Looking to buy a Clio Sport

[iacabu]

Last year I signed up to the forum as I was looking for a 172 but instead ended up with an mx5.
However, I am now looking once again. For £1500 - £2000 I know I can get a decent 172 but there are a few 182s creeping in at this budget too. I prefer the wheels and exhausts on the 182 but would rather buy a car in the best condition...any advice for me?

Also, when checking the cambelt receipts, what exactly should be done...timing belt, aux belt and dephaser pulley?

Thanks!

 

[Willo40]

I think most people on here will tell you the same thing mate, go for the best car you can afford, probably a 172 for that budget, Although I paid not much more than your bottom figure for my 182, I think I get pretty lucky, also look out for FF is you like toys, as this has everything.....

 

[Bear Head]

Last year I signed up to the forum as I was looking for a 172 but instead ended up with an mx5.
However, I am now looking once again. For £1500 - £2000 I know I can get a decent 172 but there are a few 182s creeping in at this budget too. I prefer the wheels and exhausts on the 182 but would rather buy a car in the best condition...any advice for me?

Also, when checking the cambelt receipts, what exactly should be done...timing belt, aux belt and dephaser pulley?

Thanks!

You want a reputable garage to have done the full cambelt and aux belt kit so this includes tensioners etc and pulleys.

I'd be reluctant to touch if hadn't had dephaser done too to be fair.

Look for a lot of receipts and good service history.

 

[Rob669]

Buy one from someone on here. You can then probably do your research and see what they've said is wrong with it (and whether it was fixed).

 

[iacabu]

You want a reputable garage to have done the full cambelt and aux belt kit so this includes tensioners etc and pulleys.

I'd be reluctant to touch if hadn't had dephaser done too to be fair.

Look for a lot of receipts and good service history.

Is the dephaser that important if there are no signs? I have seen a car that had it's belts done 30k and 3 years ago but not the dephaser, it's currently on 100k with no noises. Is it worth a look for £1500 - haggling? Bearing mind the belts would be getting done within a year or 2.

Buy one from someone on here. You can then probably do your research and see what they've said is wrong with it (and whether it was fixed).

That is a tactic I've used before, thanks. Shame there doesn't seem to be too much about on the forum at my price within the last week. I have messaged a couple though.

 

[Bear Head]

Is the dephaser that important if there are no signs? I have seen a car that had it's belts done 30k and 3 years ago but not the dephaser, it's currently on 100k with no noises. Is it worth a look for £1500 - haggling? Bearing mind the belts would be getting done within a year or 2.



That is a tactic I've used before, thanks. Shame there doesn't seem to be too much about on the forum at my price within the last week. I have messaged a couple though.

The problem is that if the dephaser wasn't changed it would tell me that it'd been run on a shoe string and not been properly looked after. I doubt anyone would do the belts without the dephaser really as it's another 150 quid and if it goes then you've just wasted your belt money haven't you?

Plus nothing worse than having fresh belts and the dephaser to start rattling.

Everyone's opinions are different but personally I wouldn't buy one that hadn't had it done. I reckon most reputable garages would rather replace it anyway for their own peace of mind mate.

 

[choong-moo]

The problem is that if the dephaser wasn't changed it would tell me that it'd been run on a shoe string and not been properly looked after. I doubt anyone would do the belts without the dephaser really as it's another 150 quid and if it goes then you've just wasted your belt money haven't you?

Plus nothing worse than having fresh belts and the dephaser to start rattling.

Everyone's opinions are different but personally I wouldn't buy one that hadn't had it done. I reckon most reputable garages would rather replace it anyway for their own peace of mind mate.

This. One came up for sale near me. Had only had the belts done 4mths and the pulley started rattling. What a waste of money. He seemed to think it wasn't a big deal coz it was only the pulley needing replaced but that's a full belt change bill less the cost of the belt. Personally I wouldn't refit a used belt even if it was only months old though. Gambling really.

 

[iacabu]

Thanks for the replies. If nothing else comes up before next week I will go and view it anyway. If the rest of it seems ok I will try and haggle enough to make it worth while changing the belts straight away, otherwise I'll leave it.

 

[Bear Head]

Thanks for the replies. If nothing else comes up before next week I will go and view it anyway. If the rest of it seems ok I will try and haggle enough to make it worth while changing the belts straight away, otherwise I'll leave it.

Yeah no worries pal. I travelled a good 2 hours for mine mate. Was the first one I viewed but it was a forum car and been hugely looked after. If you do your homework the first one should be the only one really if all seems in order and you like it!

If you don't know the car's ask a forum member to go with matey one drive and I'd know what was what as I'm sure everyone else will with regards to engine clutch and trans etc

 

[Rob669]

I wanted a 172 Cup two year's ago. I looked at five, traveled 200 mile round trips at least twice and spent 3 months on the search. I only went to view so called great and unmolested examples, they were all dogs so in the end I bought an Impreza. It might take you longer than you imagine to find a good one as these are getting old now.

 

[Bear Head]

I wanted a 172 Cup two year's ago. I looked at five, traveled 200 mile round trips at least twice and spent 3 months on the search. I only went to view so called great and unmolested examples, they were all dogs so in the end I bought an Impreza. It might take you longer than you imagine to find a good one as these are getting old now.

I do agree. I got lucky I guess but mine is a minter being honest. Did cost me though. I think you're best paying as much as possible because dear cars are dear for a reason (usually)

 

[Rob669]

Agreed, 'usually'. There's one currently advertised on here that seems to fit this category!l

 

[Bear Head]

Agreed, 'usually'. There's one currently advertised on here that seems to fit this category!l

Hahaha. It's funny, I've seen some of these dear examples and they are s**t. I once went with my mate to a 'sports car garage' specialising in all special stuff. I asked him to open the bonnet and the engine was so black it was a joke and no engine coolant whatsoever! The car was missing three alloy covers, alloys were different shades of anthracite and the gordini stripes were knackered. He wanted 3500 quid and this was 2 months ago lol. What a pile of s**t that car really was.