172 Phase 1 OEM+

Hello everyone! A little warning, I am an American but I have dreamed of owning a Clio RS for as long as I can remember. They aren't available in the states and we can't import anything that's newer than 25 years old. A bit of a want what you can't have thing I suppose.

I am in the military and in an extreme stretch of luck I got stationed in Greece and found a near perfect 2000 172 Phase 1. I'll be here until fall of 2025 and I plan to import it to the states when I leave. As far as I know, it will be the very first Clio 2 in the US outside of the one Sport V6 that is held in a museum. The difference with mine being it will be road legal.

About the Clio: It is a 2000 172 with 114,000 km. Most everything is in perfect condition as it has been sitting in a garage for the last 6 years, the only exceptions being a few small scuffs and interior blemishes. It is completely stock and runs very well.



As you can see, the headlights need a bit of polishing. This is a bit of an older image and they have since been polished.



About 2 weeks after I bought it, it sprung an oil leak which got into the alternator and killed it. Typical of a car that has been sitting for a while so it didn't bother me too much. €800 and a few weeks later and it has no more oil leaks with a fresh alternator.



Funnily enough I ordered the RenaultSport Sabelt wheel the night before my oil leak and alternator issues popped up. Nonetheless I got the car back and promptly installed the wheel.

Overall I am extremely happy with this car so far. I know a lot of you grew up seeing these around but I never got that chance so it somewhat surreal owning this car. I seriously love it and it's such a great feeling hopping in this car every day.

I do have quite a few things planned for this car. Some I will be able to do here in Greece but some will need to wait until I take it back to the states and have access to my shop again. Likely after Christmas I will be ordering RSTuner with a tune from Henk as well as an induction kit. I will do my best to keep this as updated as possible!

This will look incredibly small driving around the states. Props for taking one over!

Matt Cup said:

This will look incredibly small driving around the states. Props for taking one over!

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Yes, very much so. I used to daily an MX5 in the states so luckily I'm used to it. I imagine I'll get a few more looks driving this though!

wow, so strange of an American to "dream" about this car

Wish you best of luck! Wont be easy sourcing parts in US

Optimista said:

wow, so strange of an American to "dream" about this car

Wish you best of luck! Wont be easy sourcing parts in US

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Yes, it is very strange. Not many people from the states even know what Renault is much less a Clio! And yes, it will be extremely difficult to source parts in the US. I plan to keep it in the garage pretty much all year and only take it out to shows and meet ups. Either way, I’m in for some pretty high shipping costs😅

Yeti_runner said:

Yes, it is very strange. Not many people from the states even know what Renault is much less a Clio! And yes, it will be extremely difficult to source parts in the US. I plan to keep it in the garage pretty much all year and only take it out to shows and meet ups. Either way, I’m in for some pretty high shipping costs😅

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Fill your car up with essential parts whilst it’s still in Europe so you have some spares with you.

It would be really interesting to see what American car enthusiasts think of this car. From what I've seen online nowadays, anything under 600hp is considered 'slow', can you confirm if that's just the internet or are your Average American car enthusiasts really that closed off to accepting a car with less than 200hp being 'fast'? In my country (South Africa), a 172 would be considered a pocket rocket and not something to be made fun of.

Matt Cup said:

Fill your car up with essential parts whilst it’s still in Europe so you have some spares with you.

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That’s the plan! It’s a bit difficult here in Greece but I’ll get what I can. Any suggestions on parts I definitely should have on hand?

Razmann4k said:

It would be really interesting to see what American car enthusiasts think of this car. From what I've seen online nowadays, anything under 600hp is considered 'slow', can you confirm if that's just the internet or are your Average American car enthusiasts really that closed off to accepting a car with less than 200hp being 'fast'? In my country (South Africa), a 172 would be considered a pocket rocket and not something to be made fun of.

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Yes, that is definitely a thing. I think the tik tok and instagram car culture kind of brought that on. There’s an absolute ton of car enthusiasts who think that driving in a straight line is the only type of driving and if you don’t have a V8 pushing crazy power, you’re slow. That being said though there’s still a lot of people who are into econoboxes and Japanese/Euro cars. Some of them only care about drag racing but some also really prefer cars that are good in turns. I think the high horsepower drag racing car enthusiasts are the most common in the states though because there’s just so much of it here in the form of car YouTubers, shows, racing events, engrained culture, and especially the American manufacturers. The culture is basically the high horsepower guys saying the guys into cars that handle well are slow and the guys into cars that handle well saying that the high horsepower guys don’t know how to drive and that’s why they can only go in a straight line.

