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Considering a Sporty clio as a car for the wife/little project for me and was wondering if owners past and present on here could tell me about them please and what to look out for on potential purchases.
We have a budget of £2k and would like the best motor we can get for our money.
Ive been browsing ebay and autotrader etc and there seem to be a few 2.0 16v and 172/182 out there but Im not sure of the differences.
Ive also heard of Dephaser problems?
Are the engines in these cars ok as high milers?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
How old are you? How old are your kids? Would they really want a Dad who picks them up at the school gates in a "sporty Clio"?
£2k for a chaved up death trap to transport kids?
If kids are not involved then get an MX5 over or Clio..
Fast-rattly-plasticky, pick all three..
Ignore the old fuddy duddys above:
No rust at all. Rattly interiors, but you're not buying a luxury car.
172/182 prone to killing gearbox mount (dog bone), which will give a huge clonk/rattle on hard acceleration. Easy DIY fix if you have a vice and some spanners.
small oil drip from the gearbox is usually the input shaft seal, and a lot of them do it, don't worry.
Belt/dephaser pulley/water pump needs to be changed as per service schedule, and is £500 all in. Plenty of specialists around. Ask for a receipt if they claim it's been done as it's new engine if it goes.
Clutches bite near the top and are quite off and on, even when new. Takes a bit of getting used to.
Great fun, proper little drivers cars, quick enough, handle like go karts. Addictive little things.
Oh, always got around 35/40mpg out of mine, without being careful.
I've seen well used examples still going strong at 150-200k.
Bits are really cheap.
Plenty around that have been looked after, look at cliosport.net for loads of advice and a for sale section in the forum, worth £10 membership.
Funkydunc... why would you presume its a chavved up deathtrap ??
Some people like to keep their cars as original as possible.
cheers cbmotorsport.
renton - Member
Funkydunc... why would you presume its a chavved up deathtrap ??Some people like to keep their cars as original as possible.
Yes, that's what they were originally.....
Davidtaylforth.... have you ever had one?
If not then why the chuff are you bothering your arse to reply??
Yes, that's what they were originally.....
Silly man.
renton - Member
Davidtaylforth.... have you ever had one?If not then why the chuff are you bothering your arse to reply??
I've seen one in real life.
trying to persuade you not to make a terrible mistake.
Push the boat out a bit and get a Clio Williams that needs a little work. You'll have a bit of fun and an appreciating asset.
There are days when I really miss my old 182 Cup. In the end tho, it was a bit smaller than I wanted, my ageing dad found it a bit difficult to get into and out of, it was a bit rattly and generally not a great car for covering big motorway miles.
[edit]Cup spec[/edit] Deleted quite a few bits of spec from a regular 182. I'm not going to go into the differences here, there's a decent [url= http://www.cliosport.net/content/guides/Renault%20Sport%20Clio%20Guide.pdf ]spotters guide[/url] over at Cliosport.net.
As for dephaser pulleys - it's a ~£100 part that, if it's done as part of a cam belt change, is no great shakes. Mine ran fine for over a year with a sticky dephaser pulley. I kinda missed the big step change when it got sorted when the cam belt was done. Oh, and whilst the cam belt change is at 72,000, the auxiliary belt change is every 36,000. They get their reputation for snapping cam belts and associated top end self destruction from people overlooking the aux belt which then snaps and takes the cam belt with it.
Oh, and I got better fuel economy out of my 182 Cup than you're managing out of your Mondeo diesel... 😉
Funkydunc... why would you presume its a chavved up deathtrap ??
I would have thought a well looked after one would be more than £2k !
There are a lot of presumptions being made on this thread. Generally by people that haven't got a clue what they are on about.
I would have thought a well looked after one would be more than £2k !
The last ones were 2005, so the youngest are 10 years old. They were cheap to buy in the first place so 2k would get you a nice unmolested one.
