Another newbie here, learning what I can before finding a suitable 182

[Mark68]

Hi there
I'm a motoring enthusiast that hasn't had a car for awhile, living in London, cycling + hefty mortgage meant I haven't justified the need in recent years.
Things have now changed due to the pandemic, losing my job + having a serious cycling accident a few months ago....still recovering.
My shortlist came down to a reasonably priced 182 or mk5 Golf GTI and I'm now leaning more towards the 182. I have no previous experience of any RS models (I was running a mk2 GTI 16V for years).
I'm discounting Trophy's and I'm not looking for a track car. It'll be used for getting out of London at weekends most of the time.
A good spec and FSH is more important than colour etc, although I do like black and inferno.
I'm looking forward to learning more via other members here whilst trawling the usual online classifieds.

I see this example ends in a couple of hours but I don't know if a replacement engine (due to the timing belt) is a concern?

2005 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 182 for sale by auction in Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom

A clean example of a collectable performance hatchback, which delivers thrills whether on a windy country road or at a track day.

collectingcars.com

All the Best

Mark

 

[youngarthur]

Hi Mark, and welcome.Forums are generally a good place to look for a car, as they can be owned by enthusiasts. Plenty of knowledgeable people on here, if help is needed. Good luck with the search.

 

[White16valver]

Welcome to the forum!

A rattly french tin can is a much different experience to a Golf - but for the better IMO, as it's a lot more 'raw'

 

[Mark68]

Hi Mark, and welcome.Forums are generally a good place to look for a car, as they can be owned by enthusiasts. Plenty of knowledgeable people on here, if help is needed. Good luck with the search.

Thanks Young Arthur, I'm hoping to find a good one that will get me around London and away at weekends. I'm thinking that I can find a good example cheaper than the equivalent mk5 GTI and still have enough funds for any necessary work and improvements.
I'm now in my 50's but I still like to have a car to enjoy and look after; I've not driven for awhile, not since my road traffic accident so I'll borrow a family car next week to get back into the swing of things and build back my confidence. Cheers for the kind words.

 

[Mark68]

Welcome to the forum!

A rattly french tin can is a much different experience to a Golf - but for the better IMO, as it's a lot more 'raw'

Thanks for the info, either will work in and around London but the 182 may just edge it in the fun factor and affordability.

 

[plenty]

Welcome! Another mature Londoner here who uses cars to escape.

Where are you based? You’re welcome to come and have a nose around mine, although it’s quite heavily modified.

 

[White16valver]

Thanks Young Arthur, I'm hoping to find a good one that will get me around London and away at weekends. I'm thinking that I can find a good example cheaper than the equivalent mk5 GTI and still have enough funds for any necessary work and improvements.
I'm now in my 50's but I still like to have a car to enjoy and look after; I've not driven for awhile, not since my road traffic accident so I'll borrow a family car next week to get back into the swing of things and build back my confidence. Cheers for the kind words.

Young Arthur is in his 80s and drives a 350bhp+ Megane IIRC, so you'll be just fine lol

 

[Mark68]

Welcome! Another mature Londoner here who uses cars to escape.

Where are you based? You’re welcome to come and have a nose around mine, although it’s quite heavily modified.

Thanks for the kind offer, I'm in Crouch End.
My family are in Essex so it's my main regular destination which I'd previously use public transport & cycling to get too but now its definitely time to get back on 4 wheels.

 

[plenty]

I’m in the Finchley Road area so not far. Drop me a PM if you’d like to meet.

North Essex is one of my favourite haunts for my Sunday morning drives. AW Motorworks is a good specialist in the Great Dunmow/ Thaxted area.

 

[Cub.]

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry to hear of the accident and job loss, but good to see you considering a 182. Loads of fun!

 

[Mark68]

I’m in the Finchley Road area so not far. Drop me a PM if you’d like to meet.

North Essex is one of my favourite haunts for my Sunday morning drives. AW Motorworks is a good specialist in the Great Dunmow/ Thaxted area.

Will do and thanks for the info, much appreciated.

 

[Mark68]

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry to hear of the accident and job loss, but good to see you considering a 182. Loads of fun!

Thanks for the welcome and kind words, time well spent during the recovery trawling the online car market

 

[dave120]

Welcome Mark.

I hope you find a nice car that suits your needs.

The 182 in your first thread is a bit of a marked car in my opinion. It sold on CC a few months ago for around 4K from memory but it seems the sale fell through when the buyer turned up to pick the car up.

