basic version, however, it can only count on hard plastic, so the dashboard looks a little cheap. Softened plastic instrument panel available only in Renault Clio models with expensive equipment. The quality of workmanship, however, is quite decent and has good ergonomics. Renault Clia seats are comfortable, but their lateral grip in standard models is quite weak. Of interest to the driver may be the vents that have the shape of golf balls or a keyless system to control the engine lock and start. A card that identifies the car when it approaches at a distance of less than 1,2 meters and it is enough to grab the handle and open the door. It is not necessary to take the card out of the bag or at startup, because it automatically finds the signal. Then simply depress the brake or clutch and press the button on the center start console. Compared to older models (especially the Laguna II), this system works quite reliably. However, sometimes the disturbing UCH controller (this also applies to starting with the classic button), which initially had to be changed (later problems with the software), because the vehicle simply will not start.

The Renault Clio will delight with decent handling and cornering behavior, while the chassis isn’t too heavy, and comfortable enough for the user. Front axle modified McPherson suspension, rear axle torsion.

Much emphasis is placed on the safety of the Renaul Cli, so the body structure uses a large amount of high strength steel. There are six airbags inside the Renault Cli (front, side and curtain airbags), seat belts have pyrotechnic pretensioners and seat belt force is monitored. The chassis is equipped with ABS, EBD, ESP, ASR, which covers active safety.

Renault Clio with engines over 100 hp has four disc brakes, on weaker models there are drums at the rear. The front ventilation discs have a diameter of 260 mm and a width of 22 mm, the rear discs have dimensions of 240 x 8 mm.

The Renault Clio has a trunk volume of 288 liters (440 - Combi), increasing to 1.038 (1,277) liters when the rear seats are folded down.

The Euro NCAP Renault Clio was tested in 2005. It received a full five stars for passenger protection in the event of a collision.

The small Renault Clio 3 can be included among the more reliable cars and as is customary most of the failures occur in the early years of production. When buying it, it is therefore worth a proper insight into the operation of electrical equipment, ie electronic windows, central locking, locking the fuel cover, radio, air conditioning and heating. Because sometimes there are problems with functionality. Failure of the module leads to the inability to start the engine (install a new program or replace it). The chassis is quite a robust construction, and its condition depends on the environment in which it is driven.

The chassis of the Renault Clio is well protected, the problem is usually only relatively fast corrosion of the exhaust (especially the rear), especially for gasoline engines that run on shorter distances.

What stood out at the start were some problems with the brakes and suspension, so check this well before buying.

Gasoline engines may have problems with the throttle valve (maximum 1.2 16V), which is manifested by variable idling. Neglecting to replace the water pump along with the toothed belt, over time the pump starts to leak (usually 1,4i and 1,6i). Sometimes there is even a problem with the coil - incorrect engine operation or faulty crankshaft / cam position sensor. At 1.2 TCe, the fuel pump malfunctions - the car does not start, at 1.6 16V, a noisier fuel pump can be encountered, which is usually due to impurities in the fuel.

In the case of a diesel engine paying more attention to the accuracy of engine mileage, increased noise and a difficult cold start, the culprit may be a faulty or excessively worn common rail injectors. Occasionally there is a problem with the injection (pump or installation) or a fault in the control unit. A squeaky sound, higher oil consumption and less power are revealed by an over-worn turbocharger. The fault of premature turbocharger wear is largely excessively large intervals between oil changes, which is recommended to be reduced to max. 15.000 km / year. A worn turbocharger releases engine oil into the intake manifold, causing an increase in oil consumption in addition to clogging the EGR valve. EGR valve over time - remains permanently open, which makes it difficult and sometimes impossible to start the engine. When the mileage is above 150 to 200.000 km, excessive wear of the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, which sometimes results in engine failure. In early 2010, engine endurance was improved.

For vehicles equipped with FAP / DPF filter not suitable for frequent short distance driving. If the vehicle is driven frequently on short distances and the FAP filter cannot complete regeneration and the engine turns on "standby", which limits the engine power. Shorter rides (city driving) without sufficient recovery generally shorten the life of the filter and lead to its premature clogging.

1.5 dCi engines (70 and 85) have a typical fault associated with Delphi fuel pump manufacturer. The pump creates metal chips during its operation and destroys the parts associated with the injection. The problem is smaller than it has been in previous generations.

The turbine in the dCi 105 is often defective. Coming to early termination.

The clutch creaking mechanism occurs in many models. The issue was resolved with WD-40 lubrication.

Electrical components and electronics are a source of frequent breakdowns in the Renault Clio III. There are problems with the card with the start button and the switches on the steering wheel, the control electronics of the control panel, the switch on the door window, the wiper motor.

Faulty tank cap. An electric motor malfunction occurs, much earlier than expected.

Airbag sensor error. As with many other Renault airbag fault lights, the fault is often associated with the sensor on the front passenger.

The light of the lamp. The problem with the stop light is the problem with the stop light switch. Renault solved the problem by recall.

For some Renault Clio models, the front windscreen wipers are self-engaged.

Perishable headlight bulbs.

Corrosion problems with the Renault Clio are rare and occur in areas of rather unprofessional collision repair.

A bad solution is to place a spare wheel under the boot floor. It's a difficult approach, and it's always dirty.

The common trouble in Clio III is the noise generated by the boot lid. Adjusting the lid does not always help.

Climate control or compressor components are usually responsible for climate problems.

For the third generation of Renault, the Clio also announced two recall actions. The first was held in the spring of 2007 and relates to a faulty stop light switch. The second action is at the end of the summer of 2011, the owners of 1.2 gasoline engines were called, checking the valves to prevent the possibility of destroying the engine.

All engines except the 2.0i (101 kW) M4R have a toothed belt. The replacement interval of the timing belt set is set at 120 km or five years. Especially in 000 and 1.4, it is recommended to change the water pump together with the set of toothed belt, otherwise there is a risk that it will start to leak, which can lead to overheating and later damage to the engine. Oils are prescribed class SAE 1.6V-5 ACEA A30 / B3, API SH / SJ, at 4 dCi with filter and oil ACEA C1.5 3V-5 or 30V-0 should be changed every 30 km.

CONCLUSION

Maintenance costs Reindeer  Clio III can be reduced to a very low level. Provided, however, suitable engine versions are selected. The popularity of the model and its simple design allow you to keep cars in almost every workshop and the wide availability of factory parts and replacements for easy everyday use.

Renault Clio used car price - used car review

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!