I want my old car back

[gazcaddy]

Same thing here mate.....i think it's way over hyped, will be getting rid of mine to get somthing decent with a bit of go

Get rid of it then, i question why you bought it in the 1st place? surely if you are spending a lot of money on something then you are going to make sure its right for you?

Also I dont care what anyone says 172's are faster than VTS

 

[John D]

i hope your right. even though i know from a meet we had a few weeks ago i could carry loads more speed through a series of motorway roundabouts than a 182, so much so i was up the arse of the 182 to the top of 3rd b4 it even started to pull anything.

i just wanna take it back at the minute.

You must have had the fastest 1.4 Clio in histroy if a 182 couldnt pull away from you until 90mph (top of 3rd) as a 182 will hit a 100 from a standstill at least 15secs faster than a 1.4

Its easier to go into bends fast if your following. Harry obviously had more confidence to throw his car in than the 182 driver.

Gaz your quoting standing start times which are irrelevant if one car comes off the corner much faster.

 

[Peperami]

I think you guys are looking for dual carriageway blasters. If so, buy something different. Cross country, the 172 is a very quick car, and will humble much more exotic machinery if driven correctly.

 

[Graham Gooch]

Stangest thread I've read in a long time tbh.

 

[172boost]

I think you guys are looking for dual carriageway blasters. If so, buy something different. Cross country, the 172 is a very quick car, and will humble much more exotic machinery if driven correctly.

Well said mate, hence the reason I said about getting a car with a turbo. Sounds like this guy needs to get himself something like a turbo'd supra/mr2/200sx.

 

[lewisniven]

33mpg?? ur doing sumthing wrong, if i drive uber sensibly i can average 40-44mpg in my cup. You using optimax? Using the gears to slow down? Upshifting nice and early etc etc?

 

[172boost]

I think he's bought a wreck tbh, either that or he is fibbing about the figures.

 

[seb]

I tihkn people should try and be a bit more helpful. Harry is only posting up because he is disallusioned (sp) by his 172. At least some people are posting sensible replies to try and help.

There may well be a problem with his car, or maybe there isn't. The 172 is quick at best. It isn't some hypercar really, altohugh many on here would argue till their fingers dropped off that it was.

It does take a bit of time getting used to a new car in my experiences. Maybe Harry set this 172 in his head too much and so feels let down now he has it after wanting it for so long.

I never got over 33mpg average on a tank with my 182 so i see notihng worng with Harry getting 33mpg in his 172.

Stick with it for a bit HArry, you may grow to like it!

 

[172boost]

I tihkn people should try and be a bit more helpful. Harry is only posting up because he is disallusioned (sp) by his 172. At least some people are posting sensible replies to try and help.

There may well be a problem with his car, or maybe there isn't. The 172 is quick at best. It isn't some hypercar really, altohugh many on here would argue till their fingers dropped off that it was.

It does take a bit of time getting used to a new car in my experiences. Maybe Harry set this 172 in his head too much and so feels let down now he has it after wanting it for so long.

I never got over 33mpg average on a tank with my 182 so i see notihng worng with Harry getting 33mpg in his 172.

Stick with it for a bit HArry, you may grow to like it!

I think people have been helpful to him.
The trouble is, this is a clio forum and everybody on here loves their clio (apart from this guy).

 

[Topgeartom]

Its a point thats already been made but a small engined/slower car can be so much more fun than a larger engined/more powerful car when screwing the tits off it on a country road somewhere.

If youve got a 1.2 or 1.4 with sub-100bhp then chances are if your giving it the shoe you will be foot to the floor constantly working every last bhp out of the engine and making the most of its nimbler handling. With a less powerful car theres also the feeling its never really going to bite you on the arse if you push too hard.

Being on the limit in a 1.4 can be far more fun than driving the same road in something far more capable as chances are in the more powerful car you will never get to use its full potential. No doubt on a track a 172 would spank the slower car and feel great as you could push it to its limits without the nagging feeling it is desperate to acquaint you with the nearest hedge.

