Why is buying a 172/182 so hard?

[Jason_E]

Maybe I’m just a miserable b*****d. Maybe it’s because I’m looking to buy my 2nd 182 in as many months... but the market for these cars is just full of bottom feeders.

Id like to preface this with the fact people selling them on here seem to be alright, messaged about a few recently and had good honest answers from knowledgable people.

However the main bulk of these cars are on eBay, and of course Facebook marketplace. Here is a list of things I’ve encountered.

Price: Everyone thinks their car is worth north of £3k regardless of miles, condition, and service history. I’d happily pay the price for an honest car with history. But not for a mixed bag, iffy car in Bradford with a list of issues/ things that need doing. “classic”, “investment” etc. Then they get arsey when it sits for sale for 3 months and list it “breaking”. Brilliant.

Belt changes: we all know, or should know, these are done every 5 YEARS. Nobody is driving these cars enough to hit the mileage marker. Everyone seems to sell them saying “belts done at xxx miles”. And when you ask the date it’s either “dunno” “2009” or they just completely ignore you. That or they’ve just done one on their drive, and it’s the only belt change it’s had from new.

Decats and EMLS: Nearly all cars I’ve enquired about have both, if one isn’t an MOT failure the other is. Makes me question the legitimacy of their MOT, or the chances of me getting one again.

Please feel free to call me a wanker or just add to the list above. It sortve isn’t completely unique to these cars, but its more prolific.

 

[Pegasaurus Rex]

Just seen a similar post on faceballs... good examples are getting rarer and rarer. Supply is drying up slowly and even if demand remains constant it’s going to mean prices start to creep up. There is plenty of money in these for the breakers, plus they make excellent cheap track cars. Which is pushing the number of cars on the road downwards, to the point where I have seen some lovey cars be broken for parts. To find a good one now at ‘yesterday’s’ price is getting harder, I would suggest you May get lucky. However I think the ship is currently departing the dock and setting sail. As for the Cat issue, totally with you. They fetch so much to the recyclers people strip them off and run a decat. Longer term as MoT emissions become trickier to avoid this will be more of an issue, however cheap cats seem to get cars over the line in terms of testing. The important thing to
Remember here Is even the newest 182’s are quickly heading to 20’years old...that’s getting on a bit in hatch back terms, fewer and fewer will be available.
Good luck on you search, maybe drop exactly what you are after on here and we can all keep our ear to the ground in trying to find one for you.

 

[botfch]

+1 to above.
The number of nice cars for sale has declined a lot recently so it's not surprising prices are going up.

From what you've written I think your looking more at 4-6K to get one with a decent history/spec depending on colour.

 

[Martin_172]

Not surprised they all have decats when they cat is worth about a grand lol

I just buy the cheapest, roughest, straight car I can find. Then put it right

 

[Danith]

Cos they're old and battered now. Surprised it's taken this long! guess they don't suffer as bad with rot as other cars. They were/are the disposable track car for many years, had to end soon.

I'd never buy a car that didn't have the original OEM cat either, so that's 90% of them gone

 

[Jason_E]

+1 to above.
The number of nice cars for sale has declined a lot recently so it's not surprising prices are going up.

From what you've written I think your looking more at 4-6K to get one with a decent history/spec depending on colour.

Probably right, tbf I bought one for f**k all a couple months ago as it needed belts and was tatty. I’m fine with tatty and needing belts, just not a non existent history and well overdue belts for £3995 OVNO

I’d even pay over the odds for a good one! But as I say, people want lol money for shite examples

Not surprised they all have decats when they cat is worth about a grand lol

I just buy the cheapest, roughest, straight car I can find. Then put it right

That’s always an easier way to know things are done proper.

 

[Mertin]

Threads like this make me regret just selling my standard 172 cup and it isn't even away yet!
Felt it was wasted just not getting used due to other priorities and cash can be used elsewhere

 

[Pegasaurus Rex]

Market is at a real turning point at the moment I think. There are loads of chances out there, but it will settle down. However I think the days of a clean, straight, well maintain 1*2 for £2k have long gone. Sure there will be the odd lucky person. But I think you are looking at £3.5k plus now. Something really owners should embrace rather than shouting down.

Facebook and EBay unfortunately open up ‘piss takers’ to have a go. It makes it harder to buy, but you just have to see how quickly some of these cars are selling to see even the perceived ‘inflated’ price is somewhere near what the market dictates.

The greater used car market is on fire at the moment, it’svery difficult to buy even rough cars from open auction wholesale at anything less than CAP clean

 

[KielT]

I've been thinking about selling mine, and I'm struggling to gauge a price to be honest. Its by no means a showroom minter but I've spent money on it where needed and I know its reliable.

 

[Crayola]

The issue is, everyone these days is in the mindset of "buy car, drive car"

Nobody buys a car to put their own spin on it, people are too lazy to bother. Hence why I haven't bothered to stick an exhaust on the 182 I have for sale. If I put an RS192 on it I can f**king bet you 5/10 people would be like "too loud, don't want it" and if I don't change it and leave it standard 5/10 people would be like "too quiet, don't like it"

Cannot win

 

[jameswrx]

The timing belt fuss these cars attract does kind of annoy me slightly, it’s part of the running costs IMO. Do people also factor in the next 5 years servicing too?

I get that it’s a big bill but it’s part of owning these cars and most of us that own them now aren’t kids who can’t afford to run them. Where’s the cut off time for people to buy without quoting the “but it needs a timing belt” ?

I’ve just done a major on mine (timing belt kit, dephaser, aux belt, tensioner, new crank pulley, service with millers oil). Can bet your arse if I sold it nobody’s giving my cost a second thought with their bartering.

I’d sooner have one that needs a timing belt job than rust or bad paintwork.

 

[R3k1355]

Problem with the timing belt is people get it done by the local cheapo garage and consider it a done job.

Then you try to barter them down because it just needs doing again and they don't wanna listen.

 

[Jason_E]

My preference tends to be a car that NEEDS the belt doing. Not only is it cheaper, but I can get it done somewhere I trust. Then I know it’s right!

I don’t even mind a tatty car. I want it to use. Just don’t try and sell shite for good car prices!

 

[yeecup]

still makes me smile I picked up my cup for a grand 3 years ago, had a really nice spec, was previously owned by forum member the guy I bought it from wasn't really a car guy and had just driven it and let it slip a bit, belts were due, brakes needed done, mot due, but that didn't bother me and I was taking it to a specialist to get all the work done than was needed and I knew I still was getting a bargain, and I had been banging on to anyone that listened that cups were the ones to have and they were a bargain. its going nowhere.

 

[Mertin]

My preference tends to be a car that NEEDS the belt doing. Not only is it cheaper, but I can get it done somewhere I trust. Then I know it’s right!

I don’t even mind a tatty car. I want it to use. Just don’t try and sell shite for good car prices!

Yeah doesnt get me when some folk say must have belts done. Just factor it into the price. I didnt get mine done before sale for that exact reason.

 

[Louis]

Dont want mine for 7k then?

 

[Jason_E]

Yeah doesnt get me when some folk say must have belts done. Just factor it into the price. I didnt get mine done before sale for that exact reason.

Exactly this.
What gripes me is people selling cars saying “belts done” when they actually need doing. Or pricing it as if it’s 100% mint and actually it needs about a ground putting in. Seems so common with the Clios.

 

[Crayola]

Dont want mine for 7k then?

What a messer eh

 

[Darren S]

The issue is, everyone these days is in the mindset of "buy car, drive car"

I genuinely think that this view is only going to get more ingrained as more and more of those EV things become popular. "What, so I don't plug it in at night and it works in the morning? Why would I want that?"

As mechanical requirements within a car diminish, so will the interest in them - generally speaking. Even the most ignorant knuckle-dragger can see a trial of black fluid leaking from underneath their car or a 1litre car sounding knackered with an exhaust that's more hole than whole. But would the same person notice battery degradation where a few minutes of charge time are lost, or that the bushes on the motor(s) need refurbing?

 

[Jason_E]

I genuinely think that this view is only going to get more ingrained as more and more of those EV things become popular. "What, so I don't plug it in at night and it works in the morning? Why would I want that?"

As mechanical requirements within a car diminish, so will the interest in them - generally speaking. Even the most ignorant knuckle-dragger can see a trial of black fluid leaking from underneath their car or a 1litre car sounding knackered with an exhaust that's more hole than whole. But would the same person notice battery degradation where a few minutes of charge time are lost, or that the bushes on the motor(s) need refurbing?

I think most people who buy crossovers etc. wouldn’t notice if they woke up without a f**king limb, let alone if their car is roadworthy/safe to drive.

 

[-Rob]

I can only echo everything you’ve said.

Finding it increasingly difficult to find a genuine 182 for sale.

 

[gavinf91]

that’s what happens with every performance car that bottoms out in value. people try and run them on a budget, they end up shagged or written off, good ones become rare and command a high price then the owners of the shagged ones take a look at what the good ones are priced at and feel like they should price them the same.

(and sometimes they sell, e.g that petrol blue shed)

 

[Alex H]

Maybe I’m just a miserable b*****d. Maybe it’s because I’m looking to buy my 2nd 182 in as many months... but the market for these cars is just full of bottom feeders.

Id like to preface this with the fact people selling them on here seem to be alright, messaged about a few recently and had good honest answers from knowledgable people.

However the main bulk of these cars are on eBay, and of course Facebook marketplace. Here is a list of things I’ve encountered.

Price: Everyone thinks their car is worth north of £3k regardless of miles, condition, and service history. I’d happily pay the price for an honest car with history. But not for a mixed bag, iffy car in Bradford with a list of issues/ things that need doing. “classic”, “investment” etc. Then they get arsey when it sits for sale for 3 months and list it “breaking”. Brilliant.