That does surprise me, they obviously are not well thought of then if you can get a mint for that money....
renton - Member
There are a lot of presumptions being made on this thread. Generally by people that haven't got a clue what they are on about.
Well, it's a chav car, that's for certain; just look at it.
Well, it's a chav car, that's for certain; just look at it.
Poor trolling, but I'll bite for sport:
What makes you say that? What's your definition of a 'Chav car'? What car do you drive David?
🙂
That does surprise me, they obviously are not well thought of then if you can get a mint for that money....
Who said mint? I said nice, unmolested.
Chav-ey or not, this looks wonderful:
[img] 
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The trolls are out in force today.
What makes you say that? What's your definition of a 'Chav car'? What car do you drive David?
I drive a 1.4 Honda Civic 😀
I'm not trolling; just look at it. Alloys, one of those loud exhausts, garish paint job, sporty upholstery.
Vulgar/tasteless/loud i.e. Chav summed up
Aye that's a completely different car to the one I'm looking at
As a full adult man, with children, I think it's the sort of car you can't really get away with driving.
Your kids friends parents will judge you -
"Renton wants to take the kids out for a day at the zoo, Dear"
"hmm, I'm not sure that's a good idea. Have you seen the car he drives? It's one of those Max Power cars. I wouldn't trust him not to drive like an idiot, and feed our kids junk food for tea"
Lol troll. Look at this Chav Wagon... A 1.4 Honda Civic, alloys, garish paint job sporty upholstery!
[img] 
[/img]
This is worth a watch,
Chav-ey or not, this looks wonderful:
Indeed. I used to own one, for all of 4 weeks. Well known hedge finders. The 350hp TVR I owned before it I was much easier to drive.
Renton, aren't you pretty tall? Make sure you can actually fit in one properly, the ergonomics are [i]interesting[/i]
Otherwise, crack on. Surprisingly reliable, strangely economical and lots of fun for much cheapness
FunkyDunc - MemberThat does surprise me, they obviously are not well thought of then if you can get a mint for that money....
They're all 10+ years old, not limited numbers (Trophy exluded) and were fairly cheap when new. £1.5k for a good condition 172, around £2.5k for a good 182, £4.5k (and increasing now) for a 182 Trophy
Not trolling, ive been in one and it was indeed fast and rattly and plasticky, I'd have one if I wanted something like that but I'd worry about finding a good one now and any big bills if I ended up with a lemon..
If your handy with spanners then they make more sense but if you're paying a mechanic then old fast cars can be a money pit.
Forget the Clio, OP. You'll get a sorted RX8 for that cash. More power, more space, better interior, better handling, better looking. What's not to like?
Painey - Member
Indeed. I used to own one, for all of 4 weeks. Well known hedge finders. The 350hp TVR I owned before it I was much easier to drive.
Odd that moving the engine from front to middle gave some "interesting" handling characteristics
The Flying Ox - MemberForget the Clio, OP. You'll get a sorted RX8 for that cash. More power, more space, better interior, better handling, better looking. What's not to like?
Now thats trolling
6 foot mate. I've read about the offset steering wheel issues.
David. I have a mondeo to take the kids to the zoo in 🙄
This is purely for the wife to go to work in and maybe for me to stick the bike in and go to the trail centre. Or perhaps they won't let me into the car park as it will look crap against all the Audi estates and t5 vans.
As a full adult man, with children, I think it's the sort of car you can't really get away with driving.Your kids friends parents will judge you -
And...?
Judge away! Says more about them than it does about him
If you want one, get one, and screw what 'they' think
David. I have a mondeo to take the kids to the zoo in
🙂 Phewff!
Crack on then, personally I'd have a Civic Type R as they're potentially more reliable. Plus they rev to about 8500 rpm, so great for doing laps of town in first gear.
Another good option, Toyota Corolla T sport. Bit of a sleeper car, so you could probably take your kids mates to the zoo in it and scare them shitless.