I genuinely feel that most car enthusiasts in the states won’t even give my Clio a second glance unless they happen to see the Renault badge. When I get it to the states I may try to do a hidden camera thing at some shows and see genuine reactions. If I do, I’ll post it here!

Yeti_runner said:

That’s the plan! It’s a bit difficult here in Greece but I’ll get what I can. Any suggestions on parts I definitely should have on hand?

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Try and get some ph1 specific bits, suspension components. Just some of the harder to come by parts.

Also perhaps cam locking tool kit, belts and dephaser? Some of the type d coolant and other consumables.

I’m sure the more knowledgeable folk on here can offer better advice.

Would be pretty cool to do a road trip in it through Europe maybe heading to a Uk specialist to give it a thorough looking through before shipping it back to the states too.

Matt Cup said:

Try and get some ph1 specific bits, suspension components. Just some of the harder to come by parts.

Also perhaps cam locking tool kit, belts and dephaser? Some of the type d coolant and other consumables.

I’m sure the more knowledgeable folk on here can offer better advice.

Would be pretty cool to do a road trip in it through Europe maybe heading to a Uk specialist to give it a thorough looking through before shipping it back to the states too.

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Thank you! I had considered doing a European road trip to the UK and Nurburgring but I don’t want anything to happen to it before I can import it back. I might still do so but I’ll seriously need to give some thought to it.

Yeti_runner said:

Yes, that is definitely a thing. I think the tik tok and instagram car culture kind of brought that on. There’s an absolute ton of car enthusiasts who think that driving in a straight line is the only type of driving and if you don’t have a V8 pushing crazy power, you’re slow. That being said though there’s still a lot of people who are into econoboxes and Japanese/Euro cars. Some of them only care about drag racing but some also really prefer cars that are good in turns. I think the high horsepower drag racing car enthusiasts are the most common in the states though because there’s just so much of it here in the form of car YouTubers, shows, racing events, engrained culture, and especially the American manufacturers. The culture is basically the high horsepower guys saying the guys into cars that handle well are slow and the guys into cars that handle well saying that the high horsepower guys don’t know how to drive and that’s why they can only go in a straight line.

I genuinely feel that most car enthusiasts in the states won’t even give my Clio a second glance unless they happen to see the Renault badge. When I get it to the states I may try to do a hidden camera thing at some shows and see genuine reactions. If I do, I’ll post it here!

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That's honestly a shame, cars are more than just straight line speed and if your car isn't the fastest, then I don't see why it should be discarded simply for that reason. It also seems to be elitist because not everybody can afford a big honking V8. Actually, I see a lot of videos making fun of Hondas, which I find strange because their 4-cylinders produce the most power from factory than any other manufacturer, I guess it's just that most American enthusiasts like cars with lots of low-down grunt, and revving a little 2.0 to 8-9k isn't their idea of fun. That's fine, but as the saying goes, there's many ways to skin a cat.

Would love to see Americans' reactions to the car, so please do that! I think some Mexicans will appreciate it as the regular Clio 2 was sold in Mexico as the Nissan Platina, not that you can tell by just looking at it:



Nevertheless, some of the parts on this car are shared with your 172, like anti-rollbar bushings, etc. So depending on the part, sourcing some from Mexico might be more cost effective than importing them from Europe once you've imported it to the states.

Razmann4k said:

That's honestly a shame, cars are more than just straight line speed and if your car isn't the fastest, then I don't see why it should be discarded simply for that reason. It also seems to be elitist because not everybody can afford a big honking V8. Actually, I see a lot of videos making fun of Hondas, which I find strange because their 4-cylinders produce the most power from factory than any other manufacturer, I guess it's just that most American enthusiasts like cars with lots of low-down grunt, and revving a little 2.0 to 8-9k isn't their idea of fun. That's fine, but as the saying goes, there's many ways to skin a cat.

Would love to see Americans' reactions to the car, so please do that! I think some Mexicans will appreciate it as the regular Clio 2 was sold in Mexico as the Nissan Platina, not that you can tell by just looking at it:

View attachment 1724424

Nevertheless, some of the parts on this car are shared with your 172, like anti-rollbar bushings, etc. So depending on the part, sourcing some from Mexico might be more cost effective than importing them from Europe once you've imported it to the states.

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Oh it’s absolutely elitist. Admittedly, I grew up that way as did many others. My grandfather was very into American muscle cars and didn’t care much for more than horsepower. If you told me when I was 15 that I would be driving an MX5 and a Renault Clio, I would have laughed in your face. I understand why people are like that but I couldn’t be more happy that over time I matured past that portion of my life. My grandfather was a bit disappointed in the beginning but now he has come around as well!

