Which Clio Should I Get?

[Mork of Ork]

Hey guys, I am pretty set on getting a Renaultsport Clio of some description next March when my Smart goes back (it's a lease).

The only question is do I get a Trophy or a 197? I like the 197 as it is newer & bigger but the Trophy has the exclusivity. Both can be bought for around the same money.

My only worry is whether there are any model specific items that cost a fortune to replace or service? E.g. the Alcon brakes on an FRP.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Soot1e]

The Trophy shockers are expensive to change or rebuild. The rest of the car has similar costs to other RS models.

This thread will shock you http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?581681-182-trophy-suspension

 

[keo]

The trophy dampers are aprox £1200 (might be more i arent sure) from renault. But if they do go they can be re built for around £500. The other big cost on the 182 is the cam belt, but they should of all been done now. I dont know much about the 197 and i have never driven one. I love my trophy and dont think i will be getting rid of it

 

[Mork of Ork]

Ah many thanks, good advice. I guess that if & when the dampers go they can be replaced by a set of aftermarket coilovers or would that be sacreligious? I work with a guy on here that has a 172 Cup and I think the Cup & Trophy would look good parked together at work.

I'm hoping some 197 owners are gonna pipe up to let me know why I should choose one of those instead.

 

[Mork of Ork]

Whoops DP nftw! :dead:

 

[Soot1e]

The Trophy owners would have strong words with you if you got rid of the originals, Theres only 500 made, don't you know.

 

[Daz.]

I'd get a 197 over a trophy personally - they're not special enough (imo!) to warrant paying the odds over a 1*2.

 

[Stefan.]

dont 197 have gearbox issues? or some have atleast, id personally say a trophy, bit more exclusive too

 

[Mork of Ork]

Cheers fellas, I guess with the lack of support for the 197 they are a bit pants, plus there are already 2/3 at work. I've got a while to save & look around at least!

 

[Mxms]

Trophy! yeah

 

[Mork of Ork]

Right then Trophy it is, with a 197 as backup if I can't find a decent Trophy.

I'll get some pics taken with WYSteve's 172 Cup when I do get one (that's who I work with).

 

[BigDaveRotary]

Had my Trophy roughly a month and love it. I cannot comment on the 197 though!

Besides rebuilding the dampers every 40K miles is not that big a deal imo, and it seems they can be rebuilt by pretty much any decent suspension specialist

 

[Slinkey]

Get a mint Trophy or a not so good boring 197. Trophy for me.

Good luck to you sir. Hope you find a nice Trophy.

 

[Martin_172]

depends what your after, clio 3 is a different ball game in refinement and build quality (im compairing non RS models, ive never had a play about with a 197/200, but my GT is similar to one!)

my 172 feels ancient compaired to my clio 3 but the 172 feels so old skool to drive the way its so nimble and light. if i wanted a compromise between new/refined/well built and decent performance/spec id go 197, if i was looking for more cheap old skool thrills id go for the 172/182 (im by no means saying the 172/182 isnt well specced and resonably refined btw, just that clio 3 is a big improvement)

 

[chip boy]

i have a 197 cup, one of the most fun cars i have owned by far!!!

 

[Mork of Ork]

I prefer the old skool style of car to be honest. I've had an MG Maestro, Ford Puma and even though my Smart is only a year old it feels old skool as it has no power steering etc.

 

[Xanda73]

I prefer the old skool style of car to be honest. I've had an MG Maestro, Ford Puma and even though my Smart is only a year old it feels old skool as it has no power steering etc.

I'd of kept that quite TBH

 

[Gaz_]

You'll find no real love for the 197 on CS

Anyway, never driven a Trophy, but have had x2 172 Cups, a 182, standard 197 now a 197 Cup (keep up!)

Depends, if you prefer your cars direct, bit old school feeling a Trophy is for you 100%. The 197 is bit more rounded, nicer to live with day to day. Brakes, snickerty gear change and better build/refinement do it for me. The MK2's are very raw in comparison. That said if i had to downgrade from my current 197 Cup, i'd be straight into a MK2 again.

 

[Mork of Ork]

I'd of kept that quite TBH

LMAO, hey a 2.0 litre sub 10 sec 0-60 hot hatch isn't bad for a first car! :rasp: If you booted it it torque steered like a mo-fo!

It had the MG Turbo bodykit & MG TF wheels, I thought it was cool until the engine gave up. I'm sure no one cares but here's a pic just in case.