Clio Williams

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and though Id say howdy.

I am currently driving a 1.2 N reg clio however I am looking to purchase Clio Williams 3 next year. I have recieved an insurance quote of £1,800 fully comp which is not too bad considering Ill be 20!

Be good to hear from any Williams owners,

Cheers,

Tom

FATBOY · Mar 4, 2004

woooah thats a lot of money!!! how many no claims ya got???? im 25 2 years no claims and paying £779 fully comp on my williams 3

oh and by the way welcome to the site

Daz · Mar 4, 2004

Welcome!

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by FATBOY on 04 March 2004

woooah thats a lot of money!!! how many no claims ya got???? im 25 2 years no claims and paying £779 fully comp on my williams 3

oh and by the way welcome to the site

Yeah its a bit of dosh but its guna be worth it! Ive got 2 years no claims but will be 3 soon.

Cheers mate, do u reccomned the williams then or is that a stupid question!!!!

007 · Mar 4, 2004

Welcome TomS - I highly reccomend the Williams

.

On the current prices you cannot get too much better value for money.

Best bit of advice I was given when joining was forget about whether Williams 1, 2 or 3 and get the best you can find for you budget!

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Cheers 007, yeah that is good advice. Ive recently been tempted by a williams 2 with 37,000 miles that was just under 5 grand but im guna wait til im 20 and hopefully get a good en!!!!!!

BigBoreBri · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by TomS on 04 March 2004

Cheers 007, yeah that is good advice. Ive recently been tempted by a williams 2 with 37,000 miles that was just under 5 grand but im guna wait til im 20 and hopefully get a good en!!!!!!

Should have snapped that up mate!

FATBOY · Mar 4, 2004

totally recommend a williams had mine 3 weeks now and dont regret it!

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Yeah tis a good example but i really need to save up that bit extra and wait!

am also considering the cup but i think the williams is that bit special

FATBOY · Mar 4, 2004

very special mate

007 · Mar 4, 2004

Thats a good price IMO - dont worry too much about milage tho its about how its been treated too.

Mine is a low milage but has been treated very well - Ive had it a year and apart from a faulty alarm nothing has gone wrong.

You will find that parts are expensive - some stupidly so.

To be honest best to look until you find a minter - there are a few about as some people treasure them. There are lots of dogs tho so if you have some time before you buy one get looking and get the right one when it comes up. Even if it means parking it in a garage for a while until your 20. I have done this a few times - its easy to get a loan and be tempted just to buy a car because you want it now (been there done that

) only to find its a dog after.

Cheers

Carl

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by 007 on 04 March 2004

Thats a good price IMO - dont worry too much about milage tho its about how its been treated too.

Mine is a low milage but has been treated very well - Ive had it a year and apart from a faulty alarm nothing has gone wrong.

You will find that parts are expensive - some stupidly so.

To be honest best to look until you find a minter - there are a few about as some people treasure them. There are lots of dogs tho so if you have some time before you buy one get looking and get the right one when it comes up. Even if it means parking it in a garage for a while until your 20. I have done this a few times - its easy to get a loan and be tempted just to buy a car because you want it now (been there done that) only to find its a dog after.

Cheers

Carl

Very true mate, Im guna keep my eyes peeled and see if any mint examples come up. Til then im stuck with the ol 1.2. Im guna get the drive of a lifetime when i first test the williams eh!

One came up a few months back with 18,000 on the clock and one owner, think he wanted sumthing like ten grand but what an example!!! blatantly been sold now.

cheers for the advice, tom

Ben H · Mar 4, 2004

My no.1 tip for cheap insurance is to try adding your mum/selected senior female as a named driver. Brought mine down from £750 to under £600! (Admiral, 23 yrs, 3 yrs NCB).

The Williams isnt really that much different to buy than a 16V - that goes for the maintenance and general ownership costs too. They are, however, very different to drive (ex 16V owner speaking). You will also be absolutely shocked at how different a Williams is to a 1.2 - literally everything apart from the doors and boot is different (also an ex-1.2 owner!). Here are a few golden rules:

1. A Willy will cost £££ to run, depending of course on your perception of cost - but Ill take it that at 19/20, you wont be earning absolutely mountains of cash. Maybe youll be lucky, but most need TLC to keep them mint. Cash-wise, a Willy will cost a lot more than a 172 on a month-by-month basis and you may end up paying the same as if youd spent more in the first place. Worth every penny IMO though.