I've got a friend who's a serial car buyer/seller. He's had a couple of Porsche 944s (S2 Turbo?), a Stag, Dolomite Sprint, MGB GT, had Mondeos as family cars but they've been the 3L V6 or 2.5T engines, and he's now got a Clio 172 (amongst one or two others). He's had it for longer than pretty much any other car I've known him to own. I think it's basically what cbmotorsport says above, it's a relatively cheap to run go-kart that's happy on country lanes/around town/cruising down the motorway.
now that's trolling
[img]
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Odd that moving the engine from front to middle gave some "interesting" handling characteristics
Was more that when it did let go, you had no warning and couldn't do anything about it.
May work out differently for you depending on where your height is, but for me at 5'11" with 33" inside leg, I found I couldn't fit comfortably in a standard 182 - I found the leather and alcantara seats rather overstuffed. The poverty spec (and rather less generously padded) cloth seats in my old 182 Cup made the difference between me fitting comfortably and not.6 foot mate. I've read about the offset steering wheel issues
It'll be a both wheels off job, and even so it could be a tight fit depending on what you ride. My old Pace RC405 fitted with both wheels off, but it was a bit snug and really needed the front seat forward a notch further than I'd prefer. With modern bikes generally having slacker head angles, longer forks and longer wheelbase, not to mention the general trend towards wider bars... I ended up with roof carriers as the slightly larger Cup spec roof spoiler didn't play nice with rear hatch mounted carriers, and with the twin pipes on a 182 anything requiring a towbar is a non-starter.maybe for me to stick the bike in and go to the trail centre
Not so much cruising down the motorway - not a major drama if you're only doing it now and then, but sitting at a steady 70 on the motorway in a 172 or 182 is not an especially relaxing experience. Not especially relevant to the OP by the sounds of it, but if 100+ mile motorway trips are even remotely regular, I'd be looking elsewhere (and did). That said, the "Cup Chassis" handling tweaks could have been exacerbating thingsI think it's basically what cbmotorsport says above, it's a relatively cheap to run go-kart that's happy on country lanes/around town/cruising down the motorway
There's a point, my 17" Five is snug, your 29er could be tricky. Reckon it would go though (just).
The steering wheel lines up better with the seat than the one in our T5. The pedals... not so much. The height issue comes from the seat not going as low as you would expect.
A standard or "full-fat" will have cruise control for the days you do have to go on an m-way trip. Certainly helps the sanity, we just about survived Glasgow > London and back
Crack on then, personally I'd have a Civic Type R as they're potentially more reliable. Plus they rev to about 8500 rpm, so great for doing laps of town in first gear.
Vtec kicked in yo! (EDIT: DTF got modded?)
Legend,have you not had a xl meta sx in the back of yours?
Vtec kicked in yo!
😀 A mate had one for a while quite a few years ago. It was fast and sounded awesome. After travelling in it, I can certainly understand why powerful cars with loud exhausts appeal to certain men (small ones especially).
My 182 Cup had cruise control too. My point was more that the lively handling - which made the car so much fun on little roads - made motorway journeys a bit tiresome. Well, that and the noise. This isn't intended as a criticism of the car btw - as I mentioned in an earlier post, there are days when I really miss the general bonkers-ness of it. However, my circumstances changed, my driving habits changed, so I changed my car.A standard or "full-fat" will have cruise control for the days you do have to go on an m-way trip
stuartlangwilson - MemberLegend,have you not had a xl meta sx in the back of yours?
eerrrr yeah good point, I'd forgotten about that. Just to be clear to anyone else, that was an XL Meta SX and a 17" Five at the same time
My mate had a 172, bonkers fast and a wee bit scary as well.I went to a rugby match with him in it and tbh felt like I had played a game by the time we got there.The ride is a bit harsh. Went like a scalded cat mind you!
