Potential Clio ;)

[RugbyKid]

I have recently found a 1.2 16v Clio 2002 black. I was wondering if you could all help me out when I go and have a look at it for things to look out for?

Details:
Its a 1.2 16v Clio Extreme in Black (2002 registration)
Its done 80,000 miles.
6 months tax and brand new MOT.
Was serviced in July, new brakes and brake pads along with three new tires.
The bumpers and side strips have been colour coded.
The rear window and back side windows have been tinted.

I was just wondering if it sounds like a good buy for just under £2000?? The only things concerning me are that with the colour coding already done and the tinted rear windows, perhaps it was a boy racers car before the current owner? This in itself wouldn't bother me, however with 82,000 miles, its done quite a lot and I am concerned about whether it will be able to last longer? I plan to keep the car for a few year but will be doing 8000 per year MAX!

What should I be looking for? Any signs that show the engine is a good/bad one? Or ways to test the gearbox?? Finally any areas of the body work I should take particular care looking at?

Unfortunately I am going to have to view in the rain So can you give as much help as possible!

 

[RugbyKid]

Any help really appreciated?? I'm going to have a look at it soonish? x

 

[Malachi]

Just me, but I think you could bring the price down to about £1700-1800 personally.

 

[kerry-w]

Knock the price down definately, and as for you thinking 80,000 is high miles, mines 1998 and done 126,000 and its going fine.

Look for wear on interior, overspray on areas underneath the car, do a HPI on it, check all moving parts etc. Are you getting any service history with the car?

 

[RugbyKid]

There is a part service history... I'm going to see the owner in a few hours, so will enquire further, over the phone she said she got the car in march, has had the brakes and disc as well as tires stated above in July, but now has a company car. £1700 is the price id ideally want.. as that would cover me somewhat for a cam belt change.

 

[JoeyD]

If it's got a good service history, it should be fine. Belts should have been done etc.

I've got an '02 extreme, and if it's like the one you're buying it'll have greeny blue seats. They show up where water has been very well, so you'll be able to tell if the sunroof leaks.

The gearboxes are crap, so if it feels rubbish that's probably normal! lol.

 

[RugbyKid]

Yeah I believe this does have the same greeny/blue seats! Cheers for the info I will have a good look at the seats! About the gear box, what do you mean its crap; what is wrong with it generaly?!

On a side note, JoeyD, I have been admiring your wide arch dynamique clio thread and wondered how did you get ti soo shiney?! Did you get it proffessionaly detailed, do it with machine or just by hand.. and what products did you use :O Thanks!!

 

[TomBear]

mileage shouldnt be a problem if its taken care of and driven well

my 1.2 ph1 is on 120k and still going like a trooper

 

[welshname]

only product used there is photoshop

 

[ekaJ]

I got my 52 plate extreme with 56k for 2000. So you should haggle abit and get it to around 1800/1800 imo.

I had my belts done too because there was no mention in service book.

 

[JoeyD]

The gearboxes just aren't very nice. Same on all clios, including the sports. Feel quite notchy, really.

Lol! It was actually quite dirty when I took those pictures! I've had a couple of goes machine polishing it, but a normal good wash I use: Auto-Glym body shampoo, Auto-Glym Super Resin Polish, Auto-Glym Extra Gloss Protection and either Dodo-Juice wax or Auto-Glym HD wax, then Zaino Tire gloss. A good wash mitt is important, I've got a Dodo-Juice one, as are a good pair of drying towels.
The detailing section will give you a Lot of advice and info!

 

[JoeyD]

only product used there is photoshop

Not wrong there! LOL.

 

[RugbyKid]

Ahaha.. cheers! I will be signing up to ClioSports as soon as I buy myself a Clio!! May I ask why do you use Super Resin Polish.. when AutoGlym do Ultra Deep Shine, which is specificaly for blacks/darker colour cars? Just a question, I was my car to be as shiny as possible, but am only just trying to grasp what products I need xD

Thanks all again for the advice!

 

[JoeyD]

Because i had a massive bottle of SRP bought for me for christmas, so it's being used up until i need a replacement! I've had no experience with ultra deep shine, might give it a go sometime...