Belt changes: we all know, or should know, these are done every 5 YEARS. Nobody is driving these cars enough to hit the mileage marker. Everyone seems to sell them saying “belts done at xxx miles”. And when you ask the date it’s either “dunno” “2009” or they just completely ignore you. That or they’ve just done one on their drive, and it’s the only belt change it’s had from new.

Decats and EMLS: Nearly all cars I’ve enquired about have both, if one isn’t an MOT failure the other is. Makes me question the legitimacy of their MOT, or the chances of me getting one again.

Please feel free to call me a wanker or just add to the list above. It sortve isn’t completely unique to these cars, but its more prolific.

Agree with most points, except belt. It doesn't matter how many belt changes it's had in the past, only that the most recent one is good. Useful indicator of general maintenance I agree. Don't discount a driveway job, with the right tools it's not a difficult job for a competent person.

 

[frayz]

£30k and I’ll sell mine. 😁

 

[Deerhound]

My immaculate RB182 FF is not for sale but if anyone offered the right money I may consider it.Been fully refurbished, maintained by Renault Technician mate & maintained regardless of cost 96k miles and wants for nowt Belts due Nov 21.

 

[Mr Underhill]

I'd never buy a car that didn't have the original OEM cat either, so that's 90% of them gone

Interesting POV. When I bought my 182 it had an old Scorpion 192 with broken welds and the cat was original but looked tatty and worse for wear.

I replaced it with a brand new PMS racing exhaust and sports cell cat. Threw the old exhaust away and sold the cat for £350.

Total cost to replace the system was £830 less the £350 I got for the cat. Made good business sense to me and I’m secure in the knowledge my exhaust system is going to last for many years to come.

 

[gavinf91]

My immaculate RB182 FF is not for sale but if anyone offered the right money I may consider it.Been fully refurbished, maintained by Renault Technician mate & maintained regardless of cost 96k miles and wants for nowt Belts due Nov 21.

yep, definitely not for sale 😅

 

[brisa4984]

same as the saxos vts/r in their day..

sad

 

[dann2707]

Agree with most points, except belt. It doesn't matter how many belt changes it's had in the past, only that the most recent one is good. Useful indicator of general maintenance I agree. Don't discount a driveway job, with the right tools it's not a difficult job for a competent person.

Agree. It really is not hard to do at all. I did it for the first time a few years back and if you take it steady and do everything methodically it's a piece of piss

 

[leeds_182]

I can’t do it now.

120k mile cars going for 3k

Most of them have dog s**t ‘track’ mods.

The glory days were 2015-2018.

 

[R-Sport.]

There are no 182s in the mid price range of 4-5
They are either 2k shitters or 6k unicorns.

 

[jezcharger]

Bought our (share it with a mate) 172 for £400 off an agency driver at work, 78k belts were a year off due, exhaust was falling off, so replaced it gave it a suspension refresh and it was good to go. We've gone further on track mods since, but looks like we lucked out...

 

[Donny_Dog]

I can’t do it now.

120k mile cars going for 3k

Most of them have dog s**t ‘track’ mods.

The glory days were 2015-2018.

Agreed.
Was looking for an RB.
Going to give up and just go to the casino.
and winstons.

Anyone with an RB for sale pm me though.
please.

 

[R3k1355]

Agree. It really is not hard to do at all. I did it for the first time a few years back and if you take it steady and do everything methodically it's a piece of piss

The issue is when someone doesn't take care and/or uses cheap s**t locking tools that bend, then the timing is out and it's down on power.

Also IIRC there was an error in an autodata guide or something? Didn't that lead to alot of smaller garages not doing it correctly?

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

I wouldn't worry about miles anymore, unless you want a real collector's item. They're all 15-20 years old now, so low mileage cars aren't going to common now.

It's all about condition.

 

[Jason_E]

I managed to solve my issue.
I bought back the car I sold last month.

 

[Lee2525]

I tried to sell mine last month for 3.5k its on 76k, only people interested just wanted swaps or didn't turn up its not in showroom condition but it is in good nic for its age, and had alot done in the year I've owned it including brand new turinis, belts done by birchdown and alot more so gave up selling

 

[Mr Underhill]

I managed to solve my issue.
I bought back the car I sold last month.

Result! Similar to me. Bought a BG 182 3yrs ago for £1,275, sold it to a mate to go to the ring for what I paid for it provided he sold it back to me when he got sick of it.

Bought it back 6 months later for my son for a grand who In turn got bored after 3 months and sold it to me for £500 😁

3 years on she’s now like new after a significant restoration. Never selling her again unless I absolutely have too.

 

[gherkin]

You bought it back off your son for half of what you sold it to him for 3 months earlier?

Sub human scum.

 

[Louis]

You bought it back off your son for half of what you sold it to him for 3 months earlier?

Sub human scum.

Alright fella calm down.