£3k... Can a decent 172 be bought for this? :-)

[w44ne g]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and a newbie with the Clio 172.

I'm considering buying a "toy" for the weekend but would really like to spend no more than £3000 + insurance etc.

I'm therefore considering a 172 as there seem to be a few around below £3k. I do like the Phase 1 but prefer the looks of the phase 2 and like the fact it seems to have standard xenons and other nice toys.

Am I just going to find abused examples at this price point or is there a chance of me finding a good car?

Also, if anyone has tips for me in regards to what to avoid and look out for, they'd be appreciated I've found a guide on the internet but it doesn't go into a huge amount of detail... which I need as I'm errr, not exactly mechanically minded

I'm worried about gearboxes going and other nightmare stories I've read.

 

[TimR26]

Engine and gearbox is probably strongest part. For £3k you'll get an average Ph2 or good Ph1. Make sure it's been serviced regularly and had the belts done.

 

[anthander]

around 3k your lookin at high milage phase 2's, so make sure you get history, or buy from the site so you know its been looked after

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=480006

 

[ForceIndia]

Depends what you want. If it's a toy, are xenons important? I'd go for the best condition car you can get regardless of ph1/2.

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

Phase 1 every day.

HID kits can be had for less than £100.

3k gets you a decent Phase 2 or a really nice Phase 1, i know what id rather

 

[w44ne g]

Thanks for the replies

In what ways is the Phase 1 better than the Phase 2?

I do a fair few long trips throughout the year so a few gadgets may come in handy

 

[Lewb]

Thanks for the replies

In what ways is the Phase 1 better than the Phase 2?

I do a fair few long trips throughout the year so a few gadgets may come in handy

It weighs less, and people say it just feels more raw in general, being much less refined than the ph2.

For a second toy car the ph1 makes more sense as you could get a much better example for 3k but if you are set on the looks of the ph2 I wouldn't go for a ph1 - you will only end up wishing you had got the ph2.

 

[Edd]

Highish miles (wouldn't put me off), belts done + factory satnav.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1438847.htm

Low miles, doesn't say if belts have been done. They should at that age though.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1398405.htm

Both within 50 miles of Manchester.

I'd have a look at afew and make a cheeky offer on one you like.

 

[w44ne g]

Highish miles (wouldn't put me off), belts done + factory satnav.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1438847.htm

Low miles, doesn't say if belts have been done. They should at that age though.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1398405.htm

Both within 50 miles of Manchester.

I'd have a look at afew and make a cheeky offer on one you like.

Good links! Thanks for those

It's good to see you're all a bunch of nice people on here

Insurance is a lot more than I'd expected but I'm sifting through insurance companies right now.

 

[EllD90]

Enter that you'll be doing less than 5K miles per annum. Should bring the policy down a fair bit!

 

[Edd]

How old are you? I'm 23 and over the last 2 years it's cost me between 650 and 850 to insure a 172, which I didn't think was too bad. Although it was cheaper to insure a 225 TT.

 

[JD]

I do a fair few long trips throughout the year so a few gadgets may come in handy

or

I'm considering buying a "toy" for the weekend but would really like to spend no more than £3000 + insurance etc.

?

This point needs to be cleared up chap, if it's a toy for the weekends or whether it will be a daily long distance driver.

If it's the former, xenons won't bother you as you are likely to be driving during the day

 

[Cup_Phil]

I just bought a 172 cup yesterday for under £3k - it's a very late 53 plate and bodywork is absolutely MINT

Last 2 owners have done 24-26k a year on motorways - so its up at 96k mile
But an inch thick receipt log for every part bought for it, all the mots and full service history since new. Oil changes 3 times a year - drives absolutely mint

And to be honest a 172 or 172 cup for under £3k is a bloody bargain of a car!

As others have said - find a high mileage one where the owners are known and it has shed loads of service history and you're onto a winner

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

Thanks for the replies

In what ways is the Phase 1 better than the Phase 2?

I do a fair few long trips throughout the year so a few gadgets may come in handy

The Phase 1 has a throttle cable and the gearbox ratios are different.

As said some people find it rawer but its just as comfortable as a Phase 2.

It weighs less, and people say it just feels more raw in general, being much less refined than the ph2.

For a second toy car the ph1 makes more sense as you could get a much better example for 3k but if you are set on the looks of the ph2 I wouldn't go for a ph1 - you will only end up wishing you had got the ph2.

Nonsense, wouldnt the world be boring if we all liked the same things?

 

[w44ne g]

or



?

This point needs to be cleared up chap, if it's a toy for the weekends or whether it will be a daily long distance driver.

If it's the former, xenons won't bother you as you are likely to be driving during the day

Sorry I should have been clearer. Basically, I have a van for my business and a car at the weekends. We tend to go away a lot at the weekends and that usually tends to be far, far away from lovely rainy Manchester

So although the car is a "toy", it also needs to stop my girlfriend moaning when we go places :evil:

How old are you? I'm 23 and over the last 2 years it's cost me between 650 and 850 to insure a 172, which I didn't think was too bad. Although it was cheaper to insure a 225 TT.

I'm 26. My current car is a MINI JCW and worth around £20k but the inurance quote I've just got for a £3000 Clio is more or less the same as my JCW!

It's not a bad area where I live but of course, insurance companies tend to think it is so that's not helping matters.

Thanks for all the other replies... finding all the info very helpful.

 

[quik99]

I bought a tidy Ph1 for around the 3k mark only a few months back. Full Service History, Low Mileage, Cambelt and Aux belts done just before i bought it.

LOVE IT!

