A great first car. I was in the same boat as you this year. In February we got our son’s car and learner insurance policy was circa £300. He passed 6 months later and for him to convert to his own policy, fully comp was an extra £1600. However on the remaining 6 months, hopefully this will earn him his first years no claims. A 12 month policy was about £1800 but would mean losing 6 months of his potential no claims and starting from scratch. He’s on a black box policy, which annoys the hell out of me when I have to drive it as we live in Mark Drakefords 20 mph speed limit areas. We got him a MINI Cooper for his first car. 2008, but 1.6 engine. A 1.0 fiesta was more expensive, go figure? Happy and safe motoring to your son. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Well, update time almost 4 months of ownership… My sons diving is progressing, Theory test completed on first attempt, he is currently booked for single lesson per week + when I take him out in Clio, 3-4 times per week, practical test is booked, default 6 months appointment, but awaiting an earlier cancellation! Ownership, has been somewhat hugely disappointing, Primarily, we had a defective key card, which after (too) much to and fro with dealer was resolved and new key supplied albeit spare! Prior to purchase Discs and Pads were replaced, though pads only pad 50% contact, uneven wear on the New brake disc coating, so these were quickly replaced c/w pins and calipers springs by me and further unnecessary discussions had with Dealer, netting reimbursement (eventually) Back in January, car wouldn’t start, so out with CTEK overnight, was the Battery flat or did I fry the Alternator charging Battery on car…… regardless, Alternator failed, partially seizing which snapped the stretch drive belt and replacement cost was extortionate 3 months on and into the better weather, body appraisal carried out and rather pleasing, A couple of days polishing to get some protection and all is well combined with my Son preferring to drive the Clio as opposed to his instructors Fiesta, kind of has me committed. So out with the Jack on all four corners and a dilemma, Front Shock dust covers are torn - in need of replacement Almost good on the Back, though broken spring tail and a sticking handbrake, has me remove the drums and Brake shoes to find partial seized wheel cylinder, so these job list increases. All in all, not happy with the way the car drives…… Flip coin and start weighing up options to repair or sell, but ultimately not my decision, so speak with son, sell on or repair….. He wants to keep, so I progress in making as good as possible! Ultimately, I made a mistake in buying cosmetically prepped car and kind of kick myself for doing so! After much internet trawling and pricing I’ve compiled and purchased…. x2 Bilstein B4 struts, c/w dust covers & Auxillary Shocks X2 Bilstein B1 Top Mounts X2 Monroe coil Springs (Front) X2 Monroe Drop links X2 Monroe Lower control Arms X2 Bilstein B4 Rear Shock Absorbers c/w dust covers and mounting rubbers X2 Monroe Rear Springs X2 Mahle Wheel cyclinders X1 box of dodo mat sound insulation X1 meyle Timing Belt and Water Pump Kit Have priced x4 tyres which once above is fitted, shall have installed c/w wheel alignment Currently hovering over track rod ends / Inner Tie Rods and with time on my hands as back at work shall buy…. Shall likely replace rear brake drums c/w wheel bearings - To determined! Brake fluid change shall be required following wheel cylinder change Antifreeze replacement shall be required following timing belt and water pump change Very much looking like a restore and refresh project, but ultimately, future proofing, not what I had planned! Whilst suspension work has previously been carried out, it appears repair defect only, and nothing replaced in pairs, so giving the Clio a new life Engine service shall follow and perhaps replace clutch now my son has cracked the function and should stop abusing! Whilst I trawled the usual sites, I stumbled into Autodocs, who appear very well priced for the booty above and repairs that won’t break the Bank I’ve already insulated/ sound proofed the boot, albeit later found it was boot latch adjustment required Wiper blades have been replaced Rubber mats purchased for interior Contemplating a Head Unit replacement, as the surround plastic chrome is flaking As everyone loves an engine shot, Below is Renaults finest 11 year old, underpowered 74 horses, realistically very clean lump! & just as clean underneath, but not pictured (Yet!) My hopes are to balance & refresh the chassis to align
Well that certainly is a very tidy looking car on the face of it, but a massive disappointment in terms of the reliability. It’s to expected that some components will wear over time, but this seems a wee bit excessive. However, once you’ve finished it will be all but a new car! I hope your lad fully appreciates all you are doing. My youngest (24 now) is loving the 2009 147 I used to own. The only fault he’s had is a snapped passenger door handle, an over enthusiastic rugby mate pulled it off. It passed the MOT in Jan with the same minor oil leak advisory.
I think you should consider suing Renault over the name Dynamic . It is clearly not in any way shape or form Joking aside I hope that the ownership experience improves now that all the work has been done.
As yet no work carried out as such! Paints had 3 stage polish, Engines had a heavy detail, Interior hasn’t require much, wheels were refurbished prior to purchase I’m “pending” delivery and stuck on a steal island offshore for 3 weeks! In fairness a lot of the work is not essential or required, I’ve adopted belts and braces replacement approach to save guard the hassle later, with previous purchases, there’s been financial constraint in cost of parts, looking through the required repairs, I’m just going the whole hog! as Renault parts are relatively cheap, though cost does mount….. Partially as a project but also to work with son and him learn, with luck he shall be carrying out the work under supervision
