Renault Clio 197
So after putting 20,000 miles on my Megane GT 150 DCI (07 plate) in just 8 months I decided I would like something a little more sporty to drive. Previously had Polo GTi (Mk3, 1.8 150Bhp) and Ford Focus St 225 which were both great cars although too many electronic barriers kicked in when driving fast in the Polo and the Focus was a money pit! Also had a Mazda Mx5 mk2.5 which was great fun but with no air con I couldn't run it as my only car. Never had a single problem with the Megane so thought French was the way to go. Looked at Megane 225 but would be looking at £3k for nice one and didn't appear to be as reliable as the 172/182 so I decided to go for a 172.
Saw a low mileage one (63,000 miles) on eBay which was cheap (£1k) albeit with not a great deal of history but in great condition. Original apart from Scorpion Cat Back. Cambelt apparently replaced but no proof... Had just over a £1k to set it right. Got the train up to Wales took it for a test drive and drove it back. Awesome car and great all rounder. Good on fuel, great around the corners and with the rear two seat bench removed can easily fit golf clubs and electric trolley in. 9,000 miles so far and not a single problem! Favourite car owned.
Work completed so far:
- Sold Scorpion Cat Back and replaced with OEM original (£0)
- Sand and Polish Headlights Materials (£24) Labour (£0)
- Pair of rear Genuine Renault shocks to replace miss matched (£135 fitted)
- Cambelt, Dephaser and Water Pump replacement carried out by Diamond Motors - along with a few little messy bits which were found whilst replacing. (£709)
- Polybush dogbone mount replacing the perished original (£70 fitted)
- Two new front tyres (Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125) and wheel alignment (£155). Previously had on the rear of Mazda MX5 and were great.
- Pioneer MVH-390BT stereo and Pioneer TS-Q131C speakers (£110). Installed myself
- Snappy Steering wheel recently purchased from here (£180)
A little over budget at £1,419. But happy all in for £2,419. You can pick up for cheaper but there's usually always something that needs doing to bring back up to scratch. I have found anyway. Would like some nicer alloys though...any recommendations would be welcomed.
Saw a low mileage one (63,000 miles) on eBay which was cheap (£1k) albeit with not a great deal of history but in great condition. Original apart from Scorpion Cat Back. Cambelt apparently replaced but no proof... Had just over a £1k to set it right. Got the train up to Wales took it for a test drive and drove it back. Awesome car and great all rounder. Good on fuel, great around the corners and with the rear two seat bench removed can easily fit golf clubs and electric trolley in. 9,000 miles so far and not a single problem! Favourite car owned.
Work completed so far:
- Sold Scorpion Cat Back and replaced with OEM original (£0)
- Sand and Polish Headlights Materials (£24) Labour (£0)
- Pair of rear Genuine Renault shocks to replace miss matched (£135 fitted)
- Cambelt, Dephaser and Water Pump replacement carried out by Diamond Motors - along with a few little messy bits which were found whilst replacing. (£709)
- Polybush dogbone mount replacing the perished original (£70 fitted)
- Two new front tyres (Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125) and wheel alignment (£155). Previously had on the rear of Mazda MX5 and were great.
- Pioneer MVH-390BT stereo and Pioneer TS-Q131C speakers (£110). Installed myself
- Snappy Steering wheel recently purchased from here (£180)
A little over budget at £1,419. But happy all in for £2,419. You can pick up for cheaper but there's usually always something that needs doing to bring back up to scratch. I have found anyway. Would like some nicer alloys though...any recommendations would be welcomed.
