First car - Clio Dynamic 1.2L

[gh_]

I'm seeking a bit of help basically I've decided upon the above car as my first car, I've been looking around and I've basically seen a few cars I like for around £2700 for an 01/02 plate.

Now, the majority of these cars have around 40,000-70,000 miles, the question is, what in particular should I be looking for with the above car with around this sort of mileage and age.

Are there any know problems to speak of that I should be aware of, and does the above pricing seem reasonable (mostly taken from autotrader and pistonheads) for the car in question with the sort of age / mileage.

Thanks in advance, all help and suggestions greatly appreciated. :approve:

 

[Beef-Mc]

Prices seem to be about right.

CHeck to see if the car has had it's cambelt done. Should be done after 5 years.

 

[gh_]

Is there anyway I can check that the cambelt has been done, will it be in the service history book clearly labeled? If the car only has say... 40,000 (quite low for the age according to parkers) miles on the clock would a cambelt change still be needed? If one wasn't done, how much is it likely to set me back if one was needed.

Is there any areas of the car that are rust prone, would you expect to see rust on a car of this age anyway?

 

[Martin_172]

dont be put off by high millage as long as its been well serviced, my first engine lasted till 140,000 miles and the only reason it went was because when i changed the cambelt i didnt do the waterpump and eventually the waterpump seazed up snapping the cambelt!

i think freds was arround 100k of pure abuse too before he took the engine out?!

 

[Beef-Mc]

Should be in the service book or failing that there should be an invoice for the work carried out.

The belts should be changed regardless of mileage, especially after 5 years. Renault recommned 72k or every 5 years, many people change before then.

For a 1.2 my cambelt changed cost £270 from a main dealers.

 

[Ben.]

yup, mine was about £250 for cambelt + waterpump (not from main dealer)

 

[gh_]

If the cambelt hasn't been completed, would it be reasonable for me to ask the seller to reduce the price by the amount for a replacement one, or ask for them to have the work carried out before I purchased?

If the cambelt failed compeltely, how much would that set me back, does it trigger a massive failure elsewhere? I'm not too savy with cars (as you've no doubt guessed) just trying to grasp the basics for now

 

[Beef-Mc]

I would use the lack of a cambelt change as a bargaining tool is it's a big job.

If the camblet breaks at speed it can bend a couple of vavles, I.e not good

 

[Ben.]

yeah i think it is reasonable to knock of the cost from the price (within reasion), as it should be done!!

and yes, if cambelt snaps then you are fucked!

im no mechanic...but i no that much

 

[Michael172]

Cambelt (ive just had mine done) costs about £100.


Dynamique is a good first car, youll be happy with it. Untill you start wanting somehitng with a bit mroe pawah.