 

[Ash - Clio GTT]

my sunflower yellow phase 1 172 will be going up for sale shortly. Very rare colour, 89k miles but mint interior, uprated engine mounts, stainless exhaust, adjustable whiteline anti roll bar, eibach sportline lowering springs will be after offers around £2500

 

[jayxx83]

you should keep your works, its absolutely stunning, although a decent clio sport will be just as much if not more fun!

 

[xx Lynn xx]

pm sent

 

[Fletcher]

I'll see you mine for 3k

 

[w44ne g]

you should keep your works, its absolutely stunning, although a decent clio sport will be just as much if not more fun!

I would do if it was a viable option but I just can't justify the cost anymore. I know it's a piece of metal but I'll miss it lots :S:dapprove:

Will check my PMs now.

 

[DMS]

You'll be pleased with either a Ph1 or a Ph2. And if you get a Ph2, you'll be pleased with it whether it's a 172 or a 182, cup or non cup.
For 3k you'll get a cracking car either way (and I'm not saying that because I own one).

 

[w44ne g]

Thanks... the biggest obstacle right now is insurance.

I'm 26 with 6 years protected no claims, no history of claims etc and the quotes for a £3000 Clio 172 are coming out at more than I'm paying for my £19,000 MINI!!!

 

[_WILL_]

Thanks... the biggest obstacle right now is insurance.

I'm 26 with 6 years protected no claims, no history of claims etc and the quotes for a £3000 Clio 172 are coming out at more than I'm paying for my £19,000 MINI!!!

I can't understand that, I am 23. 2 years NCB. and I paaid bout 800 last year.

Its going up tho cos some c**k crashed into the back of me, non-fault claim still put my insurance up

 

[w44ne g]

I can't understand that, I am 23. 2 years NCB. and I paaid bout 800 last year.

Its going up tho cos some c**k crashed into the back of me, non-fault claim still put my insurance up

Sorry to hear that... After years of driving, I still don't get how these insurance companies work. They're like women lol.

It's all just a massive con and unfortunately, I'm running out of options with the Clio idea now.

Might have to head down the girlie route and go for an MX-5 or something similar

 

[realnumber 1]

Thanks... the biggest obstacle right now is insurance.

I'm 26 with 6 years protected no claims, no history of claims etc and the quotes for a £3000 Clio 172 are coming out at more than I'm paying for my £19,000 MINI!!!

Still can't cost that much at 26 with 6 years no claims surly? £500-600 tops?

 

[w44ne g]

Still can't cost that much at 26 with 6 years no claims surly? £500-600 tops?

That was what I expected but I've tried my current insurer for my car, my current insurer for my van and business, confused.com, swiftcover, compare the market, gocompare... I don't trust the comparison sites but the cheapest on those is £850... with an excess of £850!!!

Just ridiculous.

 

[Andyman]

On the mechanics front, make sure the cambelts been done to schedule or ideally just been done and by Renault or a specialist. Very expensive to do unless its a Cup.

 

[w44ne g]

On the mechanics front, make sure the cambelts been done to schedule or ideally just been done and by Renault or a specialist. Very expensive to do unless its a Cup.

Is it cheaper on a Cup because of the lack of an air con unit?

Thanks for the info. After hearing so much about the belts I think if I end up with a 172, I'd only buy one that's had all of that done already.

 

[realnumber 1]

That was what I expected but I've tried my current insurer for my car, my current insurer for my van and business, confused.com, swiftcover, compare the market, gocompare... I don't trust the comparison sites but the cheapest on those is £850... with an excess of £850!!!

Just ridiculous.

Try Adrian Flux or something you will get it cheaper than that.

 

[w44ne g]

Try Adrian Flux or something you will get it cheaper than that.

I'm currently with FluxDirect who are part of the same company but will give them a call tomorrow anyhow. If they give me a good quote I'll let you know

 

[Andyman]

Is it cheaper on a Cup because of the lack of an air con unit?

Thanks for the info. After hearing so much about the belts I think if I end up with a 172, I'd only buy one that's had all of that done already.

Yeah thats right mate.

Yeah probably best to or use it as a bargaining tool if they havent been done, although really you'd have to knock a fair whack off to bring it to your advantage, 700ish imo

 

[Alex_X93]

Beware of turds 172s should inspire confidence to drive if well looked after. The cost is in the up-keep so to speak buy a wrongen and it could and will cost 1k +to get it rite if sh's been neglected. I own a mint ph1 that might be up for sale in the near future but tbh id want more than 3k for it.

 

[Neil G]

You can have my Mk2 172 for £3500 with 32000 on the clock...down south though.

 

[xx Lynn xx]

Is it cheaper on a Cup because of the lack of an air con unit?

Thanks for the info. After hearing so much about the belts I think if I end up with a 172, I'd only buy one that's had all of that done already.

Mines had all belts done and is mint, use to be another members on here and was told he spent a fortune keeping it 100% :approve: don't think you will find a better one for the money with low miles and full service history aswel

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

Mines had all belts done and is mint, use to be another members on here and was told he spent a fortune keeping it 100% :approve: don't think you will find a better one for the money with low miles and full service history aswel

Id have yours tbh.

Had a look at the ad

 

[saltyhair81]

Ph1 all the way to china town.

 

[Lewb]

The Phase 1 has a throttle cable and the gearbox ratios are different.

As said some people find it rawer but its just as comfortable as a Phase 2.




Nonsense, wouldnt the world be boring if we all liked the same things?

I think you missed the point, quite badly. He said he likes the looks of the ph2 - my point was that if he is persuaded by people on here to get the ph1, while deep down he prefers the ph2, he will only regret it.