I Bought a Clio....in Greece

[Dino D]

Hope this is the right place for the post as it mainly about my Clio...

Hi Chaps. this is my second post here. I was driven to find this site by some problems with my recently aquired 2002 1.4 16v Clio. I have found the answers and sorted out the service/airbag light myself.

I just have moved over from UK to Athens and bought a Clio instead of the default Greek choice (Seat Ibiza 1.4 101bhp) The Clio has superior ride quality, better steering feel and wonderful lift off oversteer (especially on these sliipery roads!) and 4 airbags. I had two clio company cars in UK (A 1.2 AND 1.5DCI) both of which I ragged from new until 12,000 miles. They were perfectly reliable so I thought I'd get one over here....

I didn't bank having problems with only a 56,00km (40K Miles) car though. It has just gone in to an indie specialist to have two coils replaced for e150.00 including labour. The previous owner had two coils replaced by Renault main stealer for e200.00. This was 3000km's ago. Now the other two have gone...By the way the 60,00km service at the main stealer cost the previous owner e800.00!!! They charge labour at e44 per hour. So I guess main stealers are the same no matter the country...

The car also needs new dampers soon. I think for only 56000km this is pretty poor but the roads are incredibly bad over here-I will never complain about UK roads again! In spite of that,the car still had half of the tyre tread left on the original tyres leading me to belive it was a gently driven car. They tyres only had to be changes because they were actually perished! How many miles are you guys getting out of dampers?

Well I hope this is the end of my troubles with the car. It is a cracking motor otherwise and the handling provides me many smiles. My last car in UK was a BMW 330i and compared with that, I thought I would not get much oversteer with a little front drive hatch, but on these roads this car provides even more entertainment and is far easier to control.

A weekly dawn blast on a local mountain pass makes me forget all the rattles, squeaks, service bills and keeps the enthusiasm for the car alive.

That said, I am still a little pessimistic after seeing that the personal transport for the Renault Specialst garage mechanic is very nicely modded Mini Cooper S. I was going to ask him why he didn't have a cheaper and better 182 but I am scared of what his answer will be...

PS: Great site guys and it has proved most valuable in helping me diagnose the faults so far. I look forward to contributing and helping where I can. If any of you need advice on matters in Greece please feel free.

PPS: The 2.0l 182 models are really scarce here. They go for allot of money used and I have not seen any cups or trophy's (I guess they were UK only). I have seen two new 197's though-they sound great!

PPPS: Cars are expensive here in Greece-I paid e6k (£4k) for a 2002 1.4 16v 3 dr expression with 40k miles. This was private-via a dealer they wanted over e7k. The Dynamic added at least e800.00 to the price!

 

[DebV6]

Welcome to cs. Sorry to hear that you are ahving problems though

 

[Bradharding]

Enjoy your car. Wish I lived somewhere like Greece rather than this shithole. But if you 'rag' your cars everywehre. Expect problems. End of.

 

[edde]

The car also needs new dampers soon. I think for only 56000km this is pretty poor but the roads are incredibly bad over here-I will never complain about UK roads again! In spite of that,the car still had half of the tyre tread left on the original tyres leading me to belive it was a gently driven car. They tyres only had to be changes because they were actually perished! How many miles are you guys getting out of dampers?

That said, I am still a little pessimistic after seeing that the personal transport for the Renault Specialst garage mechanic is very nicely modded Mini Cooper S. I was going to ask him why he didn't have a cheaper and better 182 but I am scared of what his answer will be...

Coils should be replaced as a whole set realy IMO. there a common problem.

$0k is quick for them to wear out but as you say the roads ae bad so thats whats most likly worn them if there leaking then its a warently type claim though but sounds like its not in the case of these.

You never know your car might have had other wheel on it and the shock etc migt not be the original its not uncommon to have people swop parts onto an older car before selling it on.

Regards why they have a Mini they have no idea how bad they are the 172 is the better car.

 

[JclioD]

welcome, i come from greece, well born there anyway, lived in england most of my life, but when i visit family i love the roads out there, would love to have a quick car down those roads!

 

[Dino D]

Hi Chaps,

Well the car is back with two new coils. Now all for of them are Denso units (rather than the OEM SAGEM Units).

The thing that initially alerted me to the problem was a moderate vibration between 2200-2700rpm. Then there were two misfires (on the same day) and after coming on here I knew it was the coils.

The thing is that the vibration is still there. It occurs in nuetral or in gear. It bearable as you only notice it in the higgher gears when cruising at that rev range.

The mechanic says that the gearbox mounting and one of the engine mounts is worn. It not in urgent need of replacement but he says it should be done by the next service. He says in Greece they tend to change them every 30-50,000km's because of the road conditions.

The roads are truly attrocius here, especiall in Athens and I can understand that parts wear quicker but does this sound right?

The car is an honest one bought from a genuine seller. He is a middle aged chap who was definitely not the boy racer type so idon't think it is down to abuse.