Its not a watertight example, but last weekend i went out in my friends 160bhp stripped out and slammed starlet GT turbo, which for such a small car is terrifyingly quick, on a deserted dual carriage way he put the toe in and very quickly we were doing almost double the national speed limit, however when we hit the yorkshire dales back roads my friend who was with us in a 205 1.8 Diesel with 60 bhp just dissapeared in the distance by a very very long way, and sat right on our arse was another friend in a 1.2 fiesta. Now i know the drivers involved have a lot to do with the situation, but speaking as a passenger in the gt turbo it felt like we were close to the limits of what the car could do on that road - putting the power down was extremely difficult, and the nervousness associated with the prospect of torque steering into a wall caused us to be far far slower than the mentioned 205 which ive ridden in many times, and in that its a case of welding foot to floor and getting the absolutel maximum amount of speed available from each corner. Its a damn sight more fun on twisties than the starlet, although as with a 172, the turbo roars off once you hit the straights.

My advice would be (as someone already said) to get a trackday sorted, youll no doubt garner a new found sense of respect for the capabilities of the car, which might give you the confidence to push it that bit more in real world driving.

Appologies for length, girth and duration.

 

[Steve2004]

My first post here as only got my 172 on saturday x reg (2000) 42,000, full history 4 news tyres and completley bog standard, £3,700 and I have to agree with the op here the 172 does not feel very quick at all, i was expecting it to go much better than my old car (standard saxo VTS) but it don't handle as well or seem any quicker, in fact it feels slower, don't get me wrong it's not that slow but it can hardly re regarded as a 'fast car', my mates astra 1.8 is as quick so i don't understand all the fuss you lot seem to make about these cars as so far it seems s**t

and yes I did test drive it but you don't really get a full feeling for a motor from a quick drive.

I felt the same when I first got my 172, it didn't feel any faster than my old 1.4 fiesta. You've really got to learn how to drive it properly and get the most out of it. Took a while, but got there in the end

My old fiesta feels like a dying, hairless, cancer-ridden dog now lol.

Although I am craving something with some real power now. Yum yum.

 

[Rhino172]

You'll get used to it Harry, I sold my valver for a 172 and at first I had no trust in it's capabilities at all, took it real easy round bends and pulling away etc but I'm getting more and more used to it now and pushing it a little more each time I take it out...it will come with time...imo they are currenty the best car performance/toys/category wise you can get for the money..

valid point by Topgeartom there...I went out to meet adam (ajkeatly)from here when he had his 1.2 clio and I was in the valver...we went for a blast round the road near him with some other CS members and he totally diasapeared into the distance left me for s**t but obviously that was due to knowledge of the road etc as I've never driven it before

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

I think people have been helpful to him.
The trouble is, this is a clio forum and everybody on here is gay (apart from this guy).

That's hardly true, a lot of people join for the community and to share the solemness in owning a French trolley, whether it's to laugh at those EVEN LESS fortunate (people who own Corsas or Saxos) or to share knowledge on problems.

I was looking at getting a 172 (ph2) this month, but after test driving one I realised it doesn't do anything I can't wait a year for (in which time I'll be a lot more secure financially). And as I said, the 172 is cheap, but the Dci is free in comparison. Would be a bit silly to give it up unless I really had to for now I think.

 

[RichRSi]

I wouldn't worry Harry.
You obviously used to do many miles in your 1.4 and I'm guesing alot of them were for pleasure, right?

Well I guess you just became so used to that car it seems alien driving the 172 now.
Part of this is because you prob used to drive the 1.4 on the limit of it's capabilities but the 172 will need a track and some skill to do that, the public roads just aint safe enough to drive a 172 bhp hatchback around on the limit.

I had the same thing in my old MX5, you could really play with it (snow, ice and rain) and have to do somthing stupid to plant it in a hedge.
It was just a beautifully ballanced car in terms of power / weight / grip / handling. After years of owning it everything else seemed a bit alien to me too, but I'm loving my 1.6 clio now.

