Why does everything have to happen at once?!

[Mr Squashie]

Long story short... I bought a 182 that needed a timing belt but otherwise is in pretty good condition. Managed to get a pretty good deal because of this and even got a timing belt kit thrown in. A week after I booked the car in for a full belt change (timing belt, dephaser, water pump, and aux belt) the clutch started slipping. Not a huge deal because the car has done 97k miles and I don't have a receipt for a clutch, but I wasn't expecting it either so soon or to be so expensive. Then two days after ringing the garage and arranging a new clutch while it's in for the belts etc, a bloody check engine light came on during my drive home from work!
Now none of these on their own are particularly annoying, it's all part of the fun of owning a car, but for all 3 to happen within 4 weeks of "getting a good deal" is slightly frustrating.
Anyone else got any stories of a good deal quickly becoming an unexpected money pit?

 

[Clio_fool]

Nope. Put some layers of wax on it and you'll not be out of pocket when you sell it on👍.

 

[jameswrx]

Cant really grumble about serviceable items.

I’d say that’s pretty unlucky with the clutch. My mate’s one was on 175k, my old one (he now owns) is nearly 140k and both on original clutch.

Honestly a lot more could do with them replacing these days. They’re so strong they seem to last to the point they get very heavy. You forget how light they were when new. My current car had a gearbox swap and new clutch at the time and it feels a lot lighter.

 

[Mr Squashie]

I just assumed the clutch was that heavy because it was cable operated instead of hydraulic, be interesting to see how different the new one is when it's fitted. From looking at past MOT histories and the current mods on the car I'm pretty sure it spent some of its life doing burnouts in McDonald's car parks, so 97k doesn't seem unreasonable 🤣

 

[Greeny.]

Of the three 1*2’a I’ve owned and driven for multiple years all of their clutches have felt completely different but none ever slipped, my wife’s 182 was probably the worst heavy wise and that ever slipped either.

 

[jameswrx]

I just assumed the clutch was that heavy because it was cable operated instead of hydraulic, be interesting to see how different the new one is when it's fitted. From looking at past MOT histories and the current mods on the car I'm pretty sure it spent some of its life doing burnouts in McDonald's car parks, so 97k doesn't seem unreasonable 🤣

They’re definitely heavier than modern hydraulic clutches but they’re really not that bad when new. I looked at a 182 for a mate the other day and my mate was shocked how heavy clutch was, I was kind of saying they are heavy and the seller was saying it’s how they are. I jumped in and tried and it was way too heavy, a lot heavier than even my 140k original.

I let my mate try my current one (that’s had new clutch but still a few years old) and it really showed just how heavy the 182’s clutch was. Feels quite light in comparison to a bad/old one.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

They’re definitely heavier than modern hydraulic clutches but they’re really not that bad when new. I looked at a 182 for a mate the other day and my mate was shocked how heavy clutch was, I was kind of saying they are heavy and the seller was saying it’s how they are. I jumped in and tried and it was way too heavy, a lot heavier than even my 140k original.

I let my mate try my current one (that’s had new clutch but still a few years old) and it really showed just how heavy the 182’s clutch was. Feels quite light in comparison to a bad/old one.

The clutch in my 182 has always been heavy since new. It's also on 97k ( touch wood it's still got plenty of miles left) I also had a new 172, that too was heavy. I can only assume different 1*2s are all different.
I know when I've had hire cars or courtesy cars i feel like I'm gonna put the clutch pedal through the floor cos they are so light in comparison.

 

[jameswrx]

The clutch in my 182 has always been heavy since new. It's also on 97k ( touch wood it's still got plenty of miles left) I also had a new 172, that too was heavy. I can only assume different 1*2s are all different.
I know when I've had hire cars or courtesy cars i feel like I'm gonna put the clutch pedal through the floor cos they are so light in comparison.

I prefer a heavier clutch (a good 172 one) nothing worse for me than trying to drive some modern shopping car with really light pedals and over assisted brakes & steering.

 

[MRBILLYUK]

I prefer a heavier clutch (a good 172 one) nothing worse for me than trying to drive some modern shopping car with really light pedals and over assisted brakes & steering.

I'm exactly the same. I prefer a heavy clutch and steering. I hate driving a car with over assisted steering.
For me the 1*2 is spot on for both.

 

[R3k1355]

Check engine is often the front lambda or the injectors, both relatively inexpensive to sort.

 

[Darren S]

I just assumed the clutch was that heavy because it was cable operated instead of hydraulic, be interesting to see how different the new one is when it's fitted. From looking at past MOT histories and the current mods on the car I'm pretty sure it spent some of its life doing burnouts in McDonald's car parks, so 97k doesn't seem unreasonable 🤣

I'll guarantee that with the new clutch fitted - you'll stall it at least once within the first 500yards....

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

It's always tough when you get a new car and it throws a few big bills at you. My VW did it and continues to do so.
If you're concerned I'd take it to a specialist for a good check over. They're all at an age where various suspension components and bushes are going to be at the end of their life so it'd be worth having them looked at. Generally these are fairly rust resistant, but there can be problem areas; jack points, inside the rear panels, behind the skirts so have these looked at too.

 

[Mr Squashie]

Funnily enough I had a VW that did the same thing, except it was nowhere near as fun to drive as the Clio so I quickly got rid. It's going to a specialist for the belts and clutch so I'll ask them to have a quick look round to see if there's anything else that jumps out. I'm actually impressed by how solid the suspension feels on mine, no knocks or wobbles so far touch wood

 

[Mr Squashie]

That's what I figured, got an OBD2 scanner arriving tomorrow so I'll have a check

 

[Mr Squashie]

I'll guarantee that with the new clutch fitted - you'll stall it at least once within the first 500yards....

Just picked the car up from having everything done. Made it past 500 yards, but very nearly stalled at a roundabout within the first 5 miles 😂 Can't believe how light the new one is in comparison, it's like driving a different car!