Should I buy a 197?.

[lecky]

I hope to change my car in the next few months and the Clio 197 is on my 'might buy' list.But the reputation for the build quality of the Clio and the aftersales service from Renault dealers are,to say the least pretty poor.
Should I take the plunge and buy a 197?.

 

[sh33n]

Only you know, go drive everything on your 'might buy' list and then make the decision

 

[kully]

whats on your to buy list................welcome to CS

 

[theduck]

no, we should all boycott the 197 and make renault put the new version of the engine into the mk2 shell instead!

 

[richlawson]

dont like the 197 but up to you mate go test it

 

[seb]

yes, they are a fab car. i'm going ot buy one in dec/jan

 

[Storm_Force]

Went to my local dealer today they had two there a black one in the showroom and a blue demonstrator.

First time I have seen them in the flesh, I was quite impressed. Booked a test drive for next Sat so will have a better feel for the 197 then.

 

[gazcaddy]

Have a test drive and see what you think, I would deffo consider the Meg 225 as well

 

[RobHardyUK]

i would buy one

 

[Jamie]

its a shame, i just dont like the look of them at all. saying that, alot of car companies seem to be churning out horrid looking new cars these days, take for example....... the honda civic.
although saying that, i do feel honda have got it right by remaining with the same engine/power but reducing the weight, something which renault clearly disagrees with.

 

[dandan]

test drove 1 yesterday in racing blue had all the silly extras ( dedicated steering lights who needs that ) love the colour, will get some pics soon any way the size of my smile i lovvved the drive, handles super even rolling on 17 and a much better driving possition than my 172 and getting use to the new look, if you get a chance to test drive its a must even if your never going to change your car

 

[Mells]

yes, do it. pure sexweee!

 

[MRBILLYUK]

Just had a letter from the local stealers today offering me a test drive in one .Don't think i'll bother as i just don't like how they look , they just don't stand out from the crowd , and i don't like the shape of them .

So i'd say NO dont buy one ,stick with your 172 or get a 182 or a megane 225 .

 

[Mells]

^ funny all the 182 drivers say that...

 

[portland]

Test drive your list, but you need to drive a hard bargain on the 197. The Meggy, VXR and ST are only a couple of quid more. I personally will not be trading "up".

 

[Mike_SE]

i agree with portland. but its all personal choice, you're not going to listen to what we say, are you?! lol

 

[paul g]

i would wait a bit longer till the cup variants come out , or go test a 225 there not bad cars , F1 is stunning

 

[TELFORDS_LURK]

test drove 1 yesterday in racing blue had all the silly extras ( dedicated steering lights who needs that ) love the colour, will get some pics soon any way the size of my smile i lovvved the drive, handles super even rolling on 17 and a much better driving possition than my 172 and getting use to the new look, if you get a chance to test drive its a must even if your never going to change your car

Have to agree, I have never driven one of the Mk2 sports but the 197 was imense as far as I'm concerned after going into from my 1.4 Mk2 Ph3.
Brakes were brilliant too as well as the handling, seemed to be loads of grip and steering felt really smooth as well at the suspension.

Anyway I was well impressed with it but its the fastest and sportiest car i've ever driven in earnest.

Chris

 

[Chili Red]

I think they look superb in the metal and I'd like to have a drive. The seats are excellent too, better than the 182's. However, 17k is just FAR too expensive for a Clio.

 

[portal172]

I would wait for the cup model....

 

[Rich]

Drive it, if you like it buy it.

Though knowing Renaults normal model release plans, sensible choice is to wait for the cup/cup options.

 

[Da]

I think they look superb in the metal and I'd like to have a drive. The seats are excellent too, better than the 182's. However, 17k is just FAR too expensive for a Clio.

exactly, if I had circa £15 - £17K to spend I would be looking Mk1/Mk2 V6 territory. The 197 IMO just doesn't do it for me. :dapprove:

 

[lecky]

Had a look at a red 197 in the showroom yesterday-looked quite a smart looking car.The main point i was trying to make was,will i be buying a car with reliability problems and what are the dealers like to deal with for repairs and serviceing etc?.

 

[Rich]

Dealers seem to get lots of slating on here, some sound better then others.

No one has had one long enough to see any reliability problems on the 197, the 1*2s all seemed to share the same issues, but as this is a new car we will see.

 

[gazcaddy]

^ funny all the 182 drivers say that...

true, the 197 is a much better overall car than the 182. The problem is it doesnt offer the sense of fun of the 182 and I think a 182 will be slightly quicker. What it offers is higher quality, better ride, more refined but it comes at a price and I cant honestly see what the 197 does what the Meg 225 doesnt and considering you can get a meg 225 for 14.5k brand new, I dont see any reason to take the 197 over a 225

 

[dick]

you recon theyll let a 19yr old test drive a 197?

no intention at all of buying tho. kill an hour or two tho wont it!