Buying a Clio 182 on a budget

[ByronG1985]

Hi there, New to the forum, and I know for a fact that there have been many, many people that have probably asked the very same questions I am about to ask - so for that I hope I don't get stoned from the bleachers, I'm sorry in advance.

I have just moved to the UK from Cape Town, South Africa and started working end of Feb so my finances don't allow for too expensive a car.
I am looking to buy a car at the end of April / Beginning May with a budget of approximately £1500 to £1750, and am looking at a few cars in particular:

1. Renault Clio Sport 182
2. Toyota Celica 190 / TSport
3. Audi / VW / Seat 1.8T 20v
4. Ford Focus ST170

I guess my questions are:

1. Is it realistic to expect to get a decent 182 in this price range i.e. mileage below 80k, cambelt and dephaser and all the other bits and bobs replaced?
2. How reliable / economical / affordable to maintain is the clio 182 - I have read it is very fuel efficient at least.
3. Are there specialists / garages in the Hampshire / Surrey area that I can take a 182 for servicing / any problems?
4. How would you rank the list of my car options - any thoughts on the others?

Again Apologies if asking these questions annoys some of the more senior members, and thanks in advance for any answers I may get.

 

[R-Sport.]

On that budget you will scrape in on a Silver 182 - probably needing some work.

I think for a mediocre average 182 sub 75k ideally 2500 is about the right price, 2500-3000 gets you nice. 3500 gets you mint.

 

[alistairolsen]

With that budget I'd rather have a nice condition 172 regardless of mileage than pin myself to a low mileage 182. You get more for your money

 

[Budgie]

With that budget I'd rather have a nice condition 172 regardless of mileage than pin myself to a low mileage 182. You get more for your money

This. No reason you can't get a nice example for £1500.

 

[ByronG1985]

I haven't really looked at 172's at all - What are the major differences between the 182 and 172... besides the 10hp and exhaust / spare wheel?

 

[Budgie]

Firstly, not 10bhp.

Basically, exhaust, wheels, exhaust manifold.

172 looks better IMO.

 

[ByronG1985]

Firstly, not 10bhp.

Basically, exhaust, wheels, exhaust manifold.

172 looks better IMO.

Are you referring to ph1 or ph2?

 

[Stay Puft]

Where are you in Hampshire?

My 172 has been extremely reliable, consumables are cheap.

Specialist: Rentech in Portsmouth, who are great.

 

[ByronG1985]

Where are you in Hampshire?

My 172 has been extremely reliable, consumables are cheap.

Specialist: Rentech in Portsmouth, who are great.

that's good to hear - I'm currently in Aldershot

 

[Stay Puft]

Not too far then mate.

 

[ByronG1985]

With that budget I'd rather have a nice condition 172 regardless of mileage than pin myself to a low mileage 182. You get more for your money

May I ask why you mention the 172 regardless of mileage, where as the 182 you mention pinning to a low mileage one? I realise I mentioned a low mileage 182, but is there something inherently bad about the 182 compared to the 172 when it comes to higher mileage?

 

[N4TH4N]

Why does everyone place the silver clios at the bottom of the pile? They look far better than some of the other colours
Imo of course

 

[alistairolsen]

May I ask why you mention the 172 regardless of mileage, where as the 182 you mention pinning to a low mileage one? I realise I mentioned a low mileage 182, but is there something inherently bad about the 182 compared to the 172 when it comes to higher mileage?

Not at all, you asked if you could get an 80k mile 182 for your budget and while the answer is yes, its likely to be ropey (relatively) whereas you could get (for example) a 100k mile 172 which has had all the bushes replaced and the belts done for similar money but because you're at the top end of the 172 market rather than the bottom end of the 182 market, it will likely be in nicer condition.

There are a whole bunch of details differences (because French) even among 182s, but the major things to be aware of is the 182 comes with a twin exhaust and therefore no spare wheel well. Pretty much everything else can be swapped between them. 182 had slightly better manifolds, but there isnt 10bhp in it, thats marketing. most of the choice comes down to paint colours and exhaust IMHO.