The car has some bubbles of rust on the back arch so I can only assume the prospective buyer didn’t fancy this when they actually saw the car in the metal.

The car sold for 2500 plus 600 quid fee to CC last night so that is probably more of an accurate price for what the car is worth. Let’s face it, as soon as you bought that car, it’s needs extensive work to investigate and remedy the rust. That wont be cheap in my opinion.


If I were you I’d be looking for a car with a solid history and no rust. The rest can be put right pretty easily and cheaply really.

 

[Mark68]

Welcome Mark.

I hope you find a nice car that suits your needs.

The 182 in your first thread is a bit of a marked car in my opinion. It sold on CC a few months ago for around 4K from memory but it seems the sale fell through when the buyer turned up to pick the car up.

The car has some bubbles of rust on the back arch so I can only assume the prospective buyer didn’t fancy this when they actually saw the car in the metal.

The car sold for 2500 plus 600 quid fee to CC last night so that is probably more of an accurate price for what the car is worth. Let’s face it, as soon as you bought that car, it’s needs extensive work to investigate and remedy the rust. That wont be cheap in my opinion.


If I were you I’d be looking for a car with a solid history and no rust. The rest can be put right pretty easily and cheaply really.

Thanks Dave, good to hear from you.

Yes, I first noticed this example on CC a couple of months ago and someone did query this in the comments section; reason - buyer had difficulty with the insurance.....yeah right!
The car was also north west of Glasgow so it was a bit of schlep for me to bid on a car that I hadn't even seen whilst I'm based in London.

100% interested in a car with history that has been cared for.

Apart from this forum, pistonheads, eBay, auto trader & facebook groups are there any other sources I should be looking at for 182 sales?

 

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi and welcome.
If you have any issues with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[dave120]

Thanks Dave, good to hear from you.

Yes, I first noticed this example on CC a couple of months ago and someone did query this in the comments section; reason - buyer had difficulty with the insurance.....yeah right!
The car was also north west of Glasgow so it was a bit of schlep for me to bid on a car that I hadn't even seen whilst I'm based in London.

100% interested in a car with history that has been cared for.

Apart from this forum, pistonheads, eBay, auto trader & facebook groups are there any other sources I should be looking at for 182 sales?

I think people get wrapped up in CCs marketing and nice pictures but when, when they turn up to actually buy the car, it’s a rusty Clio they are buying and reality kicks in.

CC get their £600 quid fee regardless.

In my experience Facebook is the place where you will see the most cars for sale but a lot of the cars on there are below average examples.

Ideally you want to find a nice car on this very forum as chances are its been looked after properly by an enthusiast. I do think standard cars, in good condition for realistic prices are becoming hard to find though.

I was in your shoes a few months back, couldnt find a car that I liked, became impatient and ended up buying a car that had been a track car.

I had budgeted spending money on the car as soon as I got it so send it off to a local Clio specialist and he is in the middle of doing a mini restoration back to standard spec. Hopefully the car will be a nice, presentable standard when it’s finished.

 

[dave120]

Hi and welcome.
If you have any issues with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

I’m 40 years old with no points on my license etc and I found your company to be easily the least competitive quote I received.

 

[RustyMojo]

I’m 40 years old with no points on my license etc and I found your company to be easily the least competitive quote I received.

That’s really interesting, I’m 39 with 3 points and no no claims bonus (company car driver) and they were there with the cheapest! 😂 not that I actually have it insured at the minute!

 

[dave120]

That’s really interesting, I’m 39 with 3 points and no no claims bonus (company car driver) and they were there with the cheapest! 😂 not that I actually have it insured at the minute!

Very strange indeed.

 

[imprezaworks]

I’m 40 years old with no points on my license etc and I found your company to be easily the least competitive quote I received.

Ha ha.

Welcome to the forum .

I've had about 9 clios over the years, mix of road and track. Current car oddly is a mk5 golf gti which I've owned 12 months 👍

 

[Mark68]

Thanks IW, I see a few good examples of mk5 GTI's currently on auto trader but they're a bit more expensive and some cars are the same price as a Trophy.
Is the extra couple of grand just purely for the refinement and quality interior?

I'd be interested in your opinion between the two.
I think Frankel and Prosser (DN) pretty much said the mk5 is a great car and the better option for a daily but the 182 is more fun and feels special when used infrequently.

