People that've had a Clio 172/182 for at least a year or two

[Pulse.]

Just wondering what your experience has been. Particularly those who bought theirs 2nd hand, and have had one out of warranty. I know I'd get a better response on Cliosport, but I'm too lazy to register, and i'll get a good un-biased response here I hope.

I've been looking at maybe buying one, perhaps around the 04-05 plate mark, as they seem to be relative bargains for the performance I want.

But, I'm well aware that they are french, so want to know what people think.

I'm used to ultra reliable cars, and I had a Megane Coupe (2002) which was so unreliable I just had to sell it (Coil Packs, etc). Glad it was in warranty.

So what do you think with regards to:

Reliability first and foremost
Impressions of the 182FF (as this is what I'd want)
Performance
MPG
Anything else you can think of.. Please, I have all day to read, so post as much as possible! Haha

Thanks.

P.S. Is it normal for it to be so hard to insure? Can insure a BRAND NEW Astra VXR for the same price!

[Pulse.]

Yeah, I know it'll be steep, but just wondered why it cost the same to insure a £7000 Group 16 car as it did for a Group 17 £15000 car. I suppose a lot of them have been nicked or crashed.