 

[cat171]

Why does everyone place the silver clios at the bottom of the pile? They look far better than some of the other colours
Imo of course

It fit's a silver 182, it gotta have anthracite wheels on it, silver ones look so sh*te!

 

[N4TH4N]

It fit's a silver 182, it gotta have anthracite wheels on it, silver ones look so sh*te!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

 

[ByronG1985]

Not at all, you asked if you could get an 80k mile 182 for your budget and while the answer is yes, its likely to be ropey (relatively) whereas you could get (for example) a 100k mile 172 which has had all the bushes replaced and the belts done for similar money but because you're at the top end of the 172 market rather than the bottom end of the 182 market, it will likely be in nicer condition.

There are a whole bunch of details differences (because French) even among 182s, but the major things to be aware of is the 182 comes with a twin exhaust and therefore no spare wheel well. Pretty much everything else can be swapped between them. 182 had slightly better manifolds, but there isnt 10bhp in it, thats marketing. most of the choice comes down to paint colours and exhaust IMHO.

Thanks for this reply - Ok so when I am ready (in about a month or so), I'll definitely be posting a few options on here.
Oh also... the 182 Cambelt and dephaser having to be replaced - is this the same on the 172?

 

[ByronG1985]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

To be fair I like the Silver, it's a very clean look, and compared to the black, it shows off some the details a bit better, where it hides some others (2.0 16v badges).
I haven't seen a yellow one yet, but I would rate my top colours as Silver, Black and then the 2 blues (arctic and smurf - Not sure those are the names), not in that order

 

[alistairolsen]

Thanks for this reply - Ok so when I am ready (in about a month or so), I'll definitely be posting a few options on here.
Oh also... the 182 Cambelt and dephaser having to be replaced - is this the same on the 172?

I'm prepared to be shot down here, but barring the inlet and exhaust manifolds the engines are identical and as such the servicing is the same, belts and dephaser included.

 

[Impuzzable]

Hmmm.............. odd........

 

[ilovewilly]

Why does everyone place the silver clios at the bottom of the pile? They look far better than some of the other colours
Imo of course

Do you own a silver 182 by any chance?

 

[N4TH4N]

Do you own a silver 182 by any chance?

Lmao yes but by choice. I do genuinely prefer it.

 

[Clio_fool]

LOL, I was torn between silver and black. I will always and forever see smurf blue clio's now though:up::smile:

 

[con1981]

St170 is slow although I do like the look of them. Any audi/vw will either be a dog or have Stella mileage on them at that budget. Having said that engines are bullet proof.

I would probably look at the Clio or the vag if it was my money.

 

[Zillah]

I think it's pretty crucial when buying a 172/182 to ignore the mileage and buy based on service history/condition as belt changes etc. are expensive and many owners will have skimped on servicing.

When I was buying my last one I went and saw some utter sheds with 60k on and some really mint examples with well over 100+.

I ended up buying a lovely 182 from a mechanic with 125k but with tonnes of history, recent belt and dephaser change, oil + filter every 6k, new clutch/gearbox and some decent mods - all for well under the bottom of your budget! And it's not silver :wink:

Good ones are out there for little money, don't be so concerned with the miles it's just a number. :up:

 

[CrippsCorner]

Absolutely mate. My first 182 had 45k and it was God awful, so many problems had to spend hundreds on it, and got rid in less than a year. Second 182 was bought on 109k and sold 4 years later on 124k and it was honestly one of the best cars I ever owned!

 

[GrahamS]

Could get a good 182 for £1500 if you're savy with what you buy and jump on a bargain. Worst 182 I've ever owned was on 80k, had dephaser rattle, terrible body work and smelt like balls. Best one I've owned had done the same mileage but had been seriously cared for by the previous owner and didn't give me any problems in my ownership. My current one has done 145k and is a close second, brilliant car, especially with the cams.

 

[coverman]

Cautionary comment: as you apparently haven't held in UK licence for 5 years I would check with potential insurers prior to buying a relatively high performance car

 

[RS Charlie]

In typical Multiquote style...

I haven't really looked at 172's at all - What are the major differences between the 182 and 172... besides the 10hp and exhaust / spare wheel?

Firstly, not 10bhp.

Basically, exhaust, wheels, exhaust manifold.

172 looks better IMO.

IMO the Iceberg colour of the 172s is a lovely colour .

And yes, the power is not massively different. In some ways I prefer the power delivery of the 172. With a remap you will barely be able to tell the difference, unless you enjoy a willy waving contest.

Where are you in Hampshire?

My 172 has been extremely reliable, consumables are cheap.

Specialist: Rentech in Portsmouth, who are great.

What this man said.

Why does everyone place the silver clios at the bottom of the pile? They look far better than some of the other colours
Imo of course

It fit's a silver 182, it gotta have anthracite wheels on it, silver ones look so sh*te!

I do have Anthracite wheels on now but I don't think mine looked that bad with Silver wheels on! It does turn more heads with the Turbines on mind you!

And to answer your other questions:

I guess my questions are:

1. Is it realistic to expect to get a decent 182 in this price range i.e. mileage below 80k, cambelt and dephaser and all the other bits and bobs replaced?
2. How reliable / economical / affordable to maintain is the clio 182 - I have read it is very fuel efficient at least.
3. Are there specialists / garages in the Hampshire / Surrey area that I can take a 182 for servicing / any problems?
4. How would you rank the list of my car options - any thoughts on the others?

1. Yes, I'd want the belts done by a known specialist though; it probably would be OK done elsewhere but I have seen a few modern cars (Clios inlcuded) where their mate or garage-that-gave-them-best-price change a belt and have things end in disaster a few months later from silly things
2. Cambelts are pricey but are done every 5 years/72k. Most other parts are pretty reasonable. As for fuel efficiency they are not bad.

On the way to Portsmouth this weekend I got over 42MPG. After a week of driving in town and then driving back to Warwick that dropped to 39MPG with me sticking to 75MPH most of the way and now and again putting my foot down.

3. Yes - Rentech - they look to be very good.

4.IMO I'd look at the Clio, and Celica out of that list. I do like the ST170s but they are a bit of a dissapointment and some bits can be expensive (albeit not many). VAGs can be more trouble than they are worth with silly niggling faults to the extent the Clio doesn't look all that bad.

However, as said I'd get insurance quote and maybe broaden your search to something cheaper. Focus 1.8 or 2.0 may be worth a consideration and will be far cheaper to run than the ST170. They are also cheap to run and solid workhorses.

 

[JB21]

I picked up a 04 Titanium 182 FF with 101k miles in good condition with 12 months MOT for not much more than your budget, it did need some work though which has cost around £300 (done myslef) so it's not unrealistic on your budget. Trawl all car sites daily and one will come up in a few weeks.

Forgot the rest of your list as they won't be nowhere near as fun as the Clio.

 

[cat171]

@RS Charlie, looks nice!!! I meant standard 182 wheels in silver look pants

 

[jakeg]

I was looking for exactly the same couple of months ago, looked at some poor quality 182's, then looked for 172's and there was much more choice. Particularly if you look for early ph2's (2001/2002)

On the other options I owned a celica 190 for a year and enjoyed it, different to Clio in terms of being bit more refined and comfortable, very very quick but needs to be rev'd high power doesn't t start till 6k, not as practical as Clio imo and doesn't handle as well. Depends what your after, wouldn't be disappointed to own either.

 

[RS Charlie]

@RS Charlie, looks nice!!! I meant standard 182 wheels in silver look pants :wink:

That I will not disagree with!

 

[RSBruvah's]

Hi there, New to the forum, and I know for a fact that there have been many, many people that have probably asked the very same questions I am about to ask - so for that I hope I don't get stoned from the bleachers, I'm sorry in advance.

