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Its more difficult to get such a good deal on a 1.4 16v as the 1.2 16v outsells it by such volumes. Having said that, Ive driven a 1.4 and have the daily use of a 1.2 Dynamique - and theres a bigger difference than youd think. The 1.2 is reasonable and not particularly slow, but the 1.4...

Yes.

The Mk1 RSi is a 1.8 8v. "F16ie" are the letters on the spark plug cover on the Mk1 16V ("Valver") and Williams F7P/R engines (1764 and 1998cc respectively). The Mk2 RSi is a 1.6 16v engine, which is also used in the current range. The Mk2 RSi was originally called the "16v" (disgrace to...

I think the 182 is the way to go if you want a brand new hot hatch. Its rated as the best hot hatch currently on the market and is a lot of car for the money. Id keep an eye on the fact that a decent Ph2 172 can be had for a substantial saving, but it sounds to me like you want a brand new...

The MK1 Phase3 Clio had the high-level rear brake lamp, as well as the rounded headlights, different bumpers and more safety kit. It was introduced in May 1995, so just caught the end of N-reg although most are on a P or R-plate. The model range was rationalised with the 16V and Willy being...

Elephant is part of Admiral, who also have high excesses. Mines about £400 I think in total. Have you added an older female as a named driver? This will reduce the premium by about 30% with Elephant/Admiral.

You can order a new key for the nuts if you know the manufacturer of the locking nuts. Next rememdy would be to either use a "Gator Grip" (adapteble socket) or bash a socket onto the nut face with a hammer.

Thats a Mk2 Ph1 1.6 16v "RSi" isnt it? If so, the leather was a factory option and is kosher. The rear spolier and skirts were also Renault options, but dealer-fit only and werent standard on any models. You can still get those skirts and that spoiler as dealer options, even on the Ph2/3...

If its a mint car (i.e. no arch rust, lovely bodywork, lots of bills etc), then Id say make an offer of £2k and hope for the best.

Excellent to see that. No sh*t - this is what saves my bacon because it means I will get the ok to buy a Renault from my lady (who works in corporate sustainability)!! Im chuffed to bits because next time I want a V6 I can show her how it was crafted with consideration for the environment at...

Hope you enjoy your Williams as much as I did Enid. Theyre very special cars and you need to remember that when youre shelling out for rear arch rust and the like! I think it takes a few months on your favourite B-roads to fully appreciate how good a fit and fresh Williams is. Have fun! Ive...

The Willy is about 4 secs quicker to the ton than the Valver, but out on the road its hard to really appreciate the difference unless you get down to lower revs, where the Willy pulls like a car with forced induction. But if you look at the Willy purely in terms of straight line speed youre...

Id keep the Cup if its a straight swap. I know the FRP is a very special car, but you cant ignore the fact that the Cup is probably just as good in terms of handling, is faster by some margin and is three years younger. The FRP in question sounds like a lovely car, but just as with cars...

My old Clio Williams was by far - and I mean by far - the most exploitable car Ive driven. This may have something to do with the fact that I "grew up" with the Mk1 Clio (1.2, 16V and then the Willy), or that I live in Wales with a whole host of well-surfaced B-roads outside my door. I now...

If I was keeping my car for a long time from new (like five to ten years), or felt kind towards future second-hand buyers, then Id run it in. My parents just bought a Dynamique for my brother and Ive done 1,000 miles in it because my car is dead! I ran it in gently because I know that when it...

On reflection, they are DEFINITELY Renault items that have been re-trimmed.

They look very similar to the 19 16V/Clio 16V Ph2/Williams seats in terms of shape and notice also the Renault side levers. I dont think theyre BX items, because although the colour/piping is right, the headrests are also Renault ones. They look like a re-trim to me.

Id take a long-term view and work out the canniest deal, taking depreciation into account. If a 53 reg 172 costs £10,000 against an 04 182 at £14,000 youre in effect paying £4,000 for the minor improvements. If youre convinced that a 182 will fetch near to that £4k extra when you come to...

I have the use of a brand new 1.2 Dynamique. I drive it a lot at the moment as my Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo is off the road. I love the Clio. I kid you not, the quality of the materials and construction of the cabin are just as good as in an Audi TT (low model) that I also occasionally drive...

Id say that a decent Willy 3 with the average mileage of 80k or so will set you back £4k. Anything with lower mileage or in especially good condition could well go for a lot more. I dont think its unreasonable to say that there is a market for £6k Williams. I sold my immaculate Willy 1 for...

Elephant are run by Admiral - give them a try. My renewal with Admiral comes out £80 cheaper than a quote from Elephant. Adding my mum brings down the premium, although any additional male drivers pushes it up again.

Insurance Groups mean very little by the time a car is 10+ years old (and before then too). They are a guide for insurers when a car is new with no claims history and guide insurers on likelihood of theft, likely driver profiles and repair costs. As time goes on, insurers own actuaries will...

0-60 isnt the best measure of performance.

It depends on what you consider to be "quick". Realistically, there arent that many hot hatches that are considerably quicker than a Valver in a straight line anyway. Whats more, I doubt youd get insured on something like an Alfa 147 GTA or Focus RS anyway at 19! The second issue in my...

Goes to show how misleading the image VW products have is. I get sick and tired of people trying to tell me what a quality product the lastest VW blah blah is. Just as with brands such as Stella Artois, the UK is duped by advertising into believing that they are premium products. The rest...

A Clio 16V will be just a little quicker standard for standard in a straight line. They dont have the flexibility of a GT Turbo, but are a little quicker through the gears and definitely so at the top end. If youre after more flexibility and a little more speed, a Williams or 2.0-converted 16V...

Wait for the Megane Cup. No joke.

My new 20V Turbo had the original Clarion head unit, changer and lead plundered at some stage (probably on p/x to a dealer) - the car has a crappy tape deck that doesnt work in their place. Ive been considering buying a brand new head unit. Im not fussed on a CD changer as Im always changing...

I loved the attention I got in my Williams. I even had a group of cheeky girls in a Mini follow me to get my number once. :D I think that overall my Coupe 20V Turbo gets more attention from people who dont know much about cars.

Ive just skipped from the first page, so excuse me if Im moving things backward. Im one of those who genuinely was considering replacing my 16V and then my Williams with a 172/Cup/182. A bit of perspective on the "would you have a Williams or a 182" question then: At the time, I chose a...