First post - Clio 172/182 as a daily/track car? £? Reliability?

[Mk1T]

Hi all,
This forum looks like a great source of information so I just had to sign up.
A quick bit of background, I'm 23, had a Clio 1.4s as my first car at 17 haha - went to a saxo VTR after, then BMW 330CD, then a Mk1 MX5...

I'm currently having a go at making my MK1 better and working on it more, which is why I've ended up on here.. as I'm daily'ing it (daily racecar yooo) it's not ideal and I poop myself if I need to do something on it, that I might not be able to get to work in the morning haha.

SO, Clios! Talk to me!
I'd want one as a runabout, and if I can use it on track then great.

ideally I'd like to buy one that's been enthusiast owned and some nice ££ injected into the car. Suspension/Wheels/Cage/ good history etc.

Is this reasonable for £2000-2500?

Any advice or help would be awesome. I'm based in the South East.

Off to the for sale section I go...

Thanks guys.

 

[Typhoon]

Welcome mate. That budget seems fair to get you a good condition looked after 172. Take a browse in the classifieds.

 

[Paul.M]

As said that's quite a healthy budget these days to pick up something nice and looked after.

Would you believe you're also in a very good place for help with your mx5, they seem to come attached to clios these days .

have a nice browse through the classified section and that will give you a good idea, plenty of people here run them as daily track cars, mine has only done a couple of days so it probably isn't the best example but it has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned, it's now on 120k and feels like it is just run in nicely.

Your main concerns are make sure you find one with the belts done and by someone well known as this is the main problem with these cars from both an expense and making sure the car runs right point of view, if you aren't sure just ask on here or post the advert and people will be happy to help you out with anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

A daily can do track days. A track car doesn't do daily duties very well. If I were buying one again I'd look for something that has no evidence of belts being done (or evidence that they're due) but in good condition everywhere else- that way you can take it somewhere reputable for the belts to be done and have peace of mind.

 

[BlackGoldMatt]

I am currently building a 182 that I can use on track later this year, but also use daily through the winter to keep my other car off the sh**ty roads. It will always be a compromise between comfort and performance on track, however id like to think I've got a fair balance.

For 2.5K you will be able to find a decent car with some track orientated mods.. good luck on your hunt!

 

[Mk1T]

Awesome thanks for the responses already guys.

Is there a particular model to look out for? Year of vintage?

Basically I'll want one that's had cash spent on it so I can buy it with some tarty bits already on for a fraction of the cost lol.

I've seen this on the bay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stunning-...386439?hash=item28292b29c7:g:HSkAAOSw65FXqMuX

Doesn't really scream at me to buy it for some reason though.

Also, Blackgoldmatt.. funnily enough I also want an E46 M3 haha. I've been looking for one for ages. Not sure I can justify 3 cars, maybe use the clio as a stop-gap to get my Mk1 running right, then E46 M3 time!

 

[Mk1T]

Is it me or is this pretty cheap? Looks to have been looked after somewhat. Not looking for a minter really!

MOT History well clean.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/renault/renault-clio-172-182-low-mileage-well-looked-after-/1214809930

 

[Stay Puft]

Wouldnt say cheap but not too bad. Id change the wheels and steering wheel asap though

 

[Mk1T]

Oh yeah that wheel is hideous haha. Saying that I've spent the last 5 mins on the cars for sale thread here, there are some stunners! All seem good value and really well written adverts. I can feel a purchase coming on. Need to check my insurance.

What sort of MPG can you get on a run being sensible at 60MPH? I'm fully aware this is potentially the gayest question ever asked but I often do stints on the motorway for work, currently in my Mk1 Mx5... not the most ideal comfort wise..

 

[imprezaworks]

There has been gheyer questions asked.

On a run, sensible, 40ish.

May be worth sticking a wanted thread up on here highlighting your needs.

 

[Mk1T]

I'll do just that thanks.