2. Wear relates to age as much as mileage, e.g. rubbers, shocks, bearings etc wear with age. There are a very suspicious amount of "low milage" Williams around (its easy to clock them). Make sure you get all the bills.

3. Again, its perception, but I think I speak for most when I say that modifying a Williams is a bit of a no-no (for resale if nothing else) and that everyone you meet will expect the car to be mint! Theres a lot of pub bullsh*t spread about the Williams: my window cleaner was most disappointed to learn that the Willy wasnt home to a turbo lump!

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by Ben H on 04 March 2004

My no.1 tip for cheap insurance is to try adding your mum/selected senior female as a named driver. Brought mine down from £750 to under £600! (Admiral, 23 yrs, 3 yrs NCB).

The Williams isnt really that much different to buy than a 16V - that goes for the maintenance and general ownership costs too. They are, however, very different to drive (ex 16V owner speaking). You will also be absolutely shocked at how different a Williams is to a 1.2 - literally everything apart from the doors and boot is different (also an ex-1.2 owner!). Here are a few golden rules:

1. A Willy will cost £££ to run, depending of course on your perception of cost - but Ill take it that at 19/20, you wont be earning absolutely mountains of cash. Maybe youll be lucky, but most need TLC to keep them mint. Cash-wise, a Willy will cost a lot more than a 172 on a month-by-month basis and you may end up paying the same as if youd spent more in the first place. Worth every penny IMO though.

2. Wear relates to age as much as mileage, e.g. rubbers, shocks, bearings etc wear with age. There are a very suspicious amount of "low milage" Williams around (its easy to clock them). Make sure you get all the bills.

3. Again, its perception, but I think I speak for most when I say that modifying a Williams is a bit of a no-no (for resale if nothing else) and that everyone you meet will expect the car to be mint! Theres a lot of pub bullsh*t spread about the Williams: my window cleaner was most disappointed to learn that the Willy wasnt home to a turbo lump!

Nice one mate, Ill take that advice on board. Wouldnt even dream of modifying a williams. Maybe realistically it might be best to wait another year til im 21 as im currently at uni at mo. Be best to run when ive got my degree cus Ill be doing hardly any miles. My ideal plan wud be to have the willy as a weekend drive and get a banger for the week at work.... i can dream!!!!!

FATBOY · Mar 4, 2004

what no turbo lump???

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by FATBOY on 04 March 2004

what no turbo lump???

Wouldnt have the balls!!!

Rajk · Mar 4, 2004

make sure you have a grand handy to do all the bits you need, ie suspension, G/b so you can get it running well

By the way WELCOME, yet another prospective willy owner!

TomS · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by Rajk on 04 March 2004

make sure you have a grand handy to do all the bits you need, ie suspension, G/b so you can get it running well

By the way WELCOME, yet another prospective willy owner!

Cheers, what one u got? Yeah im coming to terms with how expensive shes guna be to run. Hopefully in the next year or so i may be able to pick one up.

Ben H · Mar 4, 2004

I had a 16V while I was at uni. It sucked every last penny I had into its bonnet bulge!! (I was also working p/t @£450 per month to keep it going!). How Ive ended up without debt I dont know!

Actually, thats a point BTW. If you can stand a few big bills, then its worth considering a 16V in the meantime. Its more than an introduction to a Williams - its most of the experience at substantially less outlay. There are some situations where - behind the wheel - a Williams will give 50% extra, but in average day-to-day terms its more like 10%.

Ben H · Mar 4, 2004

Heres a quick guide for you:

Williams: The original homologation special, 400 RHD cars, numbered individually and made in late 1993. Basically, Renaultsport took advantage of FIA Rallying rules that allowed engine capacity of up to 2.0 litres when a car was homologated (at the time, they were using the 1764cc Clio 16V as the homologation car). In order to do this, they had to make 2500 road-going 2.0 Clio examples. The car was named the Williams to celebrate the Nigel Mansel/Williams/Renault F1 victories, although it was basically untouched by Williams F1 Engineering Ltd. Nevertheless, Frank Williams is among the Clio Williams more famous owners.

The original edition was based on the Phase1 Clio 16V, with the various modifications basically concentrated on making the best hot hatch of the day an even more fitting home for the new Group A/N rallying 2.0 F7R engine. The Willy also wore that unmistakable trademark combination of 449 Sports Blue bodywork and gold/silver rimmed Speeline wheels, with wider tracks filling the 16Vs already pumped-up arches and sporting a larger rear lip spoiler. The suspension and transmission were very heavily revised, with the interior getting attention too.

