Advice please (clio choice)

[steble]

Quite simple question really.

I've previously had a phase 2 172 and a 182 full fat.

So would I be dissapointed with a 197?

Cheers
Steve

 

[Typhoon]

Depends. 172/182 are more of a go-kart feel to the 197. The top speeds (standard) are almost bang on each other, due to power/weight ratio.

The 197 is more 'grown up' if you like. Packs a lot of power but is all round a lot more comfortable.

 

[steble]

Go kart like is more me. I'm not interested in more comfortable. I had an octavia vrs tfsi and didn't like that lol

 

[Typhoon]

Fair mate. If you want more of a 'toy', then get a 1*2.

I'm not quite sure what is quickest as standard top speed wise. The 1*2 would be quicker on acceleration as it is half the weight.

 

[Bear Head]

Ultimate go kart be the 172 cup.

I've got a 182 FF and like the little bit of luxury it boasts over the 172 but I know it's heavier.

 

[steble]

It is a daily drive not a toy lol my toy is a 170bhp vtec mini lol

So maybe a ff not a bad idea lol

I hear there is a weak gearbox in the 197

 

[Typhoon]

It is a daily drive not a toy lol my toy is a 170bhp vtec mini lol

So maybe a ff not a bad idea lol

I hear there is a weak gearbox in the 197

Early 2007 models mate, all a bit hit and miss. Some people had problems, some didn't. Mine is 2007 and it's solid.

The bad points to a 197;

• Gearboxes
• Flexis
• Bumper off to change a headlight bulb
• Can't swing a tampon in the engine bay

 

[Bear Head]

It is a daily drive not a toy lol my toy is a 170bhp vtec mini lol

So maybe a ff not a bad idea lol

I hear there is a weak gearbox in the 197

Can be. They can be a bit temperamental and can go unlike the 182 etc. Get a minter 182. Recaros are awesome and don't go too harsh on suspension etc and it'll be nice and nd driveable but go kart like

 

[steble]

I suppose there is always they 200 cup, that appears to be popular

 

[Bear Head]

I suppose there is always they 200 cup, that appears to be popular

Much more expensive though, looking at a 182 and a 200, very much the price difference lol.

 

[steble]

the price difference is not really an issue

 

[Goodj]

if you really want a rattly can of a motor that steers well, a 172 Cup or Ph.1 172 would surely be the default choices.

 

[Bear Head]

the price difference is not really an issue

Get the 200 then lol.

 

[Addicted]

If you're spending 10k, and it's a daily, I can think of many many far better cars I'd have that aren't a 200 tbh. Either that, or I'd just get a 1*2.

 

[Bear Head]

If you're spending 10k, and it's a daily, I can think of many many far better cars I'd have that aren't a 200 tbh. Either that, or I'd just get a 1*2.

Exactly this I'd be looking at a 335d or something

 

[Goodj]

10k spending =
Merc C220D Sport
+
MX5 mk1

All driving situations covered

 

[jayse182]

My choice (which I made) a ff 200 with cup pack all the luxuries plus the awesome suspension only IMO but it's better than a 197 feels like it pulls a lot more from any gear no matter where in the rev range also the mid range is definitely better than 1*2's I've had a 182 with remap and exhaust etc and my 200 is definitely better and faster, however if the choice of the other 3 not including 200 I'd go 182. Happy shopping

 

[Bear Head]

My choice (which I made) a ff 200 with cup pack all the luxuries plus the awesome suspension only IMO but it's better than a 197 feels like it pulls a lot more from any gear no matter where in the rev range also the mid range is definitely better than 1*2's I've had a 182 with remap and exhaust etc and my 200 is definitely better and faster, however if the choice of the other 3 not including 200 I'd go 182. Happy shopping

Yeah I do get that but genuinely feel the 1*2 certainly feels quicker, especially with a good map and exhaust / induction kit

 

[jayse182]

I know what your saying they are small and light so they will feel quicker But in reality I don't think there's much in it but it feels the 200 pulls so well in the middle, and the 200 build quality is light years ahead of the old clios, cabin is a nicer place to be. But I'm not all for 200 I love 182 always have always will this is only my experience of owning both 182 is a lot of car for the money but if you've got the cash for a newer modern version then go for it

 

[Goodj]

Build quality?
We still talking about Clio 200s. Or, like a C200d or something? Because if it's got that Renault badge in the nose then that's a cast iron guarantee of spitting parts on a semi-regular basis.

 

[Bear Head]

Build quality?
We still talking about Clio 200s. Or, like a C200d or something? Because if it's got that Renault badge in the nose then that's a cast iron guarantee of spitting parts on a semi-regular basis.

Hmm I don't know my cars done 74k and if you can find a tighter clio with 10k then I'd be happy to say I'm a dick. It's very well built and tight as a drum and looking back through all of its old receipts it's hardly ever needed anything ever to be fair.