I'm surprised just how many are for sale that have been looked after well, makes a change after looking at Mx5's for over a year...

What are 182 engines like on high miles? The usual, 'if it's been looked after' it's likely to be OKAY? Or do they go 'bang' lol.

I've seen this also but 148,000 miles. https://www.gumtree.com/p/renault/clio-182-rs/1205376158

Plenty to choose from!

 

[imprezaworks]

Nope on that one.

Yes on this one

http://www.cliosport.net/threads/clio-182-titanium-£1995-gloucestershire.804148/

 

[Mk1T]

Already emailed about that one. It's a beaut - Just prefer blue/black.

More mods the better haha. I need to get my insurance quotes ASAP.
Even if I just had one for 6months to a year, I can't really see it going down in value more than £500.

Are the gearboxes weak? Was just reading about someone who's 182 went through many boxes!

Thanks.

 

[Typhoon]

Already emailed about that one. It's a beaut - Just prefer blue/black.

More mods the better haha. I need to get my insurance quotes ASAP.
Even if I just had one for 6months to a year, I can't really see it going down in value more than £500.

Are the gearboxes weak? Was just reading about someone who's 182 went through many boxes!

Thanks.

172 & 182 gearboxes aren't the worst, 197 & 200 gearboxes are made from cheese.

Look after the engine and it'll run happily for miles and miles and miles.

If you become a member you can put up a wanted thread and see what is offered to you.

 

[K_McDermott]

£2500 will get you a well specced 172 cup which if your not after a nice car to daily it would be my choice everytime and what I'm currently on with doing myself, the mk1 mx5 will never be as capable on track as one (imo of course without blowing big money on it)

I purchased mine for £1300 with a couple of sensible mods, with suspension and bucket seats I'm currently just over 2k so if you were that way inclined you could quite easily modify a standard car yourself rather than risk buying a modified one cheaply.


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[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Already emailed about that one. It's a beaut - Just prefer blue/black.

More mods the better haha. I need to get my insurance quotes ASAP.
Even if I just had one for 6months to a year, I can't really see it going down in value more than £500.

Are the gearboxes weak? Was just reading about someone who's 182 went through many boxes!

Thanks.

Hi,
If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[K_McDermott]

Hi,
If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

I'll be contacting soon, never been cheaper than brentacre for me yet so see what you can do this year [emoji106]


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[Mk1T]

Thanks guys.

I'll give you a call Dan but unfortunately echo the above.

Admiral are wanting silly money £732 for insurance additional to my Mk1 Mx5 which is like £600.

E46 M3 £1,050.

If I can get it down to around £500 I'll buy one. Off to the comparison sites I go!

 

[imprezaworks]

Ring sky and Brentacre

 

[Mk1T]

Will do, thanks mate.

First go online and I'm down to £471.

The problem I have is that my Mk1 is currently with Admiral, it ends soon in mid March. So trying to work out if multi-car is worth it or not is a nightmare as the quote random poo on the phone.

It may well work out cheaper to just get 2 seperate policys for me, with whoever is cheaper for each.

I'll try those specialists including Dan/Sky/Brentacre, greenlight any good?

Thanks!

 

[imprezaworks]

Worth a try mate

 

[K_McDermott]

Will do, thanks mate.

First go online and I'm down to £471.

The problem I have is that my Mk1 is currently with Admiral, it ends soon in mid March. So trying to work out if multi-car is worth it or not is a nightmare as the quote random poo on the phone.

It may well work out cheaper to just get 2 seperate policys for me, with whoever is cheaper for each.

I'll try those specialists including Dan/Sky/Brentacre, greenlight any good?

Thanks!

Specialists always give better quotes for mods anyhow so you should be fine, don't know if any offer multicar


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[Paul.M]

Greenlight are well worth a call.

They mirrored my no claims between my clio and MX5 and sorted out top prices for me, you can pm them on here and they will phone you back too :smile:.

