Should I?!

[nickelarse]

Hello all,

Due to potentially needing a car in the near future, I have been searching around and decided that a Clio 172 is at the top of my list. Came across ClioSport whilst doing my searching and decided this would be a good place to get some advice and opinions!

What are your opinions of the Clio 172? I have a small budget, and will be needing the car for daily commuting so obviously need to decide whether a 172 is a viable option (being a Renault, there must be reliability issues!!). I have been looking at the Mk1 172s (from 2000 onwards I gather?).

So yer, any feedback would be great, particularly if you own/have owned one and drive it every day.

Thanks,

Nick(elarse)

 

[Kam.]

I drive 50 miles a day in mine and its all good. So far only the only issues under our ownership have been the speedo sensor going (£26 fix) and a clonking noise I think is the lower engine mount which I will fix shortly with a powerflex upgrade

Kev

 

[beaker82]

depends what your budget is and where you look, I got a 172 cup Ph2 for £1900 quid, full service history stamped in book and checking it over it is clean and tidy but due to several owners there is no paperwork to say whether timing belt has been changed so I am going to have to get that done.

Shop around you will find something decent for your budget but like I say I have done 6000 miles in mine since september and other than new front arm (my fault) and failing MOT on needing a new coil spring and tyre it has been a really good drive and I would recommend

 

[nickelarse]

Thanks for the replies guys.

beaker82 - around £2,000 is also my budget, so it is good to hear your views.

I have read that the 172Cup would be a better option compared to the standard 172. Main reasons being there is less to go wrong. Is there any truth in this? Can a 172Cup be branded as more reliable than a 172?

Also, how economical is it on a day-to-day use. Does it drink fuel/oil etc.?

P.S. - Kam Racing, I see you are from St. Albans. Whereabouts in St. Albans? I'm from Watford.

 

[Revels]

The only advantage for you in having a 172 Cup would be that the big cambelt service is a fair bit cheaper because there's not the aircon to get in teh way, which increases the labour times.

Neither are more reliable than the other. Just get one that's been looked after.

 

[Soot1e]

No problems with 172 engines, they are generally strong and put together ok, cam belts have to be changed by a specialist in RS engines, not too expensive though. However the the other stuff that the car is made off, is tin foil and cheese so you can always find something that needs doing ( It's French remember). Running costs can be high especially if you are young, insurance can cost as much as the car. After saying all that they are fun to drive, some old gits like me have them as a 2nd. fun/trackday car and suits me well. If you look in the classifieds on Cliosport there will be a few for sale and most members will be honest with the description of the car, can't say that for general Car traders though.

 

[ABOO]

As already said mate, do your homework, and don't rush in to buy, there's plenty for sale. 2k should get you either a vgc phase 1 with lots of history, or an early phase 2. Phase 1 is better drivers car, phase 2 better spec and still a cracking little car. Or as said there's the Cup, 2k though maybe a little optimistic to get a good one. Although post in thread got his for £1900 so is possible. Just my opinion but £1900 for a half decent or better Cup is a performance bargain!!

 

[jamier27]

As already said mate, do your homework, and don't rush in to buy, there's plenty for sale. 2k should get you either a vgc phase 1 with lots of history, or an early phase 2. Phase 1 is better drivers car, phase 2 better spec and still a cracking little car. Or as said there's the Cup, 2k though maybe a little optimistic to get a good one. Although post in thread got his for £1900 so is possible. Just my opinion but £1900 for a half decent or better Cup is a performance bargain!!

My thoughts too, but i guess some people just want a quick sale and will accept a cheeky offer if your patient enough.
£1900 for a cup has got to be best fun per pound you can get.
Running costs are pretty cheap but like said insurance is the only killer - i heard that cups are even more to insure due to not having abs....?

 

[ABOO]

Some companies won't insure the Cup at all!!!

 

[Andyman]

I doubt you'd find a cheaper to run hot hatch vs performance in petrol form. Loads cheaper to run than a Type R say.

Should be getting anything between mid 30 to 40's mpg on ''normal'' driving.

Ideally buy one with the belts already done as it saves a fair chunk of cash. Make sure its done by either Renault or even better, a specialist.
FSH good then you know its been looked after. Nice smooth gearbox with no notches.

 

[gwilson]

i would have thought the only downside to 172 onwership is the amount of fuel you can get through. everthing else is easy enough to get hold of cheaply. smiles per miles can not be beat......

 

[JackD]

I have recently purchased a cup, best choice I've ever made! If you can get on with the looks of the ph1 172 then there's a bargain to be had, I couldn't so got a cup instead! Insurance for me at 21, 2 ync completely clean licence is £900

 

[Goodj]

i would have thought the only downside to 172 onwership is the amount of fuel you can get through. everthing else is easy enough to get hold of cheaply. smiles per miles can not be beat......

30-40mpg isn't bad for the performance on offer.

I find the 172 "Full fat" is a good ajck of all trades, it's comfortable enough, with enough power and toys to make long trips tolerable, but will certainly lift up it's skirt on command if you want to thrash through some wolds.

 

[tom_taylor]

I have recently purchased a cup, best choice I've ever made! If you can get on with the looks of the ph1 172 then there's a bargain to be had, I couldn't so got a cup instead! Insurance for me at 21, 2 ync completely clean licence is £900

What company are you with?
I'm 24, 3 ync and no points and I've been quoted £1500!!

 

[Goodj]

ouch.

just use the usual comparing the world sites, you'll soon find somewhere decent.

so long as you dont start "modding"

 

[Addicted]

I'm with directline, £900 for 3yr NCB, 21 and no points