Hopefully new owner, 197 LUX

[PLuKE]

Hi

I am after some advice and to confirm my lust for something French.

I have been looking at a few diffrent cars of late, EP3 Type R, MK2 Leon FR and the Clio 197.

I came across one today, Clio 197 LUX with all the kit on an 09 plate with 51k on the clock for 7k. I put a refundable down as I havent yet seen the car, Its 200miles from me.

Currently driving an Ibiza PD130, not the best in build and finish. What is the 197 like for build? and cruising on the motorway, which yes I know there not a motorway car.

What do I need to be looking for?



Also, Whats the best rear spacers for the car 20mm on the rear, and do people fit front spacers? I have seen a few peoples tales about handling.

Many thanks

Luke

 

[Tiababy]

I do a lot of motorway miles in mine now and it can get loud an if you aren't in a driving mood it can get tiresome. It isn't a bad cruiser as it has cruise control and gets good mpg on the motorway. Mine has the earlier gearbox and I can average 34-36 on motorways.
Your 09 will have the later box so instead of sitting near 4k rpm @ 70mph it'll sit between 3k-3.5k rpm @70mph.
197 LUX will have decent build quality, my 197 developed a Rattle behind the centre console vent but I pulled the vent out and it sorted that, also the pano sunroof in mine became noisy but again that's sorted now. Barring that quality is on par with many other cars ive been in.
The LUX uses some parts from the 200, side grills are silver and should have leather seats, or part leather, can't quite remember.
These were basically the last of the run of the 197s and came with a lt of the options.

Personal opinion, asides from changing the dampers and/or springs if say leave the suspension alone as it really is good as standard. LUX should come cup packed so will be lower standard anyway.

 

[Gaz_]

Hi

I am after some advice and to confirm my lust for something French.

I have been looking at a few diffrent cars of late, EP3 Type R, MK2 Leon FR and the Clio 197.

I came across one today, Clio 197 LUX with all the kit on an 09 plate with 51k on the clock for 7k. I put a refundable down as I havent yet seen the car, Its 200miles from me.

Currently driving an Ibiza PD130, not the best in build and finish. What is the 197 like for build? and cruising on the motorway, which yes I know there not a motorway car.

What do I need to be looking for?



Also, Whats the best rear spacers for the car 20mm on the rear, and do people fit front spacers? I have seen a few peoples tales about handling.

Many thanks

Luke

Spacers are pony, no need for them in any way

197 build is reasonable imo. They might be the odd faint rattle, but nothing to really get ya kickers in a twist

Buzzy on the motorway, needs a 7th lol!

Main things, crunchy gear box, esp 3rd/4th/5th try this above 5000 rpm, front brakes bind, they need yearly stripping imo, the pins can seize in (solid) which can be pricey. Also check for any blows around the manifold, and or flexy some (not many) have developed this and its pricey to sort due to the accesses to it

Cambelts, 5 years or 72k, budget around £500