Buying a Mk1 172. What should I look out for ?

[GaryB-Bikes]

Hi all,

Hopefully I'll be in a position to go shopping for a Mk1 172 next weekend and want to know what sort of things should I be looking out for ?

Fancied a clio ever since I test drove a Trophy last year but my company wouldn't let me have it cos of a last minute change in policy :-(

So now that I've changed jobs and lose the company car next weekend (and hopefully get my final salary payment) I fancy a 172 as I'll have about £5k to throw at one.

There's 2 on here I really like the look of but want to know what to expect if you wouldn't mind advising a newbie.


Also, what kind of MPG can I expect. I only ask cos it'll be an 80 mile round trip to my new offices and I need to be sure my expenses will cover the cost of the fuel and running costs.

Cheers Chaps.

Gary

 

[mr bognor]

Gearbox mine went and it cost a cool £ 1200 to fix

 

[fUbAr]

i get around 36 mpg constantly, and thats not taking it easy either. Motorways give 42mpg at cruising speed

look out for the Cambelt change... Renault say @ 72k but realistically it should be done at 50k miles.

if you can get one with an Aluminuim bonnet then its a bonus, most of them were Steel.

 

[zack40]

36 mpg thats better then mine .am geting 33 all the time may be 35 on the motoway...

 

[Day]

80 miles a day - expect to fill up every 3 days minimum.

If the steering wheel is worn don't be put off either.

 

[172 Dave]

they all 'whistle' when running! wheel spokes 'pepper' easily too. UK spec were alarmed LED by gearstick.

 

[mc50]

Mine might be for sale. Silver, 46k,fsh,cambelt done.
Ill Pm with details if your interested.

Common problems are rattling exhaust/heatshield at 4000 revs which mine has but can easily be resolved.

Engines are strong if serviced reguarly. Make sure cambelt/aux belt has been done at this age as Reno want £600 for this job.

Wheel bearings & engine mounts.(chaged on mine)

Rear dampers/springs are a common failure.

Im averaging 35mpg & none of thats motorway.

 

[Fred@BTM]

please refer to the mk1 172 by its proper name in future

phsquick

 

[Steve2004]

they all 'whistle' when running!

They do indeed.


Also, the standard exhaust will fall off at about 40k miles!

 

[GaryB-Bikes]

This buying my own car thing has got me a bit nervous to be honest. Bikes I know about but Cars are weird things with lots to go wrong...


Oh aye....
phsquick ?


Eh ?

 

[GarethM]

hey fella, not much more really to look for as they have already covered it, just your basic checking bodywork and making sure its been serviced regularly.

as for ph-quick its a nickname that a certain someone came up with and seems to have taken off rather quickly!!! lol

they say the mk1 172 is quicker than the mk2 so the mk2 gets nicknamed the ph-slo!!