 

[Neil G]

I never tested my old Impreza so I found the experience a bit dull after a while so I can see where some people are coming from.

I think it's all down to driver enjoyment/satisfaction

 

[RichRSi]

I think it's all down to driver enjoyment/satisfaction

You're spot on there Neil.

Look at the amount of owners clubs for obscure cars like austin allegros etc, someone somewhere loves em! So tbh it doent matter what the car is; standard / modded or what ever, so long as it makes you happy.

 

[jimmyriddle]

funny this! when i got mine it didnt feel right, ive been looking at selling it for a while but wasnt that sure, so i changed the exhaust, polished that b**ch up and now its just (after a yr) starting to grow on me! its weird! will keep it for another yr then maybe get rid, good fun now tho. give it time

 

[jiminy]

i found my car disapointing when i got it, but i had come from a car i had loved for 5 years
i found the suspension a bit dodgy at highish speed corners but a set of eibech pros fixed this
the car is very capable with a pretty dull engine and good ride quality so it kind of hides its skills, eg there isnt much differance between a integra dc2 and my cup in regard to peformance but a dc2 always feels ferocious where as the clio is nice and gentle
i find the longer i own it the more i enjoy it and i get over 30mpg which is a lot for a hot hatch
the only time i am truly impressed with the performance is on fast curvy roads and then it is pretty fantastic

 

[gazcaddy]

You must have had the fastest 1.4 Clio in histroy if a 182 couldnt pull away from you until 90mph (top of 3rd) as a 182 will hit a 100 from a standstill at least 15secs faster than a 1.4

Its easier to go into bends fast if your following. Harry obviously had more confidence to throw his car in than the 182 driver.

Gaz your quoting standing start times which are irrelevant if one car comes off the corner much faster.

Yes they are standing start times, also note that if he was up the arse of the 182 as he put it how could he possibly be going faster? If he was going much faster off the roundabout then he would have had to break(to a similar speed to the 182) so he didnt run into the back of the 182, then when they both accelerated the 182 would have pulled away easily.

 

[Djw John]

Harry I was disappointed with my 172 as well which I ran along with the 1.4 9 times out of 10 I took the 1.4 cos I had more fun in it! Was so used to it after doing 65000 miles in it compared to about 200 in the 172.

I reckon if Id kept the 172 it would have got better but remember the chassis are practically the same so a 172 is never gonna be loads and laods quicker through the corners but ended up chopping it on for the negane coupe which is also more fun to me, dunno why!!

 

[M7CUO_V6]

My v6 was awfull, less than 20mpg, but i didnt have to drive it much.

 

[John D]

I never got over 33mpg average on a tank with my 182 so i see notihng worng with Harry getting 33mpg in his 172.

Stick with it for a bit HArry, you may grow to like it!

I see nothing wrong with the mpg he's getting either.

Echo that last comment too. I've had mine about 8 months and I enjoy it more and more every day. Give yourself time to learn the car

 

[TheJesus]

Harry, get the car on diagnostics and make sure it's all running perfect, then just take some time and get used to it. I was unsure on my 172 after coming from a Williams... okay, this one is highly tuned and far faster, but it's not special, no where near as fun, or as comfy and doesn't handle half as good, but I love it none the less

 

[rory182]

dunno why!!

to be fair, your 172 was a piece of s**t :rasp:

 

[rory182]

IMO opinion if you cant see a big difference then you're doing something wrong. I had a 205gti and my 182 side by side for a while too and just stopped driving the gti.

I loved the gti, it was awesome but the 182 carries a lot more speed - I can go into bends easily 20mph faster - granted cant go round the bends any faster but to carry more speed between them gets me places extremely quickly point to point they are tremendous.

Plus overtaking is a luxury, can cleanly and safely pass pretty much anything you like.

 

[Gaz_]

Gay. I love the way how everyone is on a downer bashing the 172 etc.... goes on alot on here. I LOVE mine. You just need to get some new springs or coilovers, set them up then take it for a back lane rape....... Evo praised these cars remember and they drive ALL the competition. If you think the RS's are poor, just think how bad some of the 'competion' is out there that evo dont rate etc.......