As for the Platina, that’s wonderful information. Thank you so much for that! I am from Texas so that will be much cheaper than Europe! I have found Mexico does have a lot of cars like that. I was lucky to find a newer model Cupra 290 at a meet up in Dallas a year or two ago. I was one of the only people absolutely shocked to see it. Turns out it was a guy from Mexico going to Uni in Dallas. My wish is that I can make someone’s day with this Clio like that Cupra made my day.

Yeti_runner said:

Oh it’s absolutely elitist. Admittedly, I grew up that way as did many others. My grandfather was very into American muscle cars and didn’t care much for more than horsepower. If you told me when I was 15 that I would be driving an MX5 and a Renault Clio, I would have laughed in your face. I understand why people are like that but I couldn’t be more happy that over time I matured past that portion of my life. My grandfather was a bit disappointed in the beginning but now he has come around as well!

As for the Platina, that’s wonderful information. Thank you so much for that! I am from Texas so that will be much cheaper than Europe! I have found Mexico does have a lot of cars like that. I was lucky to find a newer model Cupra 290 at a meet up in Dallas a year or two ago. I was one of the only people absolutely shocked to see it. Turns out it was a guy from Mexico going to Uni in Dallas. My wish is that I can make someone’s day with this Clio like that Cupra made my day.

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Glad to hear you grandfather accepted that. It's understandable that you'd be into American muscle, just like its understandable that Brits would be into hot hatches, the important thing is to accept that we are allowed to have different tastes and that more than 1 way of designing a car is acceptable. In South Africa, German saloons like BMWs, Mercs and Audis are our version of American muscle, but we're a lot more tolerant and accepting of other cars here, sometimes to a fault! For example, for some reason, showing up at a car meet with a completely standard Suzuki Swift 1.2 with some stickers and neons will literally get you an interview sometimes, even if in my opinion at least, it sucks 😂 Still, we do have taste, as a little trivia about South Africa, we continued to make the Mk1 VW Golf until 2009, and they are absolutely ubiquitous here, there isn't a street in the country in which you won't find one! These Mk1 Golfs can often be heavily modified, and they can steal the show. One I saw at the last car meet had a 24 valve VR6 under the bonnet!

Yeti_runner said:

Oh it’s absolutely elitist. Admittedly, I grew up that way as did many others. My grandfather was very into American muscle cars and didn’t care much for more than horsepower. If you told me when I was 15 that I would be driving an MX5 and a Renault Clio, I would have laughed in your face. I understand why people are like that but I couldn’t be more happy that over time I matured past that portion of my life. My grandfather was a bit disappointed in the beginning but now he has come around as well!

As for the Platina, that’s wonderful information. Thank you so much for that! I am from Texas so that will be much cheaper than Europe! I have found Mexico does have a lot of cars like that. I was lucky to find a newer model Cupra 290 at a meet up in Dallas a year or two ago. I was one of the only people absolutely shocked to see it. Turns out it was a guy from Mexico going to Uni in Dallas. My wish is that I can make someone’s day with this Clio like that Cupra made my day.

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As for the Platina, no problem, was just the result of me looking up the Clio 2 on wikipedia a lot, and noticing this strange looking sedan😂The Platina never came with the F4R as far as I know, so most engine components are out (apart from maybe the anciliaries like the alternator, AC compressor, etc). Just think of it like a non-sport 5-door Clio 2, definitely a lot of parts like the fuel tank and rear subframe should be the same, turn signals, and engine/some gearbox mounts, etc. Some Platinas even have the same dashboard as your Ph1, minus some of the nicer trim. So while it may not be the most helpful, it's at least worth looking at when in need of parts.

Razmann4k said:

Glad to hear you grandfather accepted that. It's understandable that you'd be into American muscle, just like its understandable that Brits would be into hot hatches, the important thing is to accept that we are allowed to have different tastes and that more than 1 way of designing a car is acceptable. In South Africa, German saloons like BMWs, Mercs and Audis are our version of American muscle, but we're a lot more tolerant and accepting of other cars here, sometimes to a fault! For example, for some reason, showing up at a car meet with a completely standard Suzuki Swift 1.2 with some stickers and neons will literally get you an interview sometimes, even if in my opinion at least, it sucks 😂 Still, we do have taste, as a little trivia about South Africa, we continued to make the Mk1 VW Golf until 2009, and they are absolutely ubiquitous here, there isn't a street in the country in which you won't find one! These Mk1 Golfs can often be heavily modified, and they can steal the show. One I saw at the last car meet had a 24 valve VR6 under the bonnet!View attachment 1724430View attachment 1724431

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I believe I remember reading about the German saloons being very popular in South Africa, it seems to be that way here in Greece as well. Tons of economy hatches but most of the modified cars I have seen here are BMWs.