In terms of mpg on a run, I've seen 40+ sat at 70 without even trying, 3 up full of luggage and tools still sat me at early 40's when heading out to the ring, engine wise yes they seem pretty strong if looked after properly, just keep them well maintained and you should be fine.

Any pics of your 5?

 

[Martin_172]

+1 for greenlight
they insure my trophy and mirror my 10yrs ncb from my daily driver, the only insurance company I know that do it, and its a fully comp policy not some sort of limited use one, although I do only have 3000 miles on the policy and they asked for a pic of the millage to confirm. it was under £200 last time though!

 

[Mk1T]

Thanks guys!

I am truly stunned at my call with Greenlight earlier on. I spoke to someone (Neil?) who completely knew what he was on about, even had a 172 and has an Mx5 himself,

How refreshing it was to actually speak to a human let alone car enthusiast and get results out of him in minutes that admiral take 40+ minutes to do, unreal.

I also got quoted £399 for my Mx5 with unlimited mods, currently paying £650....

& 182 was £479. Unreal.

I think I will be going with them, but will ring round some more soon.

Anyway,

I'm getting a bit confused by some of the terms I'm reading 'dephaser' haha?

I really need to do my research before rushing in.

There's also a 2002 172 come up for sale locally that looks nice. So the usual 172/182 thread can start.. haha.

I'll dig some pics out Paul!

Cheers.

 

[Mk1T]

Right so I've done some reading, have a few questions for you knowledgeable chaps!

I quite like the 182 as it suits my needs being a daily and will do some distance at some points.

Q1! Dephasers. Lots of people suggest these don't really need replacing for lots of miles, but you will hear a noise when they are starting to go.
Is this true? How much would it cost to be replaced?

Q2! Cooksport vs Apex springs vs Other - Coilovers?
I notice lots have Cooksports on with cup dampers. Any good? How do these compare with more expensive coilovers? Ok for a track session here and there?

Q3! Cruise control!

How do I know if a 182 has it? I'm looking at a FF version on an 05 plate. Any ideas?

Q4! Which one would YOU choose!?

Given the choice between a 2002 Silver 172 on 80,000 miles - Two dephaser changes, cambelt done less than 10k ago, well maintained, 40mm APEX springs, cup front and rear absorbers, 16” OZ superturismo alloy wheels. 3 owners. Clean MOT history.

OR

2005 titanium FF 182 on 105,000 miles - Unknown dephaser history, cambelt done in 2014, Cooksport 40mm springs and Cup dampers, 172 Cup Speedline Turini's recently refurbed look mint, Miltek exhaust and decat. Also clean MOT history.

Both are of a similar price. Really appreciate any thoughts / advice / help!

The 172 won't have ABS right?

Thanks in advance! Tom

 

[Paul.M]

Q1! Dephasers. Lots of people suggest these don't really need replacing for lots of miles, but you will hear a noise when they are starting to go.
Is this true? How much would it cost to be replaced?

They start to sound like a diesel when warm, quite a noticable sound, most people tend to change them when having the belts done as a matter of course. I have read that they aren't needed on every belt change if the oil changes are kept on top of, I can't confirm this from personal experience though as I have only done one belt change on mine and the dephaser was done at the same time, I can let you know in 2019 though haha.

Q2! Cooksport vs Apex springs vs Other - Coilovers?
I notice lots have Cooksports on with cup dampers. Any good? How do these compare with more expensive coilovers? Ok for a track session here and there?

I refreshed my cup dampers last year and put eibach sportlines on at the same time, this set up works for me quite nicely, I can't comment about cooksports as I have no experience with them but plenty of people on here run them and plenty of people seem happy with them, they were my second choice but I picked up the sportlines at a really good price. I believe the cooksports sit slightly lower then either of the eibach offerings, hopefully someone running them can help you out more here.

Q3! Cruise control!

