Looking for a Phase 2 172

[Rhauri]

Hey folks,

Just joined the forum and I thought I'd say hello.

I'm currently in the market for a Phase 2 172, and I've fallen for Monaco Blue - what a classy and expensive looking colour.

I was just wondering what the perks on getting my hands on an Exclusive 172 (phase 2) were as there are a couple nearby for good money.

I've also read the Pistonheads buying guide which was only written last month which seems to cover all the things I need to watch out for, big ones being Belts should be done every 36k or 5 years and the exhaust is likely to have rotted through if not replaced already.

Another thing mentioned was the life span of the clutch, 30,000 miles if driven hard or 60,000 if driven more conservatively - is this true as it seems stupidly low?! If so, how much can I expect to pay for a new one?

My current S2000 has done 103,000 miles on the original clutch and its bite point is right wear it should be even still.

Thanks in advance chaps - looking forward to joining the club properly when I get my hands on one!

Rhauri (as in Rory)

 

[seb]

Welcome to ClioSport, Rhauri

 

[Spudey]

Hi Rhauri,

Monaco is a good choice, love mine.

I think exclusive was the final run of phase1 172s. Renault made 172 of them and they had cd player, A/C and a leather interior. I think they had different alloys too.

Monaco is most common on ph2 172s, they are non-cup versions and come with the 5-spoke 16" alloys, half leather/alcantara interior, ABS, a/c and later models have cruise control.

If you subscribe to the site you can find the buyer's guides and access the classified ads.

Where are you based?

 

[plymcl172]

Monaco is most common? really? :S

I would go with autotrader to be honest find the cars on their are a tad better than pistonheads!

 

[Rhauri]

I'm based in Southport, bang in the middle of Liverpool and Preston

I have been looking on Auto Trader actually - more standard examples there, which is what I'm after. I only read the buying guide Feature on piston-heads, which is a very good read and is very pro-Clio RS!

Take a look: http://www.pistonheads.com/features/default.asp?storyId=25789
Use the links at the bottom of the Introduction to read every section (not all that clear IMO).

 

[lemonnobby]

Cambelt is 72k or 5 years. auxiliary belt is 36k or 5 years.
Some cars might be due again.

 

[Rhauri]

Aah ok, thanks Lemon - appreciate it.

Any thoughts on the Clutch guys? Are Pistonheads way off the mark saying it'll only last up to a max of 60,000 miles?

 

[Beef-Mc]

I think the clutch issue might be a slight exaggeration.

 

[James23]

huge exaggeration imo.
my 182 is on 56k and clutch is fine, my ph1 is on 83k and it is also fine. Sir Dave has a 182 trophy with 183k miles or something like that and I believe he is also still on the original clutch!

 

[sbridgey]

Iceberg is the most common colour! Clutches last ages if not abused as can the gearbox.

 

[grem79]

Got a 172 P2 in Monaco Myself last month, belts were not done but car had good history, just 52k & was very clean, paid £2600 for it, had belts done last month at Northwest Performance in Northwich (£440) + had service and full checkover to be sure I'd not bought a crank ! Thankfully all seems well.... Clutch feels OK, a little stiff but I read that's standard !

Had a 58 Plate Seat Leon Sport 1.4 Turbo previous and HONESTLY I prefer driving the Clio, Get one !

 

[Ash.]

I had a Monaco blue 172 and i f**king loved it best colour by miles i miss it so much a bloody tree fell on it. I am still gutted now;(
I've always found the bite a bit high.

 

[cazzy]

Welcome I love my Monaco first clio sport I have owned! And the coulour really shines up well!!! Every1 comments how tidy mine looks and I wouldn't call the Monaco a common coulour at all! You see more black and silver then any other!

 

[Spudey]

Monaco is most common? really? :S

Sorry I maybe wasn't clear there. If you were looking for a Monaco Blue Clio, the 172 is the most common model in that colour.

Ph1s came in odyssey which I think is close and the Williams 3 was Monaco. Not sure what colour the blue valvers were?

IIRC Less Monaco 172s were produced then any other 172 colour.

 

[Rhauri]

It certainly is a gorgeous colour. Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.

Got my S2000 on Auto Trader now, so hopefully I'll be able to join the gang sooner than later!

Cheers, Rhauri