I have just moved to the UK from Cape Town, South Africa and started working end of Feb so my finances don't allow for too expensive a car.
I am looking to buy a car at the end of April / Beginning May with a budget of approximately £1500 to £1750, and am looking at a few cars in particular:

1. Renault Clio Sport 182
2. Toyota Celica 190 / TSport
3. Audi / VW / Seat 1.8T 20v
4. Ford Focus ST170

I guess my questions are:

1. Is it realistic to expect to get a decent 182 in this price range i.e. mileage below 80k, cambelt and dephaser and all the other bits and bobs replaced?
2. How reliable / economical / affordable to maintain is the clio 182 - I have read it is very fuel efficient at least.
3. Are there specialists / garages in the Hampshire / Surrey area that I can take a 182 for servicing / any problems?
4. How would you rank the list of my car options - any thoughts on the others?

Again Apologies if asking these questions annoys some of the more senior members, and thanks in advance for any answers I may get.

Buy a 172 fix what need fixing can't beat it for £££s for performance.

 

[Clio_fool]

Buy a 172 fix what need fixing can't beat it for £££s for performance.

Do that. It woud be foolish to expect to find a really good one cheap, so best to buy a cheap one and make it good.

 

[ByronG1985]

Cautionary comment: as you apparently haven't held in UK licence for 5 years I would check with potential insurers prior to buying a relatively high performance car

Every time I see a car I'm interested in I put it into Go Compare with the fact that I have an international drivers license etc - most cars I'm looking at start at about £750ish, I've budgeted for this

 

[GrahamS]

Since buying my 182 in february I have spent 65% of its cost on new parts which of course was a bit of a shock when I added it up. I kind of expect to spend quite a lot on any car I buy though. Lots of people love cosmetics over how the car drives no matter what price bracket the car is in

 

[ByronG1985]

In typical Multiquote style...





IMO the Iceberg colour of the 172s is a lovely colour :smile:.

And yes, the power is not massively different. In some ways I prefer the power delivery of the 172. With a remap you will barely be able to tell the difference, unless you enjoy a willy waving contest.



What this man said.





I do have Anthracite wheels on now but I don't think mine looked that bad with Silver wheels on! It does turn more heads with the Turbines on mind you!

And to answer your other questions:



1. Yes, I'd want the belts done by a known specialist though; it probably would be OK done elsewhere but I have seen a few modern cars (Clios inlcuded) where their mate or garage-that-gave-them-best-price change a belt and have things end in disaster a few months later from silly things
2. Cambelts are pricey but are done every 5 years/72k. Most other parts are pretty reasonable. As for fuel efficiency they are not bad.

On the way to Portsmouth this weekend I got over 42MPG. After a week of driving in town and then driving back to Warwick that dropped to 39MPG with me sticking to 75MPH most of the way and now and again putting my foot down.

3. Yes - Rentech - they look to be very good.

4.IMO I'd look at the Clio, and Celica out of that list. I do like the ST170s but they are a bit of a dissapointment and some bits can be expensive (albeit not many). VAGs can be more trouble than they are worth with silly niggling faults to the extent the Clio doesn't look all that bad.

However, as said I'd get insurance quote and maybe broaden your search to something cheaper. Focus 1.8 or 2.0 may be worth a consideration and will be far cheaper to run than the ST170. They are also cheap to run and solid workhorses.

This is a real beaut!!!!

 

[RS Charlie]

This is a real beaut!!!!

Now you are kind! I hope the same can be said for the car being on the new wheels! It's not a bad car at all really .

 

[ByronG1985]

I'm sadly still a few weeks away - (have to wait till payday)... but any thoughts on these 2?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/renault/renault-clio-sports-172/1162311900

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...default&radius=40&keywords=clio 172&logcode=p

I like the built in Sat Nav...

 

[coverman]

The black car looks worth investigating. Dont get excited by a built-in satnav-it probably needs an expensive update and anyway your smartphone should do an equally good job.