Clio 172 Cup issues and what to look out for.

[Jakeeaton127]

Hello,

I’m looking at getting a Clio 172 Cup for my first car as the insurance isn’t too bad and I love RS Renaults. This car in particular has sat since 2017 and I do not know a lot about its past. I know it’s going to need a cambelt due to the age of it but what else should I look out for when buying it and what will it probably need?

Thanks.

 

[Crybert]

This sounds like a massive project for a first car. If it’s been sat for almost 10 years it could need a lot of money to get it roadworthy. Tyres, brakes, all belts, big service, rust issues. Unless you’re getting it for buttons I wouldn’t be buying something like this as a first car

 

[Jakeeaton127]

Yeah I know it’s a big project, I’m yet to find out the price as the owner is not sure yet. I’ve got the time and the place to fix it as I work as a mechanic and the other staff used to be RS Specialists. I want it because of its condition mainly as I want a challenge and a project to keep my busy when I’m not in college or at work.

 

[Ant1]

Aslong as there is no rust - everything else fixable with money and time.

 

[npt]

Yup as above, rust is your main concern, next regular issue is electrical problems, immobiliser/uch faults and crunching gearbox more so at high rpm.

Everything else is very simple to replace, I'd always buy the best one possible to spend money on

 

[Crybert]

Yeah I know it’s a big project, I’m yet to find out the price as the owner is not sure yet. I’ve got the time and the place to fix it as I work as a mechanic and the other staff used to be RS Specialists. I want it because of its condition mainly as I want a challenge and a project to keep my busy when I’m not in college or at work.

That’s a bonus then. You should be fine with that type of knowledge to lean on. If the price is right and it’s not totally fucked go for it. They’re amazing wee cars

 

[MAXRUNDOWN]

Sounds like a terrible idea tbh, especially on apprentice mechanics wages if they're anything like they were when I was an apprentice (granted that was 25yrs ago 🤣)

It's a romantic idea of buying/recommissioning a project as your first car (believe me, I tried, realised I couldn't afford it and got s**t from my parents for having 'scrap' cars on the drive) but in reality you need your first car to be reliable and cheap to run. Project cars only really work when you've got something else to daily.

A late twingo 133 is going to be ten years newer than a Clio cup, would give you a broadly similar driving experience and if you bought a nice one shouldn't need loads of work or money throwing at it.

 

[bowen86]

Sounds like a terrible idea, I'll buy it.

In all seriousness, it does sound like a bad idea. First car needs to be something reliable and working. This sounds like a project car.

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Is it a good idea, no. Should you do it, yes!

As long as you know what you're letting yourself in for then go for it

 

[Matt Cup]

TBF the cup has a a bit less to go wrong than a regular 1#2 (no a/c or abs or fancy headlight issues to deal with).

 

[Jakeeaton127]

Thanks for the info everyone, sadly the owner has decided not to sell it to me as he wants to keep it as an investment for the future. His other cup is worth more in parts he said than selling it. Shame really as I was looking forward to having a RS for my first car but a 172/182 is definitely on my bucket list for the future. I’ve now found a Mk2 Ph1 RSI for a project instead of an RS as I can’t find a RS project for decent money.

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Thanks for the info everyone, sadly the owner has decided not to sell it to me as he wants to keep it as an investment for the future. His other cup is worth more in parts he said than selling it. Shame really as I was looking forward to having a RS for my first car but a 172/182 is definitely on my bucket list for the future. I’ve now found a Mk2 Ph1 RSI for a project instead of an RS as I can’t find a RS project for decent money.

How much you looking at spending? I may be tempted to let my phase 1 172 go for the right money. Would need a bit of work to get back fully road worthy, but it's only on 56k so wouldn't be cheap cheap

 

[Jakeeaton127]

How much you looking at spending? I may be tempted to let my phase 1 172 go for the right money. Would need a bit of work to get back fully road worthy, but it's only on 56k so wouldn't be cheap cheap

How much would you be looking for it?

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

How much would you be looking for it?

I'll PM you later on mate

 

[colesy]

I’ve got my ex 172 cup race car shell that will be available in the next month or so if you wanted a proper project.
It’s not rolling but will come with:
Subframe
Lower arms
Rear beam
Body panels
Windows
She’s had a life but with some work could go back on the road, V5 is present.

 

[Jakeeaton127]

I’ve got my ex 172 cup race car shell that will be available in the next month or so if you wanted a proper project.
It’s not rolling but will come with:
Subframe
Lower arms
Rear beam
Body panels
Windows
She’s had a life but with some work could go back on the road, V5 is present.

Thanks for the offer but that’s probably going to be a lot more than I can handle for the time being.

 

[Jakeeaton127]

I'll PM you later on mate

👍

 

[ex-Chinese Dave]

On these older cars there are so many things to look out for. As has been said already, all the big stuff (belts and servicing, gearbox, suspension parts, brakes etc) are the priority and then there's all the 'smaller' stuff, too (electrical items, melted steering wheel, exhaust, tyres, paintwork, headlights etc etc) that will need attention. I've just had another big bill for my Cup and there's still a few of the smaller jobs to sort out....and even then it'll never be a minter unless it has a full paint job. On the positive side, as you work through everything you grow to love the car more and more, unless your bank manager pulls the plug!

Whichever model you choose definitely start with a rust free shell, decent paintwork and good history. I'd make sure the belts are not due for at least 3 years to give you a bit of time to sort everything out. From time to time some decent ones pop on here from trusted people and that's who i'd buy from. I bought mine for a guy who doesn't post on here much and it was reasonable for the price. But I nearly bought from a guy called Russ on here and had i'd done that I think i'd have save a few grand as his car was in better condition (his came up a few months too early for me). If your choice has been serviced well the engine should be good. Mine is on 140k and is still almost putting out the factory figures (mine is 168bhp).

Good luck.

 

[Jakeeaton127]

On these older cars there are so many things to look out for. As has been said already, all the big stuff (belts and servicing, gearbox, suspension parts, brakes etc) are the priority and then there's all the 'smaller' stuff, too (electrical items, melted steering wheel, exhaust, tyres, paintwork, headlights etc etc) that will need attention. I've just had another big bill for my Cup and there's still a few of the smaller jobs to sort out....and even then it'll never be a minter unless it has a full paint job. On the positive side, as you work through everything you grow to love the car more and more, unless your bank manager pulls the plug!

Whichever model you choose definitely start with a rust free shell, decent paintwork and good history. I'd make sure the belts are not due for at least 3 years to give you a bit of time to sort everything out. From time to time some decent ones pop on here from trusted people and that's who i'd buy from. I bought mine for a guy who doesn't post on here much and it was reasonable for the price. But I nearly bought from a guy called Russ on here and had i'd done that I think i'd have save a few grand as his car was in better condition (his came up a few months too early for me). If your choice has been serviced well the engine should be good. Mine is on 140k and is still almost putting out the factory figures (mine is 168bhp).

Good luck.

Thanks for the info, It’s good to know that the engines last and are still running good bhp after high mileage. I’m saving up for one I’ve been offered at the moment and I can’t wait to start fixing it when I do get it.