Newbie looking for a Clio 172, pros and cons?

[Bramley]

Hi,

I'm new on here. I currently drive a Mk5 Fiesta Zetec S. I have seen a 51 Reg 172 that is immaculate and low mileage. Please could you help me out with what is common faults on these and what I should look out for?

Thanks

 

[Scott™]

Make sure it's had cambelt done and aux belt. Other than that just wear and tear items like any French car

 

[salwal40]

Agree with above
Had mine 2 1/2 years, an absolute blast in every way
Liked it that much, now getting a new RS Megane

 

[Slinkey]

If it hasn't had the cambelt it doesnt matter its just an excuse to get another 4-500 off. You can always get it done after you've bought it.

An yeah just check for general wear and tear, also makesure the car pulls even harder at 5k rpm, if not stay away.

 

[Bramley]

Thanks guys, It is a 51 reg but only 13k on the clock.
Its only been used as a weekend car for the first 3k and then it was stored for years, has been used over the passed year adding 10k.

I cant imagine its had the belts changed but they will need changing coz of age anyway wouldnt they ?

cheers

 

[172boost]

Thanks guys, It is a 51 reg but only 13k on the clock.
Its only been used as a weekend car for the first 3k and then it was stored for years, has been used over the passed year adding 10k.

I cant imagine its had the belts changed but they will need changing coz of age anyway wouldnt they ?

cheers

Yes they would, 5 years or 72,000 miles

 

[Xanda73]

Yeah it will need doing more than likely. Every 5 years/72,000 miles but the aux belt is supposed to be 36,000 miles. Next year it should really be on its 3rd cambelt.

 

[Bramley]

how much do these normally set you back?

also, what the common problems with the 172?

How much would a 51 reg 172 with 13k normally go for on here ?

 

[R-Sport.]

To be fair its unusual to find one sub 40k let alone 13k-

A 51 plate minter on average miles would be high 2's low 3's to I guess your looking the thick end of 4k

S

 

[Bramley]

yer its up at 4's i think!

Is there any easy upgrades or things you can cross over from other cars etc?

 

[franx]

best upgrade will be good suspension, although the OEM suspension does quite well when not too old

No cross-overs i think.

Read up on matched inlets (inletmanifold) , it's mostly a very good mod. And a Fastchip Remap or tunerkit (www.fastchip.nl)
Ofcourse exhaust-mods. Decat with remap + inlets will satisfy you enough without spending mega-bucks (throttlebodies/supercharger,etc.)

 

[Bluebeard]

If its sat for that long, i'd make sure you go over it with a fine tooth combe!

Rubber perishes when its not used so check door seals, coolant hoses, tyres, cambelts, aux belts, wipers.... loads basically!

 

[franx]

problems;- dephaser (has to do with the VVT)
-oem exhaust = absolute waste
-rattling inside cabin
-lower balljoints go alot
-driveshafts
-gearbox , look out for this !! needs to be smooth everywhere in every gear or do'nt touch !

i have not had any of the above probs , except for the rattling cabin noises and the lower balljoints

 

[Bramley]

thanks.

Is the gearbox a common problem?

What is the rattling inside the cabin?

 

[lemonnobby]

when youi go for a test drive listen for rattles sometimes low miles can be worse then high milers imo brakes can czease and rust, exhaust proberly has fell a part i would go over it very thoughly

 

[franx]

everything coming loose, but thats french (loose)

 

[Bramley]

Bought the car, been dropped off on sunday. Was an absolute minter. Never seen a car in such good condition and especially for its age!

£3800 for 51 reg silver 172 with 13k on clocks

 

[Soot1e]

Congrats. on getting you Clio. If it has Renault S/H then thats a good buy. If belts do need doing then make sure it's someone who is used to 172 cambelt changes, trusted Reno specialists are listed on the site, there must be one near you. Many happy miles to you.