Off to see a slightly modified 172 tomorrow, any advice for a noob?

[shiyan]

I'm not very familiar with what I need to do when checking over a 2nd hand car... and unfortunately due to timing, a friend won't be able to come along.

I read this guide but was wondering if ClioSport has any other advice for me, tips on things to watch out for?

http://www.strikeengine.com/renault_clio/buying_guide.html

the list of mods:
KW V1 suspension
EBC brake disks, pads
Goodridge brake lines, AP Racing brake fluid
K&N air filter
reprogrammed to 180hp
Sparco steering wheel and harness

 

[C.J]

reprogrammed to 180hp

That's a new one for me

Just check the obvious out, brakes, belts, knocking noises, exhaust, leaks (oil), gear shifting, clutch etc

 

[Revels]

The top picture is a 182.

 

[clio_greg]

^ +1 .. lol

 

[clio_greg]

^ +1 .. lol

 

[Timmay]

remapped more like

how old is the 172?

id check belts had been done - the usual stuff really

 

[Timmay]

remapped more like

how old is the 172?

id check belts had been done - the usual stuff really

 

[whatisjustis]

Have you driven one before? The best thing you can do is to go for a good drive. Let it warm up for 15 minutes and then give it the beans for a short while. It won't idle particularly great - none of them do unless mapped - so don't worry about that. Listen for any knocking sounds which might indicate the shocks are on their way out. Lift the bonnet and check that it's the original front grille with Renault stickers (none might indicate that it's been involved in some sort of front end collision) as replacements don't come with the stickers. Also, get on your hands and knees and have a good look at the underside of the car. Check the exhaust for corrosion, and that there is a large plastic protective tray fixed under the engine. It's always worth running your finger around the inside of the brake discs, too. Check to see how worn they are.

 

[shiyan]

reprogrammed to 180hp

That's a new one for me

That's been done at a shop in brussels that I know well - all the small modifications I had done to my Z4 (CDV removal, brake lines, pads, fluid) were done there.

To be honest I don't see the point... 635 Euros for a small improvement from 169 to 184hp: http://www.power-plus.be/pdf/renault.pdf

 

[nickl360]

I wouldn't want a harness for day to day driving. They are (in my opinion) not suitable for road use. As long as you can still use the normal seatbelt this won't be as much of an issue.

Ask if it's been taken on a track etc, especially with the mods he's done it sounds like it's been used hard.

 

[shiyan]

aaaaah triple post!

 

[shiyan]

oops double post

 

[shiyan]

remapped more like

how old is the 172?

id check belts had been done - the usual stuff really

ah yeah, remapped

it's from 2000, 61,000 km

the guy had the mods done within the last year and then got his gf pregnant, lol

belts were done within the last 3,000 km

 

[Reyes]

oops double post

+1 yeah i did that in the once. i would definately. perfect

 

[shiyan]

I wouldn't want a harness for day to day driving. They are (in my opinion) not suitable for road use. As long as you can still use the normal seatbelt this won't be as much of an issue.

Ask if it's been taken on a track etc, especially with the mods he's done it sounds like it's been used hard.

yeah he says he didn't use it on track but was intending to, not sure how I can check though

the original seatbelts are still there, can see them in the pictures of the ad: http://nl.autoscout24.be/Details.aspx?id=140435837

 

[shiyan]

Have you driven one before? The best thing you can do is to go for a good drive. Let it warm up for 15 minutes and then give it the beans for a short while. It won't idle particularly great - none of them do unless mapped - so don't worry about that. Listen for any knocking sounds which might indicate the shocks are on their way out. Lift the bonnet and check that it's the original front grille with Renault stickers (none might indicate that it's been involved in some sort of front end collision) as replacements don't come with the stickers. Also, get on your hands and knees and have a good look at the underside of the car. Check the exhaust for corrosion, and that there is a large plastic protective tray fixed under the engine. It's always worth running your finger around the inside of the brake discs, too. Check to see how worn they are.

I've test driven one other car, but not hard enough to be familiar.

The KW V1 coilovers, brake disks and pads were installed recently so they should probably be ok (if not then he's probably been to a track). Thanks for all the tips! :hail: