Putting my 172 cup back on the road...

[IW365]

I've had my 2002 Clio 172 cup off the road for a couple of years now, but I'd like to get it back on the road to use as an occasional fun weekend car.

I've owned it from new and since it's done 158k, it might not be viable to proceed, but if it's a goer I've got one or two questions regarding running a Clio as a second/occasional motor from those who do...

Insurance: Do people tend to insure as a second vehicle on their main policy or have a stand alone policy for the Clio with limited mileage?

Road tax: How quick and easy is it to declare a vehicle SORN and then reinstate it when I want to use it? I'm thinking of just having it on the road during the summer.

I know it's an impossible to answer question but what sort of mileage is it realistic for one of these to achieve before major problems? The car has always been regularly serviced and maintained, and had the head rebuilt approx 20k miles ago.

Thanks in advance for your help, it'll help me to decide how far to proceed. I'd like to keep it on the road as there seem to be a dwindling number of original examples left, but I've not got millions to spend on it!!

Cheers Ian

 

[MaddRT]

hey, so my 172 is my second car so I feel I could provide some insight here

Insurance - as my car has quite a list of mods (all are declared) I have it insured through a specialist broker which I find more reasonably priced than my daily's insurance (so I personally have 2 separate policies but I am in my early twenties so age may be a factor in the prices here) - I calculated the mileage looking at what shows I am planning to do and adding a bit more for grace so I can use it on weekends to take it to somewhere for a drive/to get some nice pictures etc. Not sure what logic I used for the grace part lol

Tax - all you need is the no. that you can find on the front of the V5 (think it's 10/12 numbers?) & you can SORN immediately using the online system and then re-tax using the no. again (type "tax my car" into google).
Just obvs bare in mind if you pay direct debit & take the car out once a month or more it would make sense just to keep the direct debit rolling than to SORN & re-tax on every outing. This is the easiest way imo but if you don't have the V5 there are other ways

Mileage - my 172 is a year 2000 model (ph1 - the model before your cup) on around 150k in 2017/2018 & it's on around 158/159k now. Not had any issues in that time but it did need a lot for its first MOT under my ownership (but it was very unloved & kept outside).
I'd recommend getting your cambelt etc changed if it hasn't been in the last number of years (can buy the kit off Renault Parts Direct or if you want to price check parts it's a good place plus the owner is super helpful!) , a good engine service to fresh the oils/filters/spark plugs/ignition leads & maybe a new battery?

Feel free to ask me any questions

Hope this helps!
- Maddy

 

[IW365]

Thanks for the reply,

I'll look into my insurance options, I don't intend to make any mods to the vehicle, except for maybe putting a stainless exhaust on (I've got through loads of OEM ones during my ownership!) Maybe I can find a cheap stand alone policy for the car, I'm 42 now so hopefully it wont be too expensive!

What's a decent and quiet exhaust option? I really don't want it to be loud, but appreciate that it will be louder than the OEM ones.

I've got the car booked in with a well reccomended Renaultsport specialist for an inspection and advice on how to proceed. First job if we go ahead will be the belts and dephaser etc. I found out the hard way when I had a belt slip (hence the head rebuild!) even though it wasn't quite due 😔

It had a new coil pack, plugs etc a couple of years ago when trying to diagnose a misfire so other than the belts and an oil service it should be good to go. It's just the mileage that bothers me but from what I've seen on here people are running them into the 200ks.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

My clio is a second car, and I'm also 42. My clio is on a separate limited miles policy, which worked out cheaper than a multi car policy.
As for recommissioning, if you're worried about the health of the engine get a compression and leak down test done before you spend a huge amount on belts and servicing.
The engines seem to be pretty tough, more so than the gearboxes...
If it's been sat for a while you may also need inspect brakes, tyres etc, but a specialist should know this.

 

[MaddRT]

Thanks for the reply,

I'll look into my insurance options, I don't intend to make any mods to the vehicle, except for maybe putting a stainless exhaust on (I've got through loads of OEM ones during my ownership!) Maybe I can find a cheap stand alone policy for the car, I'm 42 now so hopefully it wont be too expensive!

What's a decent and quiet exhaust option? I really don't want it to be loud, but appreciate that it will be louder than the OEM ones.

I've got the car booked in with a well reccomended Renaultsport specialist for an inspection and advice on how to proceed. First job if we go ahead will be the belts and dephaser etc. I found out the hard way when I had a belt slip (hence the head rebuild!) even though it wasn't quite due 😔

It had a new coil pack, plugs etc a couple of years ago when trying to diagnose a misfire so other than the belts and an oil service it should be good to go. It's just the mileage that bothers me but from what I've seen on here people are running them into the 200ks.

Thanks for your advice.

no worries! No harm looking around & gathering quotes

I know PMS & KTec do stainless systems 'off the shelf' but I'm not sure about how loud/quiet they are. Alternatively you could go to a local exhaust fabricator where they'll make one up to your spec (diameter pipe, no. silencers & tail pipe style) & fit it for you

Okay great sounds like you have a plan!

Yeah I wouldn't let the mileage put you off, keep us updated

 

[IW365]

My clio is a second car, and I'm also 42. My clio is on a separate limited miles policy, which worked out cheaper than a multi car policy.
As for recommissioning, if you're worried about the health of the engine get a compression and leak down test done before you spend a huge amount on belts and servicing.
The engines seem to be pretty tough, more so than the gearboxes...
If it's been sat for a while you may also need inspect brakes, tyres etc, but a specialist should know this.

Great, thanks for the reply. What you have advised is exactly what the specialist has said to do so it's reassuring me that it's the right decision. I've done my own compression test and the results were good and a friend of mine has given the car a good once over for the other bits you mentioned. Hopefully it'll just need a pair of new tyres to pass the MOT but that's just wishful thinking I think!

The best quote I've found for insurance is 140 quid which seems good.

Again thanks for the advice

 

[IW365]

no worries! No harm looking around & gathering quotes

I know PMS & KTec do stainless systems 'off the shelf' but I'm not sure about how loud/quiet they are. Alternatively you could go to a local exhaust fabricator where they'll make one up to your spec (diameter pipe, no. silencers & tail pipe style) & fit it for you

Okay great sounds like you have a plan!

Yeah I wouldn't let the mileage put you off, keep us updated

Will do...

I'm getting quite excited about the prospect of getting it back on the road now!

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

The other thing to watch out for would be deteriorating bushes, suspension parts and wheel bearings. It may be a bit creaky when you first move it.
Mind you, that's based on an MG midget from a few year ago, so may not be applicable here.
Good luck in getting it back on the road. I'd love to see your progress. If you've had it from new you must be attached to it?

 

[IW365]

The other thing to watch out for would be deteriorating bushes, suspension parts and wheel bearings. It may be a bit creaky when you first move it.
Mind you, that's based on an MG midget from a few year ago, so may not be applicable here.
Good luck in getting it back on the road. I'd love to see your progress. If you've had it from new you must be attached to it?

Though it's been off the road, I've kept it in a garage and given it a little run up and down the drive every now and again to keep things moving. My ex mechanic friend and I have given it a once over and inspection underneath and all seems to be ok, but I dont think we will really know until it's back on the road properly.

Its definitely got some sentimental value, which I hope wont cloud my judgement with regard to refreshing it. I'm wary of it becoming a money pit, but that said it would be great to keep it going. There are many people on these forums saying they've regretted selling theirs.

My current daily is a Civic FN2 type R and for me it's a cracking motor despite being the unpopular one! It's easy to live with, super reliable and the Vtec is a huge amount of fun. The Clio is much more fun though!

 

[Iain C]

You sound the same as me. Im 43 had it from new. Some years i use it some i dont. Depends if i have time. Green light are really good. Mine is aboit 250 a year.

 

[yeecup]

my cup is also a weekend toy, im 47 and have it on a separate policy for around £180pa. I just leave it taxed and pay it monthly so don't notice it iaf, less hassle than sorn etc. you seem to have it covered getting it looked over by specialist and belts etc getting done, other than that just enjoy it.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

@IW365 Out of interest, who is the specialist that's looking after your car? Only asking as i noticed from your profile that you're also in Cambridge.

 

[IW365]

@IW365 Out of interest, who is the specialist that's looking after your car? Only asking as i noticed from your profile that you're also in Cambridge.

I'm going to take it to AW motorworks in Dunmow. Alex comes highly recommended and has been very helpful in our email exchanges 👍

 

[yeecup]

I'm going to take it to AW motorworks in Dunmow. Alex comes highly recommended and has been very helpful in our email exchanges 👍

sounds like its in good hands then from what I have read, Alex is very well respected.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Absolutely. It's who I'd recommend. Plus if you have to leave the car with him for a while you can get the train home from Stansted.

 

[Coops Mk1]

Mileage isn't an issue, there's cars on one 300k about with no problems and as they're cheap too repair bar major rust issues it's always viable imo

 

[IW365]

Mileage isn't an issue, there's cars on one 300k about with no problems and as they're cheap too repair bar major rust issues it's always viable imo

That's great to hear, I suppose I've been getting too hung up on the mileage!! It'll only be increasing by 1000 or so a year if that now, so plenty of time to get to 300k! Cheers for the advice 👍

 

[Coops Mk1]

That's great to hear, I suppose I've been getting too hung up on the mileage!! It'll only be increasing by 1000 or so a year if that now, so plenty of time to get to 300k! Cheers for the advice 👍

if it makes you feel any more confident, my daily 182 is on 217k miles, used every day, does a couple of trackdays a year and is on original engine and gearbox. i just maintain it by the book and apart from a niggle now and again (most recently brand new spark plug leads breaking down and causing a misfire) it's been nothing but reliable.

