So I've just bought a 172...

[Le_Momo]

...from ebay, £1220 sight unseen, picking it up tonight and really hoping it's not an absolute dog!

Although as long as it's mechanically sound I'll be fairly happy as it's primary purpose is to be a track car for me and my mate.

Will update tomorrow with pictures once I've got it home.

Matt

 

[Juude]

Congratulations mate, hope it's okay.
Prob needs a cam belt change which isn't a nice sight for your pocket though pal!

 

[Le_Momo]

Yeah, already organized to get the belts and dephaser pulley done just in case. Luckily have a contact with a friendly renault specialist who has the locking tools.

 

[R-Sport.]

asking the right questions you should know what to expect when you turn up

S

 

[andