Clio 200s

[leeds_182]

I’m tempted to come back into the clio scene after selling the 325d. I’ve seen a clio 200 for sale and might be going for a look at the weekend.

I’ve not driven one…..ever but I did own a 197 from new back in the day so I’m guessing they’re much of a muchness.

The one in question is white, standard apart from a stainless cat back and 98k miles.

Condition wise it looks pretty good and it’s got a long mot.

What am I looking out for? s**t gearbox? The obvious timing belt question? Any rust issues cropping up with 200s yet?

I know I’m likely to only own it for a week so want to make sure I get a half decent one so I can sell it on…..

 

[Zingerlockdown]

nah don't do it.

 

[gez 172]

Buy an R27 197 If you don’t want it to depreciate while you own it. Or at least a Clio 200 with Recaros.

 

[Bleu]

nah don't do it.

helpful

 

[Matt Cup]

Buy an R27 197 If you don’t want it to depreciate while you own it. Or at least a Clio 200 with Recaros.

@MarcB has a nice one for sale 👍

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Had two 197s, basically the same as a 200 in reality, as the mechanical differences are tiny. The Cup has a quicker steering rack, but they're all pretty similar otherwise, and you can switch a lot of bits in between (I fitted 200 Cup dampers to my 197 for example).

I really like them to be honest, and would have one over a 1*2. They don't feel as raw or instant in their response, but they can carry more speed through corners and are proper bits of kit in the chassis department. They're a bit nicer day-to-day as well, as they're just that bit bigger and (slightly) more modern.

Main issues aside from cambelt and the gearbox synchros are wear in the suspension, as it's got all the fancy twin-pivot hub stuff like a Megane, so you might need to do swivel bearings etc. The manifold flexis fail because of wooly engine mounts, but it can be repaired, or there are aftermarket manifold options.

I'd definitely have another, though I would say that it is also worth considering a MK7 Fiesta ST. A mate of mine has one and I borrowed it for a couple of weeks. They have dropped a lot in price and do have some advantages over the Clio. The fact they're turbocharged means they have more mid-range grunt, are better on fuel, and they're often better equipped. If I was going out for a Sunday morning blast, I would still take the Clio but, as a daily driver, the Fiesta ST is probably the better car overall.

 

[Bleu]

Had two 197s, basically the same as a 200 in reality, as the mechanical differences are tiny. The Cup has a quicker steering rack, but they're all pretty similar otherwise, and you can switch a lot of bits in between (I fitted 200 Cup dampers to my 197 for example).

I really like them to be honest, and would have one over a 1*2. They don't feel as raw or instant in their response, but they can carry more speed through corners and are proper bits of kit in the chassis department. They're a bit nicer day-to-day as well, as they're just that bit bigger and (slightly) more modern.

Main issues aside from cambelt and the gearbox synchros are wear in the suspension, as it's got all the fancy twin-pivot hub stuff like a Megane, so you might need to do swivel bearings etc. The manifold flexis fail because of wooly engine mounts, but it can be repaired, or there are aftermarket manifold options.

I'd definitely have another, though I would say that it is also worth considering a MK7 Fiesta ST. A mate of mine has one and I borrowed it for a couple of weeks. They have dropped a lot in price and do have some advantages over the Clio. The fact they're turbocharged means they have more mid-range grunt, are better on fuel, and they're often better equipped. If I was going out for a Sunday morning blast, I would still take the Clio but, as a daily driver, the Fiesta ST is probably the better car overall.

Is it just the 200 Cup that has the quicker steering rack?

 

[RSRowe]

What am I looking out for?

Everything has been covered really.
I would try and buy one which is a nice colour with Recaros, that way, it'll hold value pretty well. 200's feel quite peppy compared to the 197, as the gearing is much shorted 1st to 3rd (4th is the same, and 5th/6th is longer, so better for motorway cruising).

Rust is pretty uncommon on the body... like the complete opposite of the 1X2's. Rusty radiator support is pretty typical, and can crop up on MOT history if the tester hasn't used his brain.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Is it just the 200 Cup that has the quicker steering rack?

Yeah, I think all 197s/200s have the same steering rack apart from the 200 Cup, but it's only a few percent quicker. There are a few different anti-roll bar thicknesses across the models, and the springs and dampers are different too. Everything else is the same suspension and brake-wise though.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

A fiesta ST makes a better daily and is (much) less costly to fix when it breaks.
197/200’s handle the best though. They’re epic!
Just not sure I’d want the repair costs of the Renaults now.

 

[RSRowe]

^ agreed

They're a far better daily.

 

[Matt Cup]

If you can keep it on your drive long enough.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

If you can keep it on your drive long enough.

The secret to that is not living in a shithole. I've known a few people with them and not had any problems.

 

[Matt Cup]

The secret to that is not living in a shithole. I've known a few people with them and not had any problems.

Scum target nice areas too.

 

[Flat Eric]

It will be sold before it gets stolen

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Scum target nice areas too.

I'm sure but, having spent many years living in rural Norfolk, such things were never that common. One of the many perks of living as far away from other people as possible.

 

[Clio_fool]

I like mine and it's only cost £5k in maintenance over the 9k miles I've done in it.

 

[leeds_182]

A fiesta ST makes a better daily and is (much) less costly to fix when it breaks.
197/200’s handle the best though. They’re epic!
Just not sure I’d want the repair costs of the Renaults now.

Fiestas are gash though. Plus, I’d have to buy a Ford hat.

 

[GiT]

All covered, can confirm they are tupidly able daily drivers. Get one tried - I didn't think it felt particularly "different" compared to the 208 GTi BPS, both had strong premium but light hot hatch vibes.

I'd love another.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Fiestas are gash though. Plus, I’d have to buy a Ford hat.

Except they're not. Fantastic cars and probably the last great small-ish hot hatch.

 

[Myfanwyi]

I like mine and it's only cost £5k in maintenance over the 9k miles I've done in it.

Isn't yours always brokened?

 

[Louis]

Isn't yours always brokened?

Yeah but that's because it's porl working on it

 

[Clio_fool]

Isn't yours always brokened?

No it works now. Mostly.

Yeah but that's because it's porl working on it

Mother fucker I'm a proper mekanik now I own a big f**k off milwokky ugga dugga.

 

[Leeph1]

Had mine a couple of months now, they’re fun little cars. Mine has the recaros which are bonus and help sell the car. Gearbox is a problem as covered, also check thermostat. They do lack a bit of power. I’ve got a megane 250 and would probably sell the megane before the Clio