Ed what's your experiences with the ph1 v6?
Things breaking all the time?
Which did you prefer?
To be honest mate, I've never had any problems with any of my Vee's (touch wood). They're usually very well looked after and serviced regularly so are probably far more reliable than other Clios TBH. Below is a post I made recently on V6clio.net:
Firstly, if money was no object then I would have one of each as they both have
their own unique feel. If I had to have one then it would be the Phase 2, but
there isn't much in it.
Things I loved about the Phase 2 - The interior
(much better), the fact it was newer, the xenons, slightly better handling, the
spoiler, the 18s, the silver side pods and the black rear/front grills (so much
better than the mesh from the Phase 1).
Things I didn't like about the
Phase 2 - The cost, the price of the tyres plus it was a bit too refined in the
cabin.
Things I love about the Phase 1 - The price, more aggresive
looking, all the noises/clunks in the cabin (much cooler than the Phase 2).
Plus, it's the original Clio V6 in the original colour!
Things I don't
like about the Phase 1 - The interior, wheels are too small plus all the missing
toys from the Phase 2 that I described above.
The main thing to note is
that I got my Phase 1 for half the price that I sold my Phase 2 for (both with
similar mileage). This makes the Phase 1 a total bargain as it is in no way half
the car. The common complaints about power, handing etc. just don't cut it with
me and shouldn't influence potential buyers unless they plan to go on track
days. Honestly, there is so little difference when you're only pushing it
80-90%.
I guess the other question is does the Phase 1 get the same kind
of attention as the Phase 2? The answer is a definite yes and if anything, it
might get a bit more than my Illiad Phase 2 did. I'll leave you with these 2
examples:
1. I left it in the centre of Taunton recently whilst my missus
nipped into a shop. I left the car on it's own for a few minutes but could see
it from where I was standing. I couldn't believe the attention it got when
no-one was in it. Photos being taken, people looking all around it plus one guy
even drove past then came back so he could get out and take photos of
it.
2. I was driving through town the other day and some guy drew level
with me at some lights in a Porsche Carrera GT (£150-200k car). He put his
window down and we had a good old chat about our cars. Amazing when you think my
car cost about 20 times less than his!
I'm a big fan of both and would commend the Phase 1 to anyone