PS: although the city roads are really bad but there are some cracking country and mountain roads. Wicked, well sighted bends, wide roads and lots of up and downhills make for fun driving. TBH, Most of the time the 98bhp from my 1.4 feel more than adequate here. The problem is the road surface-it tends to be very shiny and slippery so even this car alot of power and grip is simply washed away in wheel spin.

Nevertheless, it massive fun and great to find and drive on the cars limits at relatively sane speeds.

 

[Englebert]

I has a blast in Kefalonia in a Fiat Seicento hire car! I felt like i was in the Italian Job, driving the Miura!

 

[Dino D]

I has a blast in Kefalonia in a Fiat Seicento hire car! I felt like i was in the Italian Job, driving the Miura!

I know what you mean!! The combination of sun, roads and general carefree/reckless attidudes of drivers here can make make the most ordinary car feel special.

I hired Dawoo Matiz out in Santorini. It is a dire little car but out there I found that the little 3cyl engine take on a note not dissimliar to a old 911 and the lack of grip from the 13in wheels made me feel like a rally god!!

 

[Zorba_the_greek]

Hi Dino........where abouts do you live in Athens? how long you out there for??

yeah i agree some awesome roads out there. watch out for the nutter......in fact they are all nutters!

thought you might have gone with a 106 Rallye or Saxo VTR....there are LOADS over there!! its all because of the TAX you pay and anything above a 1.8/2.0 is crazy money

have the round-abouts caught you out yet??

cant wait till Easter! mmmmmm LAMB on the BBQ coming out for 10 days

 

[Dino D]

Hi Dino........where abouts do you live in Athens? how long you out there for??

yeah i agree some awesome roads out there. watch out for the nutter......in fact they are all nutters!

thought you might have gone with a 106 Rallye or Saxo VTR....there are LOADS over there!! its all because of the TAX you pay and anything above a 1.8/2.0 is crazy money

have the round-abouts caught you out yet??

cant wait till Easter! mmmmmm LAMB on the BBQ coming out for 10 days

Hello mate. I'm living over here permanantley now. In the northern suburbs of Athens-Vrillisia.

I test drove a Saxo-it was the first time I ever drove one. It felt great but it was just too small and lacked the airbags and 5 star crash safety of the Clio. I drive safely and only push it when the road it safe but the chances are that you will get by a nutter on a bike or Jeep. In fact, my mother in law had a Jimny written off when a biker jumped a light and slammed into the side of it. The guy has been in hospital for 7 months now (no helmet of course!!)

I also considered odball choices like Honda CRX, Civics, Hyundai Coupes, Seat Ibiza and even the 101hp Skoda Fabia but in the end the Clio offered me the right combo of bhp, safety, handling (read oversteer!) and comfort for the money I had to spend.

Don't even start on the roundabouts-what the hell are they thinking!!! Just to fill the rest of you guys in: In Greece you do not yeild when entering a roundabout (unless there is a sign or light). Instead you charge in and the traffic already in the roundabout has to stop for you!!!!!

I just had some lamb chops the other day at the Taverna-one of the benefits of living in Greece hey!. You coming over to Athens?

 

[Zorba_the_greek]

hahahah.......i live in Kiffisia just up the road near that crazy looking hotel which Stelio owns. Love driving to Marathona over the mountains have a swim

if you ever have any problems with A/C go to my uncles shop .....in Kiffisia he will short you out


god i need a souvlaki!

 

[Englebert]

I remember when i was out there last time and i went round a huge roundabout the wrong way (forgetting i was abroad)! Was so lucky no one else was on it...

 

[Zorba_the_greek]

I remember when i was out there last time and i went round a huge roundabout the wrong way (forgetting i was abroad)! Was so lucky no one else was on it...

hahahahahha:approve:

 

[Dino D]

hahahah.......i live in Kiffisia just up the road near that crazy looking hotel which Stelio owns. Love driving to Marathona over the mountains have a swim

if you ever have any problems with A/C go to my uncles shop .....in Kiffisia he will short you out


god i need a souvlaki!

Cheers mate. I just had the AC regassed for e50 at the Renault Specialist garage on Doukissis Plakentias venue. It's between the DK and Halandri Metro stations. The guy seems honest enough and speaks english (my Greek is still limited). He's done the coil packs and advised me on the gearbox mounts. Defo cheaper than the main dealer. My 'Okoubaros' is very distrustful of mechanics here. He said to make sure the guy only changes the coils and does not remove the head and start poking around the engine. Apparently the dupe allot of Renault owners and say that their is internal problems when it just the coils!!!!

Whats the details of your unles place for future ref??

Re Souvlaki- I must say I have been enjoying a few too many. I have developed a taste for the chicken giro ones that they serve at my local. Although nothing beats the kebab ones that 'Thananis' serves in Central Athens-very near to Monastiraki station. Whenever we in Central we have to stop in there. If you haven't had those then you have to go when you come over!!

I go for a blast over Pendeli via the road to Nea Makri-probably the same road you take? Prefer early mornings when there is no other traffic. That roads is in my top ten best reasons for living in Athens!!

