06-07 reg 197 gearbox issues?

[k2100]

Hi, first time posting on the forum, have owned a mk2 1.2 for a few years and now looking to buy a 197 being a bit older and having a bit of spare cash. Ive read all the usual buyers guides and stuff but I'm a bit worried about potential gearbox issues, the buyers guide from CAR magazine says not to buy an 06-07 reg car if it has not had its 'box changed under warranty due to crunching in third and fourth? :S Anyone that has any advice, would be much appreciated! Spending about 6k, any other advice would be great also,
Cheers
Kieren

 

[jayse182]

I can't comment on 197 but the whole avoid 06/07 years really is down to chance my 2010 clio 200 is on it's 2nd gearbox and 2nd clutch! It's just luck of the draw really, I think anyway

 

[Gaz_]

No the info was wrong. It affects the whole mk3 RS range. I've had two 197's, first was a 06 plate, covered 30k in it with no issues. My current 197 is a cup 08 plate, had covered around 25k and the box was showing symptoms with 4th. So swapped that out back in March. Replacement box fells fine, infact the change is sweet as f**k tbh.

It's really pot luck imo, there's lots of 200's with issues.

I'm going to keep the box oil swapped every service, as it won't harm.

Basically on test drive you need to make sure shift is fine OVER 5k, with gears 3'rd, 4th as they seem to be the troublesome ones. Any crunching indicates worn/faulty syncro's

 

[Typhoon]

My 197 is a 56 plate, although registered in January 2007 - I haven't had an issue with the gearbox at all.

 

[Chrisgti6]

Surely 6k will buy newer than 06/07 now? I paid sub 6k for my R27 2 years ago!

 

[Typhoon]

6K is a very healthy budget for a 197 tbh @Chrisgti6
I paid shy of 5k for my 2007 on 56,000 miles a year ago!

 

[Gaz_]

6k will get you a nice 07 early 08 plate

It depends really, you can say mine cost XYZ but iirc, yours needed a stack load of work when you sold it? (Stalker alert)

For something with fsh with belts and decent premium tyres good pads + disks under 60k, 6k will get you a really nice example imo.

Worth nothing they all seem to need full pads and disks circa 50/60k so bear that in mind (£400+) for decent stuff

 

[Typhoon]

@Gaz_, me or @Chrisgti6's?

 

[Gaz_]

Sorry Chris, hence his avatar

 

[Typhoon]

Sorry Chris, hence his avatar ;-)

Ah! All makes sense now! Tbph, my 197 is currently having an engine rebuild from Mike Woodford - my own fault though!

 

[Mr Burns]

I had a brand new 197 in 2007 and by 35k miles the gearbox was terrible.

 

[Gaz_]

No worries

For the op, things you need to look for.

Service history is a must, and they should have all had their cambelts done by now. These MUST be done, and by a reputable specialist..... All RS Clios are very timing sensitive, if done wrong it will make the car down on power.

Gearbox (as mentioned)

Brakes. Might feel poor, with a hard Pedal. The pads/calipers are very prone to seizing and need yearly stripdowns imo.

Decent tyres are a must, no ditch finder 200's

Any weird blowing when warm, could indicate blowing flexies, or cracks in the manifold (be aware they all sound a bit crap and blowing when cold, this should dissappear after a few mins when warm)

Check for any steering play or any clunking. Could indicate swivel bearings, which can be costly.

Other than that they are an awesome B road weapon, still love mine 4 years done the line!

 

[k2100]

Cheers for the replys guys, guess i'll have to go with my gut from the test drive. Currently looking at 40k milers for just shy of 6k, test drove one so far and the box seemed silky smooth but was seeping oil from the rocker cover and dealer didn't want to budge on price. Just go to keep looking, seems to be very few in the south east!

 

[k2100]

And cheers for the extra tips Gaz

 

[Typhoon]

Cheers for the replys guys, guess i'll have to go with my gut from the test drive. Currently looking at 40k milers for just shy of 6k, test drove one so far and the box seemed silky smooth but was seeping oil from the rocker cover and dealer didn't want to budge on price. Just go to keep looking, seems to be very few in the south east!

I ended up travelling from London to Wales for mine! Sometimes it's worth the travel mate!

 

[R-Sport.]

With your budget r27 is the only way to go.

 

[Ianboom]

As Gaz says, emphasis on ensuring the cambelt was done by a reputable dealer and check the front swivels.
Wifes '58 plate 197 had to have swivels, btm did the belts, box is fine with 60k on the clock.
Had a '60 plate 200 that had a new box at 62k but swivels were fine!
Don't be put off by the faults as plenty of other marques have issues too!

 

[k2100]

Cheers for all the comments guys, just put down a deposit on a 57 nimbus grey standard 197. 43k on the clock, looks mint. Over the moon to say the least