Evening. Why are men so hung up on the car/the model claiming it's a 'x' car etc yet would happily think a Golf R is cool etc or anyway driving an older GTI is a druggie etc
All fast/warm UK hatches are based on shopping trolleys. All Beemers are sales execs etc cars. Who cares? I always wanted a 182 etc but the steering wheel just felt a tad too big.
Anyone who looks down on a Type R for instance, I imagine they themselves drive round in a handmade limited edition motor and not a mass market diesel something.
Awesome cars- Renton could you widen your radius search and look at a early Clio 200?
Hora... I think they are still too pricey to be honest!
What about Twingo Sports? (Over budget I imagine but I'd love one!). I guess in some posters eyes that's make me ????? Or my current car a taxi driver. A red 182 would be awesome. Best colour IMO.
Hora and Renton discussing car purchasing. this has all the signs of being amazing.
Davidt - I'm disappointed. You gave in too early
I had a 172 cup with a few bits under the bonnet and on kw suspension. I wouldn't recommend it. The engine felt like it was just about to come on song when it was up nest the rev limiter. Needs another 2kk revs.
At that budget I'd look at the civic type t. Much better built, better chassis in my opinion and definitely a stronger more tuneable engine.
Looked at 182's briefly, but couldn't quite bring myself to get a French car, however well they handle, was looking for something a bit lower maintenance.
So we recently replaced the wifes Porsche 944 S2 with a Panda 100hp. Think the brakes will corrode out before they get worn out, foot in through all corners.
Not so much cruising down the motorway - not a major drama if you're only doing it now and then, but sitting at a steady 70 on the motorway in a 172 or 182 is not an especially relaxing experience.
Tbh, his other car has got a roll cage and a racing clutch, so it might be a case of "less bad" rather than "better" than the alternative.
I've had a phase 1 172 for a few years now and I absolutely love it.
I've done about 30,000 miles in mine (now on 80,000) and apart from a pair of new front dampers for the grand cost of ~£80 it's needed nothing other than consumables and normal servicing. 100% reliable, never a moments trouble, but then I look after cars properly.
I'm 6'2" and although the seating position is higher than I'd like, I have plenty of room.
Until recently it was our only car and got used for everything including 20 mile each way motorway commuting. Will do 40+mpg used like that but in fairness as someone else said it isn't the most relaxing thing to sit in at 70 on the motorway.
We now have a diesel estate for that commute (and DIY related stuff for the house we bought) but the clio won't be going anywhere. Too much fun for any driving that's not motorway commuting.
I really miss my liquid yellow 182. Amazing little car. Can only add to the points all ready given. It's small, French, it rattles, it's loud (mine had a Magnex catback system), and really really great to drive. 35mpg all day long. Great ride, only crashed about on big hits, strong engine if looked after.
I'd buy mine back in a heart beat if I could.
Sold my 182 about 18 months ago, and miss it most days still. It's not the most comfortable car, I found it difficult to get comfortable after about an hour of driving, But then i'm over 6 ft and alot wider than most. But thats not why you buy a small sporty hatchback.
I plan on owning another at some point in the future, i don't think there is much out there that is better for the money.
They're not cheap to keep when comparing them to a normal car of it's size, so people always say they're expensive to service, etc. But compare it to other cars that offer the same speed and it's probably about average. There are also lots of places that offer upgraded/quality/original parts for a lot less than buying from Renault direct.
Saying that though, as they are so cheap to buy now, some owners will skrimp on the servicing (whether through being cheap or just dumb), so you need to watch out for that.
I'd do a little research before buying to make sure you do get a good one. Find a good renault specialist near by that can service it and enjoy it.
Cliosport forum is a good place to start, and there are also plenty up for sale on there that have generally been looked after by it's current owner, with lots of receipts for replacement of old worn parts and servicing.
Had both a 172 and a 182 trophy, Loved em both, bit hard but thats the price you pay with most performance ish cars. Used to put two bikes in the back with wheels off. Passed the 182 on to my son who is 6'2" and he had no problems size wise,he then went onto a 200 Cup. Apart from servicing the 172 had one bulb,an exhaust and a set of discs and pads in three years. The Recaro seats in the 182 are a little snug. It's all about the handling, you soon forget about a few rattles.