That Golf is insane! I'd love to see that in person. I heard its very similar in Brazil and they make monsters out of their Golfs.

Razmann4k said:

As for the Platina, no problem, was just the result of me looking up the Clio 2 on wikipedia a lot, and noticing this strange looking sedan😂The Platina never came with the F4R as far as I know, so most engine components are out (apart from maybe the anciliaries like the alternator, AC compressor, etc). Just think of it like a non-sport 5-door Clio 2, definitely a lot of parts like the fuel tank and rear subframe should be the same, turn signals, and engine/some gearbox mounts, etc. Some Platinas even have the same dashboard as your Ph1, minus some of the nicer trim. So while it may not be the most helpful, it's at least worth looking at when in need of parts.

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That kind of makes me wonder if anyone down there has tried to shove an F4R in a Platina. That would definitely be interesting to say the least. Hopefully I can have some luck finding parts from them as I'm unsure how popular they are down there.

Yeti_runner said:

I believe I remember reading about the German saloons being very popular in South Africa, it seems to be that way here in Greece as well. Tons of economy hatches but most of the modified cars I have seen here are BMWs.

That Golf is insane! I'd love to see that in person. I heard its very similar in Brazil and they make monsters out of their Golfs.

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I, like many other South Africans, like German cars, but unlike most South Africans, I've fallen completely for Renaultsport Clios, especially the 172/182, and 197/200. For now, this is my Ph1 1.4, parked up in an all-Golf meet at a VW dealership 😂 French car enthusiats aren't popular enough here to get our own meets, so when I saw an empty space I had to pounce!

Yeti_runner said:

That kind of makes me wonder if anyone down there has tried to shove an F4R in a Platina. That would definitely be interesting to say the least. Hopefully I can have some luck finding parts from them as I'm unsure how popular they are down there.

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I don't know about the Platina, but given it has the same underpinnings as the non-sport Clios, I have seen something similar in Argentina where somebody took a 3-door 1.6 16V Clio 2 and swapped in the 99kW/136bhp F4R from the Dacia/Renault Duster:

That F4R can of course be tuned and although I may be wrong, I believe the 172/182 pistons, head and intake and exhaust manifold can be installed on this engine. So if the F4R made its way to Mexico in some way, then it's definitely possible to make a Nissansport Platina RS172 😂

Razmann4k said:

I, like many other South Africans, like German cars, but unlike most South Africans, I've fallen completely for Renaultsport Clios, especially the 172/182, and 197/200. For now, this is my Ph1 1.4, parked up in an all-Golf meet at a VW dealership 😂 French car enthusiats aren't popular enough here to get our own meets, so when I saw an empty space I had to pounce!

View attachment 1724571

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Wow! That red is seriously such a nice color on that Clio! Love it!

Razmann4k said:

I don't know about the Platina, but given it has the same underpinnings as the non-sport Clios, I have seen something similar in Argentina where somebody took a 3-door 1.6 16V Clio 2 and swapped in the 99kW/136bhp F4R from the Dacia/Renault Duster:

That F4R can of course be tuned and although I may be wrong, I believe the 172/182 pistons, head and intake and exhaust manifold can be installed on this engine. So if the F4R made its way to Mexico in some way, then it's definitely possible to make a Nissansport Platina RS172 😂

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That such a unique swap. It makes sense honestly. I honestly don't know too much about these cars yet as I am still learning a bunch but I wouldn't be surprised if you could make a 172 engine from a regular F4R block. I think the biggest difference which would be difficult is the head and VVT.

Yeti_runner said:

Wow! That red is seriously such a nice color on that Clio! Love it!

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Thank you, my dad and I resprayed it this year. This is what the South African Sun did to it, and how it looked until this year:

Yeti_runner said:

That such a unique swap. It makes sense honestly. I honestly don't know too much about these cars yet as I am still learning a bunch but I wouldn't be surprised if you could make a 172 engine from a regular F4R block. I think the biggest difference which would be difficult is the head and VVT.

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The only thing is this F4R cannot use the 5-speed JC5 gearbox of the 172, it comes with an ND 6-speed gearbox, so this Clio in Argentina has a 6 - speed! The subframe had to be modified slightly to get it to fit.