Buying a 172 Cup?

[Jimbo_924]

Hi Guys

I joined the forum a couple of days ago and have just been reading through the majority of the threads. I've decided this year that I fancy a new everyday car (already have a project, lol). So looking at about £4000-£5000 and thought that the Clio 172 Cup would be about the quickest, yet reliable car for the money. (Plus I race karts so could offer me a little reminder everytime I drive to it)
However looking through the forum there seems to be a theme of unreliability, particularly poorly running engines? I understand that the forum is a useful place to ask if you have a problem but the large amount of problems (and that they all seem to be different) surprises me.

- Perhaps you guys could give me an honest idea of how reliable these little rockets are?
- Also an idea on parts prices? (I always maintain my own cars and I'm generally willing to have a go at any tasks, hence its only the parts prices I'm interested in)

Thanks for any help you guys can give ! James

PS: Loving the forum you've got going here ! Nice work

 

[Timmay]

there are some people here who have never once had a problem - its like any car model some are better than others - I def would say get one you wont be disappointed

 

[ForceIndia]

I've had 5, never had any engine issues.

 

[Jimbo_924]

I assume these 5 have all been driven hard?

Edit: Wait a mo, I guess the interesting question why five different ones if the first never had a problem? (Just fancied new one)

 

[John D]

Personally I thought the engines were generally the most reliable part on 172/182s' :S

Trouble with reading the forum is people tend to post more often when they have a problem than when they don't, as I'm sure you realise!

I've had zero running problems with my 172 Cup in the two years I've had it (bought on 31k now on 59k). Drive 13-14k a year, a large proportion of it for fun (ragging it ). It is driven everyday on a short commute. Never failed to start.

Worst thing thats happened is the back box dropped off (common fault!). I'd class that as wear and tear rather than a major problem. Likewise the steering wheel and gearknob have disintergrated. Theres a few other little quirks too, but they don't bother me.

I'm not too clued up on parts prices. Servicing is reasonable if you go to indys rather than dealers. General running costs are reasonable too IMO.

 

[Timmay]

I assume these 5 have all been driven hard?

Edit: Wait a mo, I guess the interesting question why five different ones if the first never had a problem? (Just fancied new one)

warren's just never been content tbh

 

[Jimbo_924]

Lol, thanks alot guys.

I do understand that very few people are likely to come on to mention that there car is actually working, lol. But I guess I'm too used to the car forum I'm normally on (i won't mention the car, don't think I could take the abuse) but its from the 70's hence the post of "Its actually working !!"

Another question if I may, everyone always quote part prices from Renault, is there not may good OEM part supplies for these cars?

 

[MillerLight]

i used to get all from GSF

 

[Ollie82.]

I think with the Sport's in particular, sticking with Renault parts is the safest bet but of course, its all down to personal preference.
Some people swear that factor parts are fine, others shy away from them.

As for the reliability, the engine (if well maintained of course) is indeed the strongest part of the car.
The horror stories you will hear of are of poorly maintained yet ragged cars with seemingly baffled owners wondering why they keep needing new engines.

The weak bits seem to be the bits bolted to them. Power steering return pipes leak, clutch release bearings last about 35-50k, and engine mounts can prematurely wear.
OEM exhausts WILL fall off and in the case of the 182, the cam cover bolts will prob leak but again, its all part of the fun!

And just a side note...the 172 Cup engines tend to be the gutsiest of the bunch..

 

[gaz44]

5 years of Cup fun - only wear and tear to fork out for really. Well worth the money imo!

 

[banx22]

Its just the usual wear and tear really. The exhaust falls off because they are so thin, its not a big deal really. Its also cheaper to get a stainless one than a Renault one so it won't happen again if (when!) it does.

Other bits are easy to replace yourself. In fact the only job that i wouldn't fancy would be the belt changes. The usual service stuff is very easy to do yourself (oil, brakes, sparkplugs, air filter). The cups have even less to go wrong (No ABS, No cruise control, No air con, No auto wipers).

They are very simple cars (the cup anyway).

If you service it correctly and get the belts etc done when they should then the only problem your going to have is the amount your spending on petrol! and even then its pretty economical considering how much fun you can have with it.

 

[Jimbo_924]

Thanks again, got alot more confidence in the car from those replies.

Why wouldn't you fancy doing a belt change ? (possibly an engine bay pic?? lol)

Two of my housemates are massive Honda fans and trying to convince me to get a DC2 (Integra) or EK9 (Civic Type R). They have very little chance !!

 

[banx22]

There isn't much room under the bonnet and in order to get to the belts; lots of bits need to be taken off and it is a big job plus if it goes wrong then it's going to be expensive to fix!

I have neither the tools or the confidence to do the belts (or the time really (8hs!)).

Before i got the cup i was also considering the DC2 integra. they are meant to be awesome and i would love to get a DC5 at some point in the future. i've had a bit of fun with a DC2 in the cup and there really wasn't much in it.