New and looking for my 1st RS Clio - Help

[MattC1]

Hi all

As you can see i have just joined

Have reluctantly just seen my Mini Cooper S JCW sold as was being used so little i couldn't justify keeping him with a marriage in September. So he was sold and funds are being put towards our wedding which leaves me approx £2000 to spend on a 'new' fun car but to also double as a daily commute. I have always liked the RS Clio 172's and particularly the ph1 version (although I do like the Peugeot 306 GTI-6 too). I am leaning v much towards the 172 though as performance is more comparable to my Mini. I have read the Buying Guide on here which is v informative . But am confused about what I should be expecting for the price. Looking on different car sites there seems to be a number of ph1's with varying milage for this price so am a little confused . Can anyone advise what sort of milage I should expect for this price, I have seen one that apparently is mint that has only done 54,000 miles and another at 40,000 miles , the price of the latter around £1800. Does this sound a bit too good to be true? I have seen others that have done 110,000 miles for £2000, or are these over priced?

Thanks

Matt

[Dave88]

Ph1s are a wierd bunch right now. Some people see them as a 10 year old french hatchback, others see them as the best of the range of RS clios, so the prices differ anywhere between £1500-£4000, depending on whether it's being sold by some one "in the know" or not.

[ABOO]

Hello and welcome mate

£2K will get you a very good example of a phase 1 172. Just need to not rush in, and be prepared to wait a little. As already said some go for next to nothing, where others are overpriced IMO. Main issue now will be that should have had 2x belt changes unless you get a 2001 car. Love looking for new cars myself....

[MattC1]

Cheers guys

Regarding the belt changes, I know it is every 36,000 miles but what about age. i.e should a 40,000 miler 2000 car have had one change or two?

Thanks

Matt

[acgautomotive]

Hi mate,

The cam/timming belt is due at 72000 or 5 years. Alternator belts should be changed every 36000. I recommend changing both belts including all tensioners and idlers as these are known to fail.!
tbh though if you buy a ph1 i would change the belts regardless of what the history says. These belts are easly timmed up incorectly or not fitted with new belt kits containing all the pullys req.

[jack_kemp]

^^^ as long as thebelts have been done (with reciepts to show) by a reputable specialist, then I wouldn't worry.

Main things are, as said, belts changed twice as they need doing every 5 years. The second thing is a full dealer/specialist service history. Maintenance is really important with these engines.