Always wanted one. Never had one! Help me buy a Clio!

[HardcoreJunglist]

Aright chaps. Great forum here.

Now, I'm on the hunt for a fast Clio... 172 or 182. Been trawling the internet for two weeks straight and not really found much worth having at all. I've found nice ones that are not cheap and dog turds that are not cheap too. Then the opposite. What I need is nice and cheap together in one package, in black or dark blue (172). Silver and metallic red are quite nice too. What I don't want is that horrible metallic blue or french blue.

I've got £3,000 for one. Under 100k miles. Low owners. FSH. Seats and wheel not falling apart. And belts done.... Am I dreaming or is there a chance of finding what I'm after?

Three I have my eye on -

Dark blue 172 - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...aggregatedTrim=Renaultsport&model=CLIO&page=9

Metallic red 172 - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Ren...634060?hash=item1ce5272c8c:g:wkEAAOSwlsVemx-2

Black 182 - 68k, WM05DZO - This one looks nice but for one I can't contact the seller and two, the reg is not recognised on compare the market for a quote. Why is this? It's recognised on the DVLA and an MOT checker. But I can't get a quote from anywhere for insurance. Do you reckon it's been written off in the past or been on private plates?

first two have both been garaged for the last few years by the looks of it. Both on similar miles. Red one is not far away. Not a fan of the wheels on the 172. The black 182 looks perfect but for the issue with the reg not being recognised. Maybe something and nothing but seems dodgy.

It's doing my head in! I'm sick of clicking on the same adverts I've already seen! I'm trying to find the best I can for 3k and not just jumping in and buying any old one. Don't even have a car right now and the money is burning a hole in my pocket because I need a car. My mates have recommended all sorts of other cars but I have my heart set on a 172/182. I wish the Trophies were not all so expensive because that red paint is the best of them all!

Do you know of a good car anywhere?

Cheers, Dan

 

[Stefan.]

The red one you linked has Been for sale longer than the Internet... Which begs the question as to why?

 

[Usr117063]

Yup that red one is probably clapped. Will need belts, fluids, tyres..

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

The red one you linked has Been for sale longer than the Internet... Which begs the question as to why?

I spoke to owner today, he's only over the hill (25 minute drive) but may as well be a foreigner. Yorkshire accent as thick as it gets. Need a translator haha! But from what I could gather it was his sons and they've had it for the past 15 years. He says it will be sold with an MOT. And I can have it for £2,800. It's whether they do the MOT themselves I guess, sounded that way to be honest, said about a test drive and he said it would be him driving... Struck me as odd. Why not just MOT it then sell it? Pics look like they were taken with a 2005 nokia.

 

[Usr117063]

I spoke to owner today, he's only over the hill (25 minute drive) but may as well be a foreigner. Yorkshire accent as thick as it gets. Need a translator haha! But from what I could gather it was his sons and they've had it for the past 15 years. He says it will be sold with an MOT. And I can have it for £2,800. It's whether they do the MOT themselves I guess, sounded that way to be honest, said about a test drive and he said it would be him driving... Struck me as odd. Why not just MOT it then sell it? Pics look like they were taken with a 2005 nokia.

Has been for sale for years mate I would only go to see it for fun. That mileage means nowt, its been stood for years and needs tons of work.

 

[imprezaworks]

As above. The red one was at 3295 (iirc) about thirty years ago, then reduced to £3k.

It looks nice in the pictures so there must be something not great in reality.

 

[R-Sport.]

I had a scan > not much cop for sale however this caught my attention within your budget.
£1795 > probs get for £1500

Belts + paint / wheel refurb & sundries would bring you in around late 2s -3k you would have a pretty tidy car.
You will struggle to get a decent finished 182 on £3k

 

[Ash J]

Or stretch your budget a tad and put an offer in on this...

2005 RENAULT CLIO TROPHY SPORT 182 2.0 LITRE 16v For Sale | Car and Classic

2005 RENAULT CLIO TROPHY SPORT 182 2.0 LITRE 16v For Sale

www.carandclassic.co.uk

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Or stretch your budget a tad and put an offer in on this...

2005 RENAULT CLIO TROPHY SPORT 182 2.0 LITRE 16v For Sale | Car and Classic

2005 RENAULT CLIO TROPHY SPORT 182 2.0 LITRE 16v For Sale

www.carandclassic.co.uk

Don't tempt me! That thing is gorgeous! 3k is my maximum for a car, be another grand to tax and insure, 5-700 for all the belts if needed too. I haven't even got a job. Well not a standard job anyway. I sell vintage comic books and collectibles on eBay. It's hit and miss, some months I make barely anything and some months I do well.