You must let me know when you come over.

 

[BrianR]

I remember when i was out there last time and i went round a huge roundabout the wrong way (forgetting i was abroad)! Was so lucky no one else was on it...

Try that a Wadham Stringers !!

 

[BrianR]

I has a blast in Kefalonia in a Fiat Seicento hire car! I felt like i was in the Italian Job, driving the Miura!

Just watch out for the tunnels !!!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEl4UsVPWoY

 

[RichRSi]

Man I loved Greece, when I went out there I stayed near Kassiopi in Corfu.
Somewhere around the area there is an abandoned village up on the mountain and the roads up to it were nuts, proper rally style dust tracks.
There is a Taverna tucked up there too and the food was some of the best I've ever eaten.

Enjoy your new car!

 

[joel_b]

welcome along.

 

[Zorba_the_greek]

hahahah.......i live in Kiffisia just up the road near that crazy looking hotel which Stelio owns. Love driving to Marathona over the mountains have a swim

if you ever have any problems with A/C go to my uncles shop .....in Kiffisia he will short you out


god i need a souvlaki!

Cheers mate. I just had the AC regassed for e50 at the Renault Specialist garage on Doukissis Plakentias venue. It's between the DK and Halandri Metro stations. The guy seems honest enough and speaks english (my Greek is still limited). He's done the coil packs and advised me on the gearbox mounts. Defo cheaper than the main dealer. My 'Okoubaros' is very distrustful of mechanics here. He said to make sure the guy only changes the coils and does not remove the head and start poking around the engine. Apparently the dupe allot of Renault owners and say that their is internal problems when it just the coils!!!!

Whats the details of your unles place for future ref??

Re Souvlaki- I must say I have been enjoying a few too many. I have developed a taste for the chicken giro ones that they serve at my local. Although nothing beats the kebab ones that 'Thananis' serves in Central Athens-very near to Monastiraki station. Whenever we in Central we have to stop in there. If you haven't had those then you have to go when you come over!!

I go for a blast over Pendeli via the road to Nea Makri-probably the same road you take? Prefer early mornings when there is no other traffic. That roads is in my top ten best reasons for living in Athens!!

You must let me know when you come over.

i am coming on the 6th april till 14th.....might be going to Andros for a few days. we can meet up if you want grab a bite to eat etc....

i dont remember the full address to my uncles shop....its near the Merc dealership on the Ethniki (the kiffisa turning)

if you dont mind me asking what line of work are you in? do you live and work locally?

i hear the weather is like 18-20 degrees! and there hasnt been much rain....which is always the case. might be brave and have a swim if its not too bad when i come over.

also you should try get tickets for the rallye acropolis in the stadium

was awesome last year!

 

[Dino D]

Yep, the weather is great. We actually went to Edipsos (seaside town on the isle of Evia) last weekend.

I'm living and working over here full time now with my wife (she's from Athens). We are busy setting up and estate agency and property development business. Just waiting for all the paperwork to come through now-I'm sure you know how long that can take here!

I defo going for Acroplis rally. To the stadium and probably to some of the stages out in the country.

Do get in touch before you come over-we will be here for Easter and having a spit roast (or two) of our own...

So what are you doing over in the UK then? You ever think of moving over here?

 

[Grc182]

Hi dinos,and all mates i dont think it would be acropolis super stage in stadium this year,
I live in Athens and i am a happy renault owner.Damn taxes next year will be raised again,If you have any problems pm me.I am also a member in greekrenaultclub.gr

cheers Costas

 

[Dino D]

Hello Costas,

Good to hear from you. Thanks for that website-pity I can't read Greek very well yet...but I'm learning.

Re: problems. I have had the coils changed to Denso items now I need to change the gearbox mounts and later on the dampers.

I am using to a Renault Specialist in Doukissis Plakentias Ave. (Between DK and Halandri Metro Staions). The mechanic there seems good and his prices have been much cheaper than Renault Halandri. For example, he charged e160.00 to change to coils and e50 to re-gas the ac.

I see you have a Cup...nice and rare in this part of the worl. Have you had to change you gearbox mounts yet?
My mechanic says it us better to put the 182 mounts onto my 1.4. That is confirmed by what people have done on here. I was wondering how much it cost you if you have done it?

I see that there are some events on the the Greek renault Club Site-do you ever go to any?

Also,what part of Athens are you from?

Cheers.

 

[Grc182]

Hi Dino,
I havent change my gearbox mounts yet but in 1.4 its true they fit from 182,i had the same problem with a company car clio 1.2.
Now for this Renault specialist in Doukisis Plakentias i dont know much but if you are happy with them stay there,because we dont have the best mechanic here in Greece.I am in the same position with you for the first service (20,000km) and i dont know where to go.
Now for the club activities,i go when i have spare time but we can arrange to meet if you like on club events.I am also in the football team 5x5 because we are compete with other car clubs in the carclubs league.Also you can come if you want.We play one match every weekend.

Cheers