Clio 172 Cup issues and what to look out for.

[Jakeeaton127]

Hello,

I’m looking at getting a Clio 172 Cup for my first car as the insurance isn’t too bad and I love RS Renaults. This car in particular has sat since 2017 and I do not know a lot about its past. I know it’s going to need a cambelt due to the age of it but what else should I look out for when buying it and what will it probably need?

Thanks.

 

[Crybert]

This sounds like a massive project for a first car. If it’s been sat for almost 10 years it could need a lot of money to get it roadworthy. Tyres, brakes, all belts, big service, rust issues. Unless you’re getting it for buttons I wouldn’t be buying something like this as a first car

 

[Jakeeaton127]

Yeah I know it’s a big project, I’m yet to find out the price as the owner is not sure yet. I’ve got the time and the place to fix it as I work as a mechanic and the other staff used to be RS Specialists. I want it because of its condition mainly as I want a challenge and a project to keep my busy when I’m not in college or at work.

 

[Ant1]

Aslong as there is no rust - everything else fixable with money and time.

 

[npt]

Yup as above, rust is your main concern, next regular issue is electrical problems, immobiliser/uch faults and crunching gearbox more so at high rpm.

Everything else is very simple to replace, I'd always buy the best one possible to spend money on

 

[Crybert]

Yeah I know it’s a big project, I’m yet to find out the price as the owner is not sure yet. I’ve got the time and the place to fix it as I work as a mechanic and the other staff used to be RS Specialists. I want it because of its condition mainly as I want a challenge and a project to keep my busy when I’m not in college or at work.

That’s a bonus then. You should be fine with that type of knowledge to lean on. If the price is right and it’s not totally fucked go for it. They’re amazing wee cars

 

[MAXRUNDOWN]

Sounds like a terrible idea tbh, especially on apprentice mechanics wages if they're anything like they were when I was an apprentice (granted that was 25yrs ago 🤣)

It's a romantic idea of buying/recommissioning a project as your first car (believe me, I tried, realised I couldn't afford it and got s**t from my parents for having 'scrap' cars on the drive) but in reality you need your first car to be reliable and cheap to run. Project cars only really work when you've got something else to daily.

A late twingo 133 is going to be ten years newer than a Clio cup, would give you a broadly similar driving experience and if you bought a nice one shouldn't need loads of work or money throwing at it.

 

[bowen86]

Sounds like a terrible idea, I'll buy it.

In all seriousness, it does sound like a bad idea. First car needs to be something reliable and working. This sounds like a project car.

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Is it a good idea, no. Should you do it, yes!

As long as you know what you're letting yourself in for then go for it

 

[Matt Cup]

TBF the cup has a a bit less to go wrong than a regular 1#2 (no a/c or abs or fancy headlight issues to deal with).