 

[Goodj]

There's always exceptions to prove the rule.
I'm not saying they're in the same league as an 80s FIAT. But if build quality was anywhere on my list of requirements then a French shopping-hatch wouldn't. Be where Id be looking

 

[Bear Head]

There's always exceptions to prove the rule.
I'm not saying they're in the same league as an 80s FIAT. But if build quality was anywhere on my list of requirements then a French shopping-hatch wouldn't. Be where Id be looking

Fair point actually, especially for like 10k! Lol

 

[JackD]

Go test drive one?

 

[steble]

test drove a clio 200 on sat with the cup chasis (so a FF)
OMG what a car I want one! so that's decision made now i just need to find the one i want. To me felt better than a 182.

And in answer to earlier posts, just because I said it is a daily drive does not mean i'm going to buy some crappy BMW/Merc diesel!!!!! I'd rather buy a Lada

 

[Bear Head]

test drove a clio 200 on sat with the cup chasis (so a FF)
OMG what a car I want one! so that's decision made now i just need to find the one i want. To me felt better than a 182.

And in answer to earlier posts, just because I said it is a daily drive does not mean i'm going to buy some crappy BMW/Merc diesel!!!!! I'd rather buy a Lada

They are great cars! Bit subdued/ safe feeling for me though bit big and quiet lol.

 

[Goodj]

And in answer to earlier posts, just because I said it is a daily drive does not mean i'm going to buy some crappy BMW/Merc diesel!!!!! I'd rather buy a Lada

Fair enough, calm down child.
But just consider this.
When you try to show how fast your 2-litre shopping hatch is, and end up getting toasted by a C220d or 320d, don't be surprised.

 

[steble]

Fair enough, calm down child.
But just consider this.
When you try to show how fast your 2-litre shopping hatch is, and end up getting toasted by a C220d or 320d, don't be surprised.

Lol i'm just not a big lumpy car man, i tried it with an octavia vrs tfsi but didn't like it.

Hot hatches for the win, i suppose my other option is the megane r26 though

 

[Goodj]

When I was but a young driver, I didn't appreciate my V5 Toledo as I should have done either. And went off to get an MX-5
So I know how you mean.

 

[steble]

I'm afraid to say i've decided against getting a clio of any sort just now. It will come, it will be a 200 cup, but not just yet.
I have instead decided to chase a childhood dream car and buy a Lotus Elan M100 turbo, some of you may not agree with this car. But it is a childhood dream car and I want one lol for anyone that is of the age to have played this game, you should understand.

I still want the 200 cup now having driven one, but as the clio is going to rapidly drop in value. And the Lotus is very rapidly raising in value, it make more sense to have the lotus first. Although i'm not sure i'm ever going to sell it.

 

[Goodj]

Lotus Elan M100 turbo.

You absolute bloody hero!
Many pics etc. are needed

 

[steble]

will do

 

[joebloggz]

I will never go back to vw thats for sure totally overated .tis a myth these german cars are more reliable i see lots on the hard shoulders of the uk and europe on my travels .at least if my 182 went bang tomorrow i have the option of a cheap engine or another 182 there cheap enough now

 

[Goodj]

In proportion, I think you may find a higher %age of French skips are found with their bonnets up on the hard shoulder.
Such as when my 172s alternator bracket decided it didn't like being attached to the car anymore.
Can't say I've had any issues with the German whips I've had the dubious pleasure if owning.
Conversely, at 125k miles, Japanese electrics seem to spontaneously collapse on themselves.
As for "it's cheap". A remap'd Fabia vRS is about the same cost to buy than a 182, it may lose out "on da twistiezs", but it'll be a good sight cheaper to live with on the day-to-day.
Although it does look like a sunshine variety bus

 

[warwickstingray]

I'll never work on a VW again. I've yet to see far superior underpinnings unless it's something that cost an alarming amount in the first place.

 

[steble]

You absolute bloody hero!
Many pics etc. are needed

Pics as promised

 

[Goodj]

In Norfolk Mustard as well!!!!?!?!?!!?

Just don't go ruining it with mods that think that they'll be better than what Lotus can create

 

[jesus]

Ace!

 

[steble]

In Norfolk Mustard as well!!!!?!?!?!!?


Just don't go ruining it with mods that think that they'll be better than what Lotus can create :wink:

No won't be ruining it with mods except it is in dire need of front brake modification. To say they are shocking is an understatement.

There is a company that sells a nice alloy 4 pot kit that fixes this issue

 

[Goodj]

Pretty sure the brakes are just there for the MOT anyway
Is it as savagely grippy at the front as the reviews always said?
I guess by now (with standards raised by 2 decades) it can't be much better than a decent hot hatch