I keep coming back to the black 182 I mentioned above. On 68,000 miles and looks great. Just the reg and that I can't get a quote on it. Finally managed to get hold of the dealer this morning and he's looking into it. Going to ring back in half hour and find out what the score is. WM05 DZO - Why would it not be on the insurance database? Dealer said it's not come off private plates. Can't work it out but that's definitely the best one I've seen.

 

[Ash J]

What's the issue you are having with the plate?

WM05 DZO - shows up as a black Renault Clio on the Gov.UK Vehicle Enquiry page; AskMID just says not currently insured; and on the price comparison site Confused.com, I have entered that plate and it returns a Renault Clio 182?

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

What's the issue you are having with the plate?

WM05 DZO - shows up as a black Renault Clio on the Gov.UK Vehicle Enquiry page; AskMID just says not currently insured; and on the price comparison site Confused.com, I have entered that plate and it returns a Renault Clio 182?

Interesting! I have only used compare the market. And tried sheila's wheels and another I forget. Couldn't find it but have just gone off the make and model and got a quote back for £500. Going to ring the dealer back now.

 

[marty77]

Been in the same boat for the last six months. Jump between wanting a 200 and a 182 but nothing decent has come up and the prices seem to be all over the place.

Got my eye on a 200 just now but the seller is proving hard to contact.

 

[Martin_172]

I wouldn't bother with the black one as it doesn't have the cup packs, maybe they are at the age that isn't really a deal breaker but?

The blue one you linked is pretty tidy, seats in good nick, steering wheel in good nick, carpets, dash etc all looks nice. mileage is a bonus, I think your cash would be safe in that!

the one rsport linked above also nice, the last few I've bought, I've bought the cheapest straight car I can find usually around £1000 and then spent £1500 tidying them up and to be honest that seems the best way currently to get a nice car if you don't mind holding onto it

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

I wouldn't bother with the black one as it doesn't have the cup packs, maybe they are at the age that isn't really a deal breaker but?

The blue one you linked is pretty tidy, seats in good nick, steering wheel in good nick, carpets, dash etc all looks nice. mileage is a bonus, I think your cash would be safe in that!

the one rsport linked above also nice, the last few I've bought, I've bought the cheapest straight car I can find usually around £1000 and then spent £1500 tidying them up and to be honest that seems the best way currently to get a nice car if you don't mind holding onto it

Yeah that blue one is beaut all right. I can imagine it with some gold speedline turini's. An homage to the old Williams clio, would look sick. Thing is it's miles away, way down past London and I'm up north. I've already spoke to the dealer and the price is set in stone. Same with the black 182. Won't budge on the price at all. Both are £3,500. Seems crazy to me for a near 20 year old car, it is what is is.
Like you say though, I don't think they'll be dropping in price any time soon, with low miles like they are. Price is only going to rise on them. Just don't bend it

 

[imprezaworks]

Ask about the condition of the rear arches, any rust etc.

3500 for the 172 seems a lot tbh. Some reason thought it was a 182.

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Oh and Confused.com found it no problem. It's actually the cheapest quote I've found at £453 with £100 excess. I'm going to bell the guy again and go see it Saturday morning if I can. Don't want to see it slip away for the sake of £500. Honestly I'm tired of looking. I just want this badboy outside now. I can't wait to take it on the snake pass

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Ask about the condition of the rear arches, any rust etc.

3500 for the 172 seems a lot tbh. Some reason thought it was a 182.

It's the black one I fancy most to be honest. That is a 182 but not a Cup. I will lower it anyway and get some proper wheels. Not for a few month tho! Have a gand at the whole thing - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...distance&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&page=2

Looks like a winner to me. Can't f***in wait!

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Is it a trick of the eye or are the two pipes a different diameter? Pal was round for a smoke last night and he reckons they the same. To me it looks like the right pipe is slightly bigger. Obviously not hanging as it should too.

Wonder if it's an original? Almost all others I've looked at are bigger... Scorpion, Miltek etc

Rear wiper looks a little low too.

 

[imprezaworks]

Looks nice in the pics. Exhaust looks the same.

Check where the rear bumper meets the quarter for any rust etc. Let us know how you get on

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Will do. Had an old Mk.V Fiesta Zetec S (imperial blue) a few years back, arches were totally rotten! Sweet car tho.

 

[R-Sport.]

Is it a trick of the eye or are the two pipes a different diameter? Pal was round for a smoke last night and he reckons they the same. To me it looks like the right pipe is slightly bigger. Obviously not hanging as it should too.
View attachment 1480946

Wonder if it's an original? Almost all others I've looked at are bigger... Scorpion, Miltek etc

Rear wiper looks a little low too.