The distinguishing features over the Williams 2 and 3 are the Phase1 exterior/interior trim ("retro" would be kind), lack of sunroof/electric mirrors/ABS/basic sound system. None of the three editions have any mechanical differences worth mentioning.

See here: http://williamsteam.free.fr/videos/Essai.mpg http://williamsteam.free.fr/videos/Essai.mpg

Williams 2: Such was the public and press reception for the original Williams (see http://www.cliosport.net/articles/williams-2.asp http://www.cliosport.net/articles/williams-2.asp), that Renault produced a second batch of Willies in 1994: much to the anger of the original Williams owners. Still, with numbers of RHD cars at less than 400, these are again very rare. These were also Phase2 cars, which in line with the general Clio range are smoother-looking and more soundproofed cars - see elsewhere for more details. The Willy 2 gained some of the refinements of the Clio 16V lost on the original Williams, such as electric mirrors. Still no sunroof or ABS and still 449 Sports Blue in colour.

Williams 3: Renault again gave in to the pressure and produced a final edition in 1995. These cars were again limited to under 400 RHD examples and were Phase2 models. They are distinguished by their Monaco Blue pearlescent paintwork (shared with the Clio 16V), which is a lighter colour than the 449 Sports Blue. These final editions came with an electric sunroof as standard, with ABS as standard (I think, or at least a very popular option).

My opinion is that none of these cars is generally in better condition as a group than the other. I looked at all three when buying mine and thought that they were about the same, with the Willy 3 in fact being the catergory of high milers. To some extent at least, its the look and your view that decides your favourite: Willy as the original rally homologation, Willy 2 the best of both worlds and Willy 3 as the refined final edition.

Infinicar · Mar 4, 2004

Williams Clios are not really very costly to run - even with genuine Renault parts. So long as you get a semi decent one.

Bags of fun, and 3 grand will buy a decent one these days - cant ask for better value than that!

Paul

Rajk · Mar 4, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by TomS on 04 March 2004

Quote: Originally posted by Rajk on 04 March 2004

make sure you have a grand handy to do all the bits you need, ie suspension, G/b so you can get it running well

By the way WELCOME, yet another prospective willy owner!

Click to expand...

Cheers, what one u got? Yeah im coming to terms with how expensive shes guna be to run. Hopefully in the next year or so i may be able to pick one up.

had a willy1 and it got written off and now i have a willy2, also owned a valver, all great fun!

FlamingMonkey · Mar 4, 2004

Definately worth getting one, I went from 16v to Williams and the difference was something I didnt expect.

Tis worth shopping around though. I have just bought a Williams 3 with 53k on a 95 N.

I reckon from my search for a Williams you are best putting aside some cash to get the Wheels refurbished, because none of the ones I saw were perfect, a price I have been quoted to get the refurbed is £40-45 per corner,

Also bear in mind the cam belt will probbably need changing depending on history, and the local Renault dealer quoted me £280ish, its alot of money for a £20 belt. But the end result is worth it I love every second I spend driving it.

Strange really a lot of the people who Ive talked to who havent an interest in Cars at all, they all knew about the Williams, and near enough all of them imagined the car to have a Turbo lump.

weeb · Mar 4, 2004

f**8 the money what a car to have @20

bully · Mar 4, 2004

Welcome mate.....i had to wait 10 years before i could afford one and the insurance.....but it was worth it! i have just got back into bikes and i can honestly say that i drive the willy more than i ride my new bike....that should tell you something. I agree with most of the above, wait for a real goodun and take lots of advice before you part with your hard earned.

weeb · Mar 4, 2004

here here

eves · Mar 5, 2004

hey there, williams 3 is a really good choice but they are all as equally good as one another! jus depends if you wanna sunroof and a different colour!!!!

I was 21 paying £1700 comp last year, this year i got it down to £800!! woohooo

ReNWiLL · Mar 5, 2004

Hi Tom and welcome,

Echoes of what most ppl say here, 1 2 or 3 dont matter they are all the best fun I ever had on 4 wheels.

Insurance £478 with all mods declared, age = old

just to add...dont even consider one without a Full service history !!

oh...and I also said, and I quote, "I wouldnt dream of Modify-ing a Williams"

Regards,

Bill.

TomS · Mar 5, 2004

Cheers for all the repiles guys, its great to hear from owners of this car.

I will prob have some further questions to ask you about it in the near future, in the meantime Ill be sticking with the 1.2 Beast!!!

Hopefully when Im 21 I can be lucky enough to pick up a Mint example of a Williams.