How do I know if a 182 has it? I'm looking at a FF version on an 05 plate. Any ideas?

Check for the buttons on the steering wheel and the little swtich to turn it on just to the right below the steering wheel, where the dash light dimmer is would be the easiest way to check I think, I presume the 172's etc don't have the steering wheel buttons.

Q4! Which one would YOU choose!?

Given the choice between a 2002 Silver 172 on 80,000 miles - Two dephaser changes, cambelt done less than 10k ago, well maintained, 40mm APEX springs, cup front and rear absorbers, 16” OZ superturismo alloy wheels. 3 owners. Clean MOT history.

OR

2005 titanium FF 182 on 105,000 miles - Unknown dephaser history, cambelt done in 2014, Cooksport 40mm springs and Cup dampers, 172 Cup Speedline Turini's recently refurbed look mint, Miltek exhaust and decat. Also clean MOT history.

Both are of a similar price. Really appreciate any thoughts / advice / help!

The 172 won't have ABS right?

I think the normal 172's have abs, only the cups don't but I could be totally wrong there so hopefully someone can confirm for you. out of the two the 172 comes across as the better purchase but I don't think a normal 172 can have cup shocks fitted at the front due to bolt spacing (60mm compared to 54mm), again something someone with more knowledge can confirm, if however the dephaser sounds okay on the 182 it should be alright.
Thanks in advance! Tom

 

[green]

It's only the 182 cups that came with 60mm bolt spacing on the hubs. All 1*2's come with ABS except 172 cups.
I'm pretty sure Cup packed 182's FF come with 60mm bolt spaced hubs.

 

[Mk1T]

Thanks for the help chaps.

I've just seen this come up not far from me - personally I feel its overpriced a bit, but it does look very clean.
My 'practical' daily is becoming less practical already lol.

Thoughts welcome!
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/renault-clio-172-cup-road-legal-track-car/1215559741

 

[Stay Puft]

Thanks for the help chaps.

I've just seen this come up not far from me - personally I feel its overpriced a bit, but it does look very clean.
My 'practical' daily is becoming less practical already lol.

Thoughts welcome!
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/renault-clio-172-cup-road-legal-track-car/1215559741

Awful advert and about £1500 overpriced.

The 172 should have ABS unless it's a cup.
Dephaser itself is about £100, but is a cambelt off job so £500+.
182 FF should have cruise. - Newer 172's 53plate+ (I think) also have cruise control.
I have sportlines with cup dampers and its a decent set up for a fraction of the cost of coilovers.

 

[STEVE.M]

Have you seen this one?
http://www.cliosport.net/threads/healthy-monaco-clio-172-£1350.804079/
@Mk1T

 

[Darren S]

What are 182 engines like on high miles? The usual, 'if it's been looked after' it's likely to be OKAY? Or do they go 'bang' lol.

I've seen this also but 148,000 miles. https://www.gumtree.com/p/renault/clio-182-rs/1205376158

Plenty to choose from!

Looked after (as you already said) - they are fine. Mine arrived back in 2004 with 7 miles on the clock and is now north of 142k. I can't recommend changing the gearbox oil highly enough. I've done it about half-a-dozen times now and it's still a joy to use. However, I'm pretty sympathetic mechanically speaking - blipping the throttle on downshifts, letting the car get up to temp, etc.

Aside from the belts, the only other wedge of money (which might be more common with vintage of cars you're looking at) - is with the driveshafts. They do last - but clearly track work will put more of a burden on them. The CV boots are a stupid, horrendous design too - where its very common for them to pop off and flick blobs of CV grease all on the inside of your front alloys.

Being a relatively light car, brakes and suspension last well too. Both are easy to replace yourself as well, if you've any experience with a spanner.

If the car you find has the original OEM exhaust on - set aside some money to replace it. They are overweight, sound crap, have weedy exit pipes and rust for fun - having their own slosh-pit of road spray captured within them. Crap things!!