That looks original as the rear box had that bar going across

The exhaust mounts are shagged. Or at least one.

Whatever one you buy expect to spend a few bob even ones thatsay cambelt done recently are meaningless as they are usually done with cheap crap parts -
Ideally find one needing belts -

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Yep, I think that's got to be first on the list. Any Renault specialist you can recommend in the North West or anywhere really? Want it looked at by an expert before I start letting it off!
Could really do with someone who knows their stuff come have a look at it with me before I buy it. £100 or an oz of bud to anyone who fancies half a day out this Saturday

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Yep, I think that's got to be first on the list. Any Renault specialist you can recommend in the North West or anywhere really? Want it looked at by an expert before I start letting it off!
Could really do with someone who knows their stuff come have a look at it with me before I buy it. £100 or an oz of bud to anyone who fancies half a day out this Saturday

Birchdown if you're in the North West. Andy and Steve know these cars inside out.

Welcome to Birchdown Auto Services

Birchdown Auto Services, specialising in the Renaultsport Clio range.

www.birchdown.com

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Some fucker has bought it!! Was it one of you!?

Wounded.

 

[imprezaworks]

Yeah sorry, seemed a nice car, couldnt resist................


































Joking.

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

Blood is boiling! If it is someone off here I hope karma f***s you in the arse!

 

[Louis]

Blood is boiling! If it is someone off here I hope karma f***s you in the arse!

I wouldn't be too annoyed, there is far better that will come up.

 

[FatRS]

Yeah sorry, seemed a nice car, couldnt resist................
Joking.

Now we all know that’s not true. You couldn’t buy a car on a whim like that!

 

[imprezaworks]

Harsh.


True though.

 

[plenty]

Wouldn't buy from a dealer personally. Other than not wanting to pay the premium I like to suss out the seller.

If you're not in the Facebook Clio groups you should be - more cars get advertised there than on Autotrader or eBay or the like,

 

[Martin_172]

Wouldn't have bought the black one anyway, non desirable spec, standard exhaust will be guaranteed to fall off soon and new mounts required etc

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

My new baby!

Brakes are shagged. Needs new discs and pads all around. 75,000 miles. Cooksport lowering springs. Full Milltek exhaust. Recaro Trendline seats.

Set off for it yesterday at 2pm to Ipswich. Got back at 12.30am. The mission was long but the reward was great. Two thousand one hundred quid well spent

 

[imprezaworks]

Result.

 

[Clio_fool]

That's much better than the other black one you wanted. I was surprised no-one mentioned the ditch finder tyres on that one! To get one with recaros at that price is good going 👍. And they look great in black😉.

 

[imprezaworks]

Are the belts due? Seems cheap at 2k ish

 

[R-Sport.]

Nice touch

Even if you have to do belts + Brakes > £1k leaves you with a very nice car.
Having trendlines is a real bonus

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

I don't think the belts are due because the kid I bought it off said the previous owner to himself had them done at 61,000 miles. He showed me a load of pictures of it being done, same car same reg. He was only 22 and just bought an S3.
The brakes definitely need doing asap, discs are the rustiest I seen on any car. Stops all right, it's not unsafe or anything.
And it goes all right too! Bloody hell! Pal I went down in has an Audi A5 tdi, with a load of upgrades... This little Clio was on him the whole way back. The snake pass for the last leg was epic. I was trying to tickle it back really but it just wants to go! Had 130 out of it with more left! Sounds incredible.
Have got some spends for it now. Was up for sale for 2,400 on gumtree. I saw the ad basically as soon as he posted it and asked him what his best price was. He said 2,100 so I went for it the next day. Happy days

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

The plastics and rubbers inside are a mess. Everything feels sticky and a bit naff. Not sure the air con is working as it should. Also the kid had no rear seats in. But has included them. I think I like it as he had it.
And the sound system is a bad joke. That and the brakes are my number 1 priority right now.

 

[Clio_fool]

They look like mitsubishi EVO recaros, still better than the standard Clio seats. The interior plastics have gone sticky in every 182 now, it's just an age thing. Most swap them for parts out of a lesser model that didn't have the soft touch coating on. @George@RTR_Parts or @Kev@KAM are the men to speak with for your brake needs. You'll not get better advice or service anywhere.
Snake pass is good fun if you get a quiet moment. Which side are you on usually?

 

[HardcoreJunglist]

@0ss Cheers for the tips on plastics and brakes. I think an Accord Type R the seats were from. And yea the snake is a great road, I think my local maccys is now in Sheffield haha. I live in Glossop.