RS200 Cup gearbox worry

[Empi5]

Hi,
Im new to the forum and about to put a deposit on a 2009 Clio RS200 Cup, ( 40,000 Miles )
So, as we all do, googling potential problems, there are some right horror stories of failed gearboxes, and more than likely if it hasnt failed it will do.. But nothing on here for the last 12 months

Im sure this has been discussed to death in detail in the past , but my question is , Are the failures still as common , and should these cars be given a wide berth.

 

[Iain C]

I wouldnt worry.
If it goes get it fixed. It will last if you look after it.

 

[Knuckles]

They're hit and miss.

Afaik, mines on the original box, 7 years and 54k... Some drive off the forecourt and s**t their boxes.

See if the dealer will include a warranty which covers the box for peace of mind?

 

[Rob669]

They don't all break. You can scare yourself researching any car because people will post comments about the bad side (and other users then repeat the stories). Apparently my Ph1 172 has a very poor build quality, but in truth it's actually much better than my Subaru Impreza.

 

[Empi5]

Sorry should of said its a private sale from a respected forum member in the Evo scene

 

[Rob669]

It's a gamble, it always will be. Go for a drive if the owner will let you and see how it feels - trust your instincts (both of the owners who I visited when I was trying Subarus let me drive on my own). I hope it works out OK.

 

[hilldawg172]

Never buy a car without test driving it imho. People get very good at driving a particular car and know how cover stuff up whilst driving and stop noises etc from happening. If they won't let you drive it walk away, simple as that really.

 

[Empi5]

Totally agree, meeting Saturday, with the intention of buying it, after a long test drive anyway

 

[Adam93]

Mine was replaced at 34k miles.... car is now on 53k and no signs of issues so far. It will have the oil changed every 12 months.

I always rev match my down shifts and never snap change which obviously prevents me grinding the gears which i am hoping doesn't melt the chocolate

 

[Gazza23]

My 200 (59 plate) box went at 25000 ish miles, I've only covered 5000 miles on the new box so I'm still driving with my fingers crossed it doesn't go again.

 

[Empi5]

It truly is shocking. The only comfort is after 40k miles the box might be a rare good one but will have to wait and see.
I've seen costs of 2k plus at a dealer but has anyone priced up a Indy specialist ?

 

[Chrisgti6]

The boxes can be pickerd up for <£400 new anyway, so it's not the end of the world if it does go.

My 197 was on 70k+ when I sold it and the box was perfect. I still think a lot of it is to do with the way it's driven.

 

[Empi5]

Agree, enjoy it, like someone says, if it goes repair it and enjoy it some more....

 

[Matt W]

Some are used on track all their lives and are faultless, and some have done 3k popping to the shops once a week and fail. Test drive it and see how it feels

 

[Addicted]

Tbh if it's done 40k already, and is ok when you test drive it, I wouldn't be worried.

As said they are hit and miss, so that would sound like a potential good one.

 

[coverman]

No-one wonder they fail so readily if you can buy a new one for only circa £400!!!!! What plastic are they made of?

 

[Knuckles]

Some are used on track all their lives and are faultless, and some have done 3k popping to the shops once a week and fail. Test drive it and see how it feels :smile:

Mechanical sympathy ftw.

Kick its head it nicely and it'll be reet.

Look for crunches between 3rd and 4th gear above 5krpm, that's the sign it's on its way out

 

[Chapppers11]

Mine has begun to crunch into 4th when not being really soft with the change. Been Rev-matching and sympathetic since I've had the car at 12k and its only started going at 60k.

You will hear the crunch if you change to 3rd or 4th at upwards of 6k.