Do i buy a mk1 or mk2 172? Advice Please

[quik99]

Hi,

In the next month or so i am looking to buy my first 172 clio. I currently own a 04 1.6 clio Dynamique which i have had for 6 months but now im about to turn 20 i am dieing to get my hands on something slightly better

I am in full time work and yes i know the insurance will be expensive but i spend alot of my day in the car for work purposes so its important i have a car which i enjoy driving.

Where i need some advise is i am not sure weather to go for a mk1 172 or the facelift model.

I have approximately £3500 to spend on a 172 and plan on keeping it for about 18months - 2 years max. I drive approximately 18000 miles per year.

Which model do i go for and what should i be looking for at that kind of money?

i have test driven a mk1 172 and loved it however it was very high mileage and im not sure what kind of life expectancy these engines have.

Could i ask which model you would all go for and why?

Thanks very much guys and sorry to babble on!!!!! just need some help chooosing!

 

[AhmedRSi]

Get a ph1 with good service history, thats had its belts done. Will see you through 2 years no probs and youll save money

oh yeh - and there better/faster

 

[Spongebob 172]

yeah,go with the ph1..dont worry about the mileage as long as the belts have been done,mines on 109k and doesnt miss a beat

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

You can hunt around and get a good ph1 for less than 3k, with sensible milage, although there isn't much to worry about post 100k.. (as said above..)

Spend 2.5k on a good Ph1 then you have a grand left for mods / repairs, as required ! There are way less ph1 sports on the road, so exclusivity is on your side too !

Ph1's FTMFHNW !

You know you want to....

/Giraffe

 

[ForceIndia]

I've owned both. The ph2 has the nicer interior and is more refned. The ph1 is more fun, slightly quicker. Drive them both before deciding. Either way, all the belts should of been done.

 

[TimR26]

Your budget will get you a mint ph1 or an average/poor ph2. Wouldn't worry too much about mileage theres cars on here over 130k. Just make sure its been well serviced and had belts done.

 

[Fletcher]

I'd go for a Mk1.

 

[D4N13L]

Just go and drive both mate.

Where abouts are you from, you could take my ph2 for a spin if you are local to M.K.

 

[quik99]

Sounds like good advice guys!

Like said, i have driven a Mk1 and it was really nice to drive. Just havent had any other comparison.

I do like the idea of finding one for around/just under 3k and then spending the rest on making it my own.

Giraffe - your clio looks unbelievably good! infact i would go as far as saying its perfect IMO.

 

[gaz44]

Mk1 if you want an interior that isn't fecking horrid! Mk2 are better cars all round, Cup being THE best.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

I do like the idea of finding one for around/just under 3k and then spending the rest on making it my own.

Giraffe - your clio looks unbelievably good! infact i would go as far as saying its perfect IMO.

Cheers

Don't rush into buying the first one you see.. and don't be put off by realising the good ones are all in Cornwall or Scotland ! It's always the case with any special (i.e. non-run of the mill) car myself or friends have bought haha..

Car shopping road trips are great fun !

 

[quik99]

from west sussex... thanks for the offer thats good of you.

Yeah the mk1 interior really isnt the best i have to admit... but budget has to come into it aswell. In a ideal world id buy a trophy if i was to have any clio!

 

[sideways danny]

there's a LOT of dreamers out there wanting £2.5k for 120k+ mile cars at the moment. I've looked at some right sheds too

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1206579.htm

 

[quik99]

looks vert tidy i have to admit...

fortunately i am in no big rush so i will try look around for a while to see whats about etc...

As long as FSH and Belts have been done and respectable mileage then i will snap one up!

 

[weeshawzy]

i'd say its down to personal preference? we cant answer it for you.

 

[.GAZ.]

there's a LOT of dreamers out there wanting £2.5k for 120k+ mile cars at the moment. I've looked at some right sheds too

Should've bought mine's! £400 engine and its running like a dream!

 

[172mkI]

mkI every time. that front end is just so sexy! haha. plus less around, quicker and many more things! i love mine!

 

[sideways danny]

Should've bought mine's! £400 engine and its running like a dream!

you have no idea. That thought keeps me awake at night

 

[quik99]

this mite make you all laugh... there is a green mk1 172 for sale on autotrader for £2,999 with 154,000 miles and only part service history through a dealer.

I mean come on.... is there really anyone stupid enough out there??? lol

On the plus side i have come across a few other looking bargains.

 

[sideways danny]

that'll be an "exclusive" special edition. I love them personally but there's one with 75k for that money on ebay at the moment

 

[DEMONKNIGHT666]

Silly money for that but it is the "exclusive" model in Scarab Green, limited edition 172 made with Grey Leather interior and BBS alloys.
But I agree, silly money

 

[sideways danny]

got to be better than this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330357629283&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

non starting due to ECU fault.....erm dont think so, there's a clue in the entire water system being bone dry. "it never boiled over" no s**t, it needs water in it to boil

 

[172mkI]

dont like them personally. but 2999 :O thats shocking!