Buyers Guide?

[Big Tomm]

Hello chaps.

I am in the market for a 172 clio cup and have spotted one I am keen on. Before making contact with the seller I want to get a much better idea of the pro's and con's of the car and despite searching for some sort of buyers guide I have not been able to find anything. I did find a buyers guide via google which lead me to a thread on this site but it said that the link had expired and I was not able to view the thread.

I am not a complete beginner and I know that each brand and model have their own specific faults and areas to look out for and this is what I am hoping you guys can help me out with.

From my reading it seems apparent that the belts are at the top of the list along with the dephaser pulley. Now my problem is how often should they be replaced? What mileage should they have been done at? if they have not exceeded the mileage how long should be left between changes? The way I am would mean that they would be replaced whilst in my possession regardless of when they were done just to keep my mind at rest but I don't want to have to do it the week I buy the car unless of course they are past their replacement deadline.

Is there any other things I should have my eyes out for?

I am not so concerned with interior faults, or minor electrical faults as I intend to use the car primarily for track driving (whilst keeping it road legal) but I am concerned by more mechanical related problems.

If anyone could please throw some light on the situation for me that would be great.

I have searched as best I can on this site and Google but have not really found anything which is of great use, every other thread I seem to find is on non clio related forums and I am very doubtful of how trustworthy some of the statements made can be.



Thanks in advance, Tomm

 

[Simon_16v]

I'd say the biggest thing to look out for is service history and if the cambelt/dephaser needs doing. Dephaser controls the variable valve timing and over time can become noisy and make the engine on idle sound remarkably like a diesel. If either need doing you are looking at £450/500 on a 172 cup and you are best off getting it done at a specialist as the timing can easily be knocked out if not done with care.

 

[Big Tomm]

Thanks for the reply Simon.

I have never owned anything French before so I am a little unaware of reliable and reputable specialists. I had a brief look earlier at a company called K-tec IIRC who did the cambelt, alternator belt, pulley and cam end seals for £375 all in (inc VAT & labour). I am familiar with AMD and they do list work for the PH2 172 but do not list a price for the belts and pulley.

If the belts and pulley have been replaced in the last 50k & 6 years would it be coming up for renewal?

Thanks

 

[Sam@NP]

5 years or 75k which ever comes first.

Lots of specialist about, exhausts fall off at around 5 years.

Which model takes your fancy? Trophy's are the best.

 

[Big Tomm]

Thanks for that Sam, therefore at 6 years this one is up for renewal.


I have read about the exhaust faults, Is this due to the rubber in the mounts corroding? The one I have my eyes on had the exhaust replaced in June.

I am not after anything fantastic, just something which I can enjoy on some open pit days and take out to the ring a few times a year and perform a bit better than the UK N/A impreza it will be replacing. The one I have my eyes on is a 2003 172 Clio Cup, I did spot a very nice looking Inferno 182 (FF I think the model was?) but that was sold by the time I called up about it.

Thanks again

 

[JON13S]

I'd actually keep a lookout on here in the for sale section for a decent one already track prepared. For the membership cost it'll save you a lot of time effort and money, you can also look at any historical threads linked to car or forum owner.

 

[Big Tomm]

Hello Jon,

The one in question is actually advertised on here, as a new member I can view the Cars for sale but not the parts for sale.

Although a very valid point I will be going for a car as near to standard as I can get. Doing all of the work yourself is all part of the fun in my eyes and although I have got my hands dirty with other genres of cars I have never had a go at a track car. I also find that when you buy a car already done it is always recognised as that previous owners car.

I will how ever be joining up as a full member once I have a car sat on the drive.

 

[Simon_16v]

Thanks for that Sam, therefore at 6 years this one is up for renewal.


I have read about the exhaust faults, Is this due to the rubber in the mounts corroding? The one I have my eyes on had the exhaust replaced in June.

I am not after anything fantastic, just something which I can enjoy on some open pit days and take out to the ring a few times a year and perform a bit better than the UK N/A impreza it will be replacing. The one I have my eyes on is a 2003 172 Clio Cup, I did spot a very nice looking Inferno 182 (FF I think the model was?) but that was sold by the time I called up about it.

Thanks again

I was a bit wary of the French reliability as well but touch wood a bit of trust has been restored. Exhaust mounts are just badly designed and over time the exhaust sags, which on the 182 is a lot more obvious due to being a visible twin tail pipe.

Either way I'd ask about if the belts have been done, if you heard the words 'no' then either make the seller aware of the costs and try get them to reflect that in the price or just hold out for one that has.

 

[Big Tomm]

Thanks Simon.

I do try my best not to stereotype certain models and brands of cars, I have heard loads of praise for the 1*2 range and to be honest I have nothing to loose so am willing to give one a crack. I am lead to believe that the wiring in the Renault can be a bit of a trouble spot but thankfully due to my trade this will not pose a problem.

I will have the frame of mind to factor a belt and pulley replacement into every car I look at regardless of when it was done last, peace of mind really if anything.

Apart from the belts and exhaust mounts is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Many thanks once again.