Few questions about the 172 cup

[106_joN]

Hi, firstly, although registered ages ago (just to look at some pics) I am new to the forum.
I sold my Golf a few months ago and have been driving my girlfriends Hy'n'Dry Coupe which was ok for a bit as it is cheap to run but now Im starting to feel the need again. The 172 cup on paper looks the very car for me. The search is on and I have already been to look at a couple.

How economical is the cup? yes I want a nippy runabout but dont want to regret buying one,
How dear to run/what common problems occur. working in the motor trade (panel beater) I get mechanics pecking me about buying Renault/French, electric probs etc etc or is this just a generic reputation they have?
I have an idea about French cars after owning 106 XSi/GTi/Rallye and they had there fair share,
What suspension to buy? I know I will just spend on bits, love the way the car looks but love it 10 times better a little lower.
Best engine mods? best power/torque for the £. Espace V6 airbox? ive heard. Is there an exhaust with good power that isnt too loud and wont get earache off the missis with.

Thats it for now, dont wanna rant on. pic whores can add pics please , lowered and on what suspension/mods if possible thanks
joN

 

[Dan1587]

I don't have a 172 cup but the normal one, and on average I get about 36mpg, on long journeys I get better but it's not too bad!
I haven't had many problems with mine touch wood, I did have a problem with my air con but that was only a sensor!
Their very nice cars mate, I love mine, well worth buying if you can find a nice one! Remember to look about the cambelt, if it hasn't been done it can cost around £600 for a specialist to do.
I haven't lowered mine, I'd like to but I just don't have the funds for a decent setup, and it handles well so I don't want to ruin that.
As for power wise I think it's hard to get more power without spending some serious money and time.
Hope you get some more answers you want mate.

Dan

 

[timps]

To answer a few of your questions

To and from work (4 miles each way) i get aorund 40mpg, On a motorway run sticking at 70mph i get around 43/44mpg

So far since March i have only replaced a throttle body which i picked up off here for £35, everything else has been spot on and hopefully will stay like that. Other than unexpected problems they are no more expensive than any other car to run.

For engine mods you are best doing a search and reading through a few threads. But the general opinion is if you don't spend big then you can't really get much more out of the car.

There are plenty of suspension options for the cup but you get what you pay for. A good chunk of cash (£600+) will see better handling if set up correctly. If money is an issue then there is the lower priced options which give you the looks but not the quality. Also if you can get hold of one then get a rear anti roll bar as these really make a difference to how the car handles and are only £200ish

Here is mine, which is lowered on ktec coilovers with rarb. Other than that it is standard.

 

[106_joN]

Thanks for those 2 replies guys, textbook reply Timps and a very nice example you have there!
Think Im definatley going to go for one! watch this space
Jon
ps. anyone else any more lowered pics?