havnt read the whole thread but, have had three mk1 clio's (dont ask why) two 1.2's and a 1.4,
first one, crashed it 2 1/2 weeks after buying it.
second one, had about a year head gaskit went, my mate fixed it and its still going,
third one, had about 6 months and the cam-belt went, stuck a new engine init and was gunna sell it on, but still got it as cant be asked to put it thru the mot.
i'd say there fun little cars that i think look pritty cool with a nice set of wheels.
but make sure the cam belt's bin done and also the cooling system can get air traped init and is hard to sort out, happend to my one before the head gaskit wen and also my mates sisters 1.2