I'm New (Kind Of)

[182David]

Hi everyone, I'm new here.
Well, kind of. Last summer I looked at getting a 182 Trophy, but in the end replaced my Racing Puma with a Focus RS. The thought of depreciation put me off the Trophy, although I loved the car itself. Out of curiosity - anyone have number 89? That's the one I drove.
Anyway, back to the reason why I'm posting here once again. I need to invest a whole bunch of money into my future career, and so I need some extra! I'm looking at 'trading down' to a mk2 172, what sort of one would I be looking at for around £6500-£7000? I don't want a Cup because it will be an everyday car and I want xenon lights. Something with 30k or less miles would be ideal.
I guess the 172 is the one to be looking at rather than the 182, it's only 10bhp and hopefully it won't attract as many people trying to 'burn me up' because of the more understated looks.
With the arrival of the new Clio RS, will residuals take a beating? I'd be keeping it until sometime in 2008 and end up sticking about 30k miles on it. Hopefully I'd be left with a vehicle worth more than 50p.
I have read the buying guide in Evo magazine this month, which has proved very useful. Is there anything else that I should look out for while buying one? Since the exhausts tend to rust, what is the most popular after-market replacement system? I had a look on Milltek's website and was saddened to see they don't manufacture one for the Clio. I'm also a fan of Supersprint exhausts, and they do make one.
Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I may as well tag another on the end - were there any options on the 172s? I know sat-nav was, but it seems pretty rare and I have a TomTom anyway.
Many thanks,
David.
P.S. What insurance group are they?

 

[Ben H]

I had a Ph2 172 last year. I bought a sound one from a forum member, before selling it on to another forum member.

I know that the exhaust has since perished on that particular 2002 172 with about 30k on the clock. Apart from that, the only other thing was that the airbag light would come on once in a while (sorted with a jiggle of wires under the passenger seat).

Compared to my experience of having 3 Mk1 Clios (including a 16V and Williams), I'd say that you really can't go wrong with a 172 unless it's been abused or neglected. I'd certainly consider another.

 

[182David]

Bump.

 

[ben_p]

yer, ever thought about a mrk1 for 4k? same car bit older with leather a/c atc, you could save 3k

just an idea, as for a zorst i would go for the k-tech stelth, nice sound n dosnt attractt eh gay boys....

 

[fUbAr]

Should find a good example for £6000-£7000.

Exhausts... K-tec Racing do a good stealth system which is stainless steel and retains the "unmodified" look if thats what you're after. K-TEC or you could go with an excellent custom exhaust from ProSpeed. PRO-SPEED

They are Insurance Group 16, and the "full fat" 172s only had the option of SatNav. The very early Ph2 ones (June 2001) didnt have cruise control, so bear that in mind.

/Dan.

 

[msa197]

Insurance group is 16 for all 172's and 182's iirc Same as Focus RS

Depending on your budget for exhaust ranging from up to £500 for custom made H&S. I've got Magnex as brought it cheap from eBay (£200) retail £350.

 

[rory182]

172 cup is IG 17 is it not? not relevant to the thread starter but still

 

[msa197]

172 cup is IG 17 is it not? not relevant to the thread starter but still

Down to which insurance company our with. iirc

 

[182David]

Thanks very much for the replies guys. Very helpful.
Been having a look through ones for sale and it does seem nice ones can indeed be had for reasonable prices.
Did think about the phase one 172, but they (IMO) don't look anywhere near as nice, and am put off by the extra age of them.
Although the 172 and RS are the same group, the Clio looks to be the more expensive to insure! How very silly!
Regarding exhausts - does anyone have a Supersprint one? Looking for a nice sound and no rust! I'll take a look into this K-Tec one.
One more thing - are the xenon lights bi-xenon?
Thanks.
*Edit* Just had a look on the Supersprint website and they all have tailpipes on show.
And another question lol - are the clear repeaters off the later models a direct swap for the nasty orange ones, and can a 172 Cup front lip / splitter thing be fitted to a regular 172? Cost?