As for the idea of going for the 16v, I have certainly considered it as a stepping stone for the Williams however all the ones I have seen for sale have high mileage and look a bit ragged. Im sure theres some good ens out there tho!

Thanks again

(Cheers for the guide Ben H, very useful indeed)

TomS

Rajk · Mar 5, 2004

just to say, that i went to help one of my dads friends today as his car wouldnt start, we left the non starter at the side of the road and I gave my dads friend a lift home, he said "OOOOOOOOOOOOOh i have never been in a williams before "and had a huge smile on his face, this is from a middle aged man who drives a SAAB!

Matt16v · Mar 5, 2004

No one can knock a Williams, still probably the best handling hatch around.

Every one, even people that dont know alot about cars will always know the "Blue car with gold wheels"

Never had the pleasure of driving one, but if its better than my 16v (I have no doubt about that) then it must be good!

My advice would be to be patient, dont buy the first but look around.

Equally though, if your lucky enough to find a good example and you have the money, buy it. It wont hurt to have it even if you cant run it for the time being. As long as you start it regulary and keep it "fresh"

Glad you said you wont mod it as well!

2 live · Mar 5, 2004

hehe welcome to the club mate

as has been said countless times before......be careful when handing over your hard earned, there are a LOT of dogs around..

as for modding........well bodywise i dont think the willy should be touched....but engine/suspension/exhaust are all screaming to be uprated if the original units are knackered

sure the willys are a brilliant little car as standard....but a whole load better with some basic mods

TomS · Mar 5, 2004

Yeah I can seen how the Williams has a heck of alot of potential engine wise but I really would leave mine as standard.

To be fair I wud be very tempted with a full exhaust system as that really would finish it off nicely. get good value for money with a good one too!

thanks

toms

2 live · Mar 5, 2004

tbh mate, the engine is pretty much very nearly at max tune as is.

altho a few bits can be done internal and a few bolt on bits added.......zorst wise, losing the cat and fitting an aftermarket zorst n panel filter wil shave over1/2 a second off ur 1/4 mile times, add a set of coilovers and the car will feel safer thru corners at higher speed..

all IMO, and tried and tested

TomS · Mar 5, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by 2 live on 05 March 2004

tbh mate, the engine is pretty much very nearly at max tune as is.

altho a few bits can be done internal and a few bolt on bits added.......zorst wise, losing the cat and fitting an aftermarket zorst n panel filter wil shave over1/2 a second off ur 1/4 mile times, add a set of coilovers and the car will feel safer thru corners at higher speed..

all IMO, and tried and tested

Fair dos mate. Im guna keep a look out and in the next year or maybe a bit longer, I can join you lot in displaying the ol williams cars.

Do you actually have meets and things?

2 live · Mar 5, 2004

yes mate evry month

then theres always the RWYB events at pod or york, donny car show, donny south etc etc etc

a lot of ppl on here seem to think that anything other than oe parts ruins a williams feel...............if thats the case it must be perfect..........which it isnt, it is very good but not perfection

TomS · Mar 5, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by 2 live on 05 March 2004

yes mate evry month

then theres always the RWYB events at pod or york, donny car show, donny south etc etc etc

a lot of ppl on here seem to think that anything other than oe parts ruins a williams feel...............if thats the case it must be perfect..........which it isnt, it is very good but not perfection

I hear what ya sayin, however I really wud leave it standard if I had one (when I get one!). Each to their own tho.

Look foward to seein sum williams at shows in the near future even if i dont have one i still wud like to check em out.

TomS · Mar 6, 2004

The Clio Williams 1 I mentioned earlier that was for sale with only 17,000 ish miles on the clock was the one that was tested in this months Evo mag!!!!

Though it was a special en! If only i had the money to buy that beauty!

Rallye-King · Mar 6, 2004

£1800 quid is a joke mate.. At 20 I would reckon you aint earning that much (maybe the 10 - 20k bracket?? ). It really does make sense to drive a less powerfull car for a couple of years and build up some no claims. Other wise you will be paying your credit card off for the rest of your life .

Ben H · Mar 6, 2004

Quote: Originally posted by TomS on 06 March 2004

The Clio Williams 1 I mentioned earlier that was for sale with only 17,000 ish miles on the clock was the one that was tested in this months Evo mag!!!!

Though it was a special en! If only i had the money to buy that beauty!

Sorry to disappoint you mate, but that car belongs to a member called King Stromba, who as far as I know is not selling the car.

Clio Williams

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