Curious about 172's

[thane]

Evening all, got a couple of q's if anyone would be prepared to answer.

I'm thinking about getting a 172 (either ph1 or 2) but I'm planning to use it as a second car and would prefer to do as much work as I can.

What's the best I can expect from £2-3k? I'm geussing maybe some early ph2s, are they hugely better then the ph1s? only experienced my sisters 182 and preferred the interior on that to the ph1s (vanity i know)

is there any key things to note when looking at either of the cars? i will go through the buyers guides but rust shouldnt be an issue yet?

If someone could fill in a few them blanks for me it'd be appreciated.

 

[Kneel]

Only real differences between an early ph2 and a ph1 as far as I can tell is climate control, nicer interior in the ph2 and facelift, on the engine side the only difference I know of is the ph1 is a cable throttle where as the ph2 is electric. for £2-3k you'll get a good ph2 or an immaculate ph1.

 

[SteveS Cup]

£3k will get you a good ph2 with about 70k miles.

Rust??? They made of plastic!! Lol. I've not seen rust on any rs Clio.

 

[Weeman]

^^^^ that, its tupperware, I would say if it has any bodywork rust it would smack of a bad accident repair or serious neglect. Bonnets stone chip like a mo fo though, but thats only normal.

Proof the belts have been done seems to be the biggest concern.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

PH1's are full of win. Not so many around..

2700 (ONO) sees you in my shiny black Ph1

 

[thane]

fair doos, i know the mk1s were prone for the sills and rear arches going, just wanted to check if there had been any symptomns yet for newer models

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

No problems with the Mk2 PH1s AFAIK...! Nothing rusting on mine that I've ever noticed.

 

[realnumber 1]

I remember seeing a 53 plate Ph2 with rust stains on the side skirts amongst other places when I was looking 2, 1/2-3 years ago. Sure it must have been a Sheffield flood car...

 

[Brett]

PH1's are the best 172. Fact.

 

[Sipha]

I personally prefer the PH2, looks more upto date and has a nicer interior imo, either way tho theres not alot of real life difference.

As said, check for recent belts in the history, amongst the usual things.

 

[realnumber 1]

PH1's are the best 172. Fact.

Fact or because you had one??

 

[hollandcup]

If It was my 2-3k I'd be buying a ph1 they have really really grown on me the past few months awesome looking cars IMO. Also you'd get a looked after mint example for that budget, wheras if it were a ph2 you'd get just an ok one.

Ph1 FTW

 

[Martin_172]

ive had both and prefer the ph1 172, better to drive with the 15" wheels and cable throttle more raw however mine is starting to rust very slightly on the rear arches, its going in to get sorted out though before it becomes a problem, so it does happen.

 

[Ian172southend]

I got my ph1 with 42,000 miles (documented) for £2200, bult belts needed doing, Another £200 later and i've got a low milage minter for £2400.

Did have to do my belt myself which was a massive a*se though!

 

[ForceIndia]

Ph2's have the nicer interior. Ph1's are more fun to drive. Slightly more raw, better throttle response.

 

[thane]

fingers crossed if i do get one it will be more for fun then commuting so I don't mind how raw the experience. I really wouldnt mind a williams but i prefer the 172s at the moment.

another question, are the seats lower in the ph1 then in the ph2? thats the one thing I can remember that I would have to remedy as I always feel like Im sat too high in a 182?

 

[Sipha]

The seats are exactly the same afaik.

 

[ForceIndia]

Seats are the same, but if you remove the vibration washers it lowers them further.

 

[mr bognor]

as said mk1 172 more raw and lighter