 

[imprezaworks]

For my current circumstances I would not go back to a clio, maybe a 200 though.

The reputation of the golf is pretty accurate. It's a great alrounder and doesn't excell in anything. Clio is more fun for sure. Finding a nice example In either will be the hardest part.

 

[Mark68]

Indeed, I'd rather take my time and find a good example. I really need to get out there and try both.
The 182 certainly appears to be more affordable all round.

Would you say the Golf is dull? Have you gone manual or DSG?

 

[imprezaworks]

I personally wouldn't say it was dull. It's well built and gathers speed really well. No dramatics over say a 182.

I went manual mate

 

[Mark68]

Nice example, thanks for the info.

Good to see there's a network of people around with experience of both 182's & mk5 GTI's that can share their knowledge.
They're clearly two popular choices for folk looking for something to enjoy for around £5000.

 

[imprezaworks]

Good luck with the search mate.

Happy to help if I/we can.

 

[Mark68]

Thanks mate much appreciated.

This one caught my eye but sold within 24hrs......

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTUwOTA4MDIyMDpWSzoxMDUwNzUzMjQ4NzE3NDE4

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Welcome to the club, Mark 👍

 

[imprezaworks]

Thanks mate much appreciated.

This one caught my eye but sold within 24hrs......

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTUwOTA4MDIyMDpWSzoxMDUwNzUzMjQ4NzE3NDE4

None faceache user here

 

[NaplesValver]

I've had a 182, which I had after a MK5 GTI, and sold, then bought a Mk5 GTI Edition 30, now in a clio 200.

MK5 GTI - Brilliant car, Not the best at any one thing, but as a package and an all rounder, hard to beat honestly. easily tuneable if thats your thing, nice place to be when driving, and super comfortable. If looking for one, check front arches as these rust, cam follower and fuel pumps can go.

182 - most fun i've ever had in a car, get them singing on a B road and they are superb cars, light, quick, nimble, and still hold their own against newer stuff. Unfortunately, I like creature comforts and coming from the GTI I missed those comforts.

MK5 GTI ED30 - Possibly the best car i've ever owned. was remapped to 300bhp, looked amazing in tornado red, interior is nicer than a standard GTI, wheels are nicer, sounds better, quicker as standard (200 vs 230bhp) against the regular GTI, also hold thier value better than regular GTIs too (Pirelli edition basically same car with different wheels and marmite interior). same issues as above with arches/cam followers. Not a chance I would but a standard MK5 over the ED30 now)

Clio 200 - Only had this a couple weeks, but its basically a more refined and bigger 182. quick, reasonably light (in comparison to the GTI), look great, handle brilliantly. So far, I'm enjoying the 200. It's not as raw as the 182, but more raw than the Golfs.

I also owned a MK6 GTI between the ED30 and the Clio 200. Nice car, but had too many issues with it, seemed more fragile than the MK5. Engine in the ED30 is much better too.

Hope that helps mate.

 

[Darren S]

Welcome aboard @Mark68! Nice to see that despite the age of these cars, they still hold people's attention.

I'm think I'm in that select group on here that have had a 1*2 for a long time. Mine started to feel tired towards the end of last year and needed work doing to it. I pulled the trigger and decided that if I was that undecided with what to replace it with and secondly, that I didn't want to get rid in the first place - then revamping it was the only option left!

I've still got a ways to go. Aesthetically, I too have small bubbling appearing on both lips of the arches at the rear and the petrol filler cap area has corroded (a very common issue) - but mechanically, it's now sound.

Cars like this can no longer be bought new and because of that, they will always hold a niche appeal. They aren't the fastest or quickest hatch. They lack modern 'toys', have a poor seating position, a steering wheel that belongs to a bus and a turning circle to match the Titanic. It's difficult to see beyond those failings and I get why most people simply ignore them in favour of more mainstream and comfortable alternative.

Yet as @NaplesValver and others have said - get them on the right road and they are a joy to drive and exploit. Roundabouts are a laugh - cocking the inner wheel up and leaving it in 2nd gear to pull through the range. They hold corners and sweeping bends brilliantly and above all, engage with you to push on further. You never feel like a 'tit' in making progress - nor are you in the realms of 600bhp turbo'd monsters that take either fancy electronics or professional driver skill levels to keep in check.

You also mention that the Black Gold and Inferno coloured ones are your favourites. The latter is what was referred to as a 182 Cup with a few bits of options missing as standard - the xenon headlights being one, which were default on the Black Gold and other colours.