Get one bought
Great cars. Own a PH1 172 and a 182. !82 is standard but still great for the 7 mile commute down country roads. Got cruise control, climate, leather interior etc. Having said that its not a 3 series so don't expect it to be built like one! Cost me £1500 is on 123k and pulls like a train. The 172 has been modded a bit (coilovers, polybushed, loud exhaust) was going to break it but miss it too much ... so it being fixed for a track toy!
Cliosport forum is a gold mine. Bits break as with any car. You fix them ....
plenty of bits about. Spent bugger all on mine really considering their age, millage and how i drive them. Cambelt is the biggy as with any car but plenty of people who do them well for resonable money.
If these cars are so bad why are there so many about still?
And anyone thinking you can get a Civic type-r for 2K now a days is dreaming.
I love my 200, it's gets loads of smiles per gallon, id love to pick up a 17-18 at some point.
Just got a mk phase 1 off the back of this thread. Quick ganders on autotrader turned up two or three low milers locally. Pick her up Saturday morning
mk3 even
This is one car that 'got away' for me, I fancied one ten (?) years back after having a Saxo VTR. I really liked the Trophy but ended up following my WRC interest and have had Imprezas since. I still fancy a 182 though!
Renton, when you say you want it as a 'little project' what do you mean?
Vulgar/tasteless/loud i.e. Chav summed up
I can think of many, many Porsches (mostly 911 but their 4x4 counts as well) that look a lot more vulgar that that Clio. And quite a few BMWs as well (X6 is just one).
joff - Member
Just got a mk 3 phase 1 off the back of this thread. Quick ganders on autotrader turned up two or three low milers locally. Pick her up Saturday morning
a 197 then? How well do you know the folk at your local petrol station? 😉
Not very well I ride to work mostly, in fact owning this one will make me ride more I reckon.
Any new car pics?
They're ace. An unmolested one looks pretty good still.
I love them - come close to buying one a couple of times. We've had a few in the family over the years (friend worked for Renault so we got them dirt cheap). My unlce liked cars and swapped his A8 for a 172 and bought a full fat 182 after his S3. He did quite a few miles and loved them.
They were both really reliable, fast and fun. Never had an issue fitting in them - I'm six foot or so and managed to get comfy in the ones that I've driven. I had the same shape Clio (none RS) and used to get two DH bikes in the back with the wheels off (Demo 9 and a Demo 8).
I don't think they're all that terrible on the mororway - my 61 plate Fiesta Zetec S was far worse for nVH levels etc. I put up with that thing for 84k...I was so close to taking the car allowance and buying a 182. Wish I had.
If you can stretch the budget, I'd try and get a Trophy.
Wouldn't recommend a trophy unless you're happy with doing constant front damper refurbs.
iirc the service interval on the Sachs dampers is 40,000 miles isn't it? Not exactly constant
I don't think there is a declared 'service interval' for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I'm out.
Loving mine so far, interior is like new on it and she goes like a missile when you give it some legs. Doesn't fit in the garage though without some serious mirror tucking and three doors is a royal pain in the ass once in the garage, previous motor was an mg zs and she just rolled in, no problems. That aside the smile it puts on your face makes up for all that.
Anyone had to replace one of these key less fobs?
I don't think there is a declared 'service interval' for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I'm out.
But that can be applied to pretty much most car parts if you're unlucky / hamfisted.
Look at the E46 M3 - some people will tell you that the sub frame will 100% crcak, but there'll be loads that are fine.
Biscuit Powered - MemberI don't think there is a declared 'service interval' for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I'm out.
Had another look into this last night, cant figure out where i got 40k from. What I did see is that they seem to last anywhere between 15k and 45k. Suppose you'd just send them off to Loco with your mtb shocks every year!