 

[Craig]

fully agree there gaz

 

[Gaz_]

fight the resistance

 

[Craig]

asmuch as i loved the 172ff i prefer the 182 alot more. i would of had a 172 cup but i like the creature comforts

 

[rob172cup]

it will get under your skin just give it time

 

[Graham Gooch]

Standard suspension setup on my 182 cup packed, is more than adequate. Don't forget the stock setup has alot of play in it too allow more fun less focused grip and turn in, thats not to say it isn't sharp enough anyway.

I find with coilover cars the setups remove alot of fun factor with the chassis and turn the car into a far more serious focused product, and thats fine if you want to do that imo.

 

[Gaz_]

Ageed, i'm actually a big fan of the standard (well cup lol) set up. I was all for selling in the summer, and returned my car to a pretty much standard setup. Removed the H&R's to stock set up and was VERY impressed, felt very planted at speed and soaked up all the niggles in the road, the suspension is 'long legged' and is spot on for B road bashing lol. Trouble with coilovers is they, imo, can upset the car on the rough stuff..... Mine is too low mind. Might raise it this weekend.

 

[Djw John]

dunno why!!

to be fair, your 172 was a piece of s**t :rasp:

good point well made

 

[Graham Gooch]

Ageed, i'm actually a big fan of the standard (well cup lol) set up. I was all for selling in the summer, and returned my car to a pretty much standard setup. Removed the H&R's to stock set up and was VERY impressed, felt very planted at speed and soaked up all the niggles in the road, the suspension is 'long legged' and is spot on for B road bashing lol. Trouble with coilovers is they, imo, can upset the car on the rough stuff..... Mine is too low mind. Might raise it this weekend.

Was it corner weighted and professionally setup?

 

[TheJesus]

Standard suspension setup on my 182 cup packed, is more than adequate. Don't forget the stock setup has alot of play in it too allow more fun less focused grip and turn in, thats not to say it isn't sharp enough anyway.

I find with coilover cars the setups remove alot of fun factor with the chassis and turn the car into a far more serious focused product, and thats fine if you want to do that imo.

agree with that, mine's just intense when driven hard... it's fun, but requires a little too much concentration as it's very... lively I guess is the best word to describe... lol

 

[Gaz_]

Ageed, i'm actually a big fan of the standard (well cup lol) set up. I was all for selling in the summer, and returned my car to a pretty much standard setup. Removed the H&R's to stock set up and was VERY impressed, felt very planted at speed and soaked up all the niggles in the road, the suspension is 'long legged' and is spot on for B road bashing lol. Trouble with coilovers is they, imo, can upset the car on the rough stuff..... Mine is too low mind. Might raise it this weekend.

Was it corner weighted and professionally setup?

nooooo, had the camber/tracking adjusted at tweeks after my mate fitted them, corner weighting is over kill for road use imo

 

[TheJesus]

what camber you running Gaz? did you have the rears done too?

I was going to get the rears done until I was told you need shims to do it... f**k that, I'll just go with the fronts for the moment... plus should save me having to get rears as often lol

 

[Gaz_]

fack knows can't remember now!! (got the print out buried somwhere lol) had it done last june, probably needs a slight tweek, but as i'm thinking about raising it a wee bit, and it needs tyres soon, i'll wait untill i decide what to do!!!

yeah, and as you said rears cant be adjusted unless shims are fitted, think yozza does them?

 

[TrannyB]

this thread is a joke you are comparing a 1.4 to a 2.0 and you would rather have the 1.4 Give it time you will learn to appreciate your 172 and remember those corners are coming at you quicker than before so maybe it aint the cars reaction it could just be you.

 

[DH_GTI]

i think you just need to get used to the power and the setup mate, i went from a 1.2 to my 182 and you have to really think about what you are doing, you cant floor it all the time, its alot more demanding (spl) car to drive imo, but i love mine and will never look back
hope this helps