 

[plenty]

You also mention that the Black Gold and Inferno coloured ones are your favourites. The latter is what was referred to as a 182 Cup with a few bits of options missing as standard - the xenon headlights being one, which were default on the Black Gold and other colours.

Great description of the 1x2 experience. NB 113 Clio 182s were made in Inferno in "FF" spec with all the toys and both cup packs.

 

[Mark68]

Thanks NV, much appreciate the in-depth response.

I've always liked the mk5 since their launch, particularly the edition 30 (there's a nice one I often pass parked up in Notting Hill, silver 3 door factory standard).
The best all-rounder I've probably owned was my mk2 16V (oak green, big bumper, 3 door, bbs ,no mods), hence why I've always had an affinity with the GTI's.
It's probably fair to say I know more about mk2 & mk5 GTI's than 182's as the Renault Sport cars have only been on my radar in recent years, although I test drove a Clio 16V back in the 9ts at Renault on the Western Ave (A40).

It may all come down to budget as I'm now out of work and the 182 is more cost effective.
My uses will mainly be in London and running up & down the A12.

 

[Mark68]

Welcome aboard @Mark68! Nice to see that despite the age of these cars, they still hold people's attention.

I'm think I'm in that select group on here that have had a 1*2 for a long time. Mine started to feel tired towards the end of last year and needed work doing to it. I pulled the trigger and decided that if I was that undecided with what to replace it with and secondly, that I didn't want to get rid in the first place - then revamping it was the only option left!

I've still got a ways to go. Aesthetically, I too have small bubbling appearing on both lips of the arches at the rear and the petrol filler cap area has corroded (a very common issue) - but mechanically, it's now sound.

Cars like this can no longer be bought new and because of that, they will always hold a niche appeal. They aren't the fastest or quickest hatch. They lack modern 'toys', have a poor seating position, a steering wheel that belongs to a bus and a turning circle to match the Titanic. It's difficult to see beyond those failings and I get why most people simply ignore them in favour of more mainstream and comfortable alternative.

Yet as @NaplesValver and others have said - get them on the right road and they are a joy to drive and exploit. Roundabouts are a laugh - cocking the inner wheel up and leaving it in 2nd gear to pull through the range. They hold corners and sweeping bends brilliantly and above all, engage with you to push on further. You never feel like a 'tit' in making progress - nor are you in the realms of 600bhp turbo'd monsters that take either fancy electronics or professional driver skill levels to keep in check.

You also mention that the Black Gold and Inferno coloured ones are your favourites. The latter is what was referred to as a 182 Cup with a few bits of options missing as standard - the xenon headlights being one, which were default on the Black Gold and other colours.

Thanks Darren for the quality info.

I think the 182 is more within my current budget and will allow me to spend on maintenance and replacement parts.
If I knew where my next income was coming from then I'd pursue the edition 30/GTI route.

A mechanically sound example is a must as I'm no wizard under a bonnet and the car will be kept on the street so it won't be a garage queen.

I've been learning a lot since I joined this forum over the weekend and have received invaluable knowledge from Plenty/Stephen along with the rest of you guys.

This Inferno example that was listed yesterday appears to be FF, another one to enquire on.

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3364726890314953/

 

[White16valver]

Very strange indeed.

Also worth checking out the reviews of Adrian Flux (as with any broker, of course).

 

[Mark68]

My search continues....
Just wondering if anyone knows the history or owner(s) of this RB that's recently been added to eBay? Judging by the cliosport sticker someone here may know the car very well.
I imagine this example will command a decent sum.

renault clio sport 182 RB blue | eBay

Hi for sale is my RB blue Clio 182 FF cup 63000 miles full service history 2 previous owners. all in all it is a stunning standard example of a sort after RB blue Clio sport. it has MOT until the 18th February.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Clio182mike]

I've been thinking about selling mine lately as I don't really need it anymore.

 

[MrBlonde]

Im in North Essex Dunmow area,loads of bikes & people with there weekend/dry weather cars are out using the roads in spring/summer @plenty

 

[plenty]

Im in North Essex Dunmow area,loads of bikes & people with there weekend/dry weather cars are out using the roads in spring/summer @plenty

I'm one of them. Not just spring and summer either...I go driving around Thaxted/Finchingfield/Steeple Bumpstead early Sunday mornings year round.

 

[MrBlonde]

Do you go out in the LY? @plenty