 

[IW365]

if it makes you feel any more confident, my daily 182 is on 217k miles, used every day, does a couple of trackdays a year and is on original engine and gearbox. i just maintain it by the book and apart from a niggle now and again (most recently brand new spark plug leads breaking down and causing a misfire) it's been nothing but reliable.

That's great to hear 👍

I took mine off the road after a misfire which I think I've solved with new injectors and other ignition parts. Although it still seems to run a but lumpy, it's not throwing up any codes or lights on the dash. I'm hoping the specialist can solve the lumpy idle, maybe it's a timing issue ?

Thanks for the reassurance on mileage... sounds like mine's only just run in compared to some out there!!

 

[Coops Mk1]

they are very lumpy on idle from factory but as you have had the car from new presume this is different from the 'normal' lumpiness for you to flag it

mine was a two pronged issue really, an injector went down simultaneously so cured big misfire by swapping injector then HT lead swap fixed it fully

 

[IW365]

they are very lumpy on idle from factory but as you have had the car from new presume this is different from the 'normal' lumpiness for you to flag it

mine was a two pronged issue really, an injector went down simultaneously so cured big misfire by swapping injector then HT lead swap fixed it fully

Yeah my mechanic fell into the trap of throwing parts at it, which is great because I've got all new ignition bits but the mistake I think he made was to use a non OEM injector. Now I've replaced them all with OEM things are better.

I might be making more of an issue of the lumpy idle as there is also a leak on the exhaust which won't be helping matters.



I think a good check over and refresh will do it the world of good🤞🤞

 

[Coops Mk1]

yeah 100%, none genuine injectors are a huge no no! lol!

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

You're taking it to the best place i know for a Renault sport. Just let Alex do his magic.

 

[IW365]

Hi all,

I just wanted to give you an update on progress with the Clio...

I took it to Alex at AW motorworks for some bits and pieces to get it through the MOT and to my surprise it only needed a couple of things and came through with just advisories on two tyres and a cracked ABS ring (it's a 172 cup 😂😂😂)

So I had belts and dephaser done along with a few other niggly jobs and got some great advice regarding a few other bits which I'll do next spring.

Its great to be back on the road in it again, but within 2 weeks of getting it back the exhaust started blowing so it's now the proud owner of a PMS catback exhaust which I would highly recommend.

I've done a few little bits to freshen it up like give it a full inside and out valet, fit new boot struts, paint the calipers, restore headlights and fit a fabia splitter and it's looking good again.

If anyone is in the south east and needs anything Clio related I would definitely recommend Alex, he's really knowledgeable and helpful.

And thanks for your help and advice on here, it's great to be back driving it again.

Cheers Ian

 

[Ed Hodson]

Glad to hear that your 172 is back on the road!

I’m based in Exning, Suffolk and I’ll be looking for someone to do the belts on my 182 in about a year or so. Do you mind me asking roughly what Alex charged for your belt change?

Cheers,

Ed

 

[MLB]

Looks great!

Which exhaust tips did you choose for the PMS exhaust? Have you got pics from a couple of different angles?

 

[IW365]

Glad to hear that your 172 is back on the road!

I’m based in Exning, Suffolk and I’ll be looking for someone to do the belts on my 182 in about a year or so. Do you mind me asking roughly what Alex charged for your belt change?

Cheers,

Ed

Sent you a PM 👍

 

[IW365]

Looks great!

Which exhaust tips did you choose for the PMS exhaust? Have you got pics from a couple of different angles?

Didn't need to have them, the exhaust is hidden behind the rear bumper and angled down.

 

[MLB]

Ow yes of course, 172..

 

[IW365]

Ow yes of course, 172..

I'd definitely recommend the PMS system though, it's louder than stock but not excessive.

 

[MarkMchugh]

Can u tax a car without an MOT! I ask because I’m also looking to get my 172 on the road again but I need to get the local garage to fix it! Cheers

 

[IW365]

Can u tax a car without an MOT! I ask because I’m also looking to get my 172 on the road again but I need to get the local garage to fix it! Cheers

Hi Mark

As far as I know you must have an MOT before the car can be taxed. I think you can make the journey to the local garage providing you have proof of a booked MOT test. I could be wrong so don't take my word for it!

I was lucky that I have a mate with a trailer who moved mine for me. It might be worth pricing this option up too.

Has yours been off the road long? Whereabouts are you based? I'd definitely recommend AW Motorworks in Essex for repairs/recommisioning work if you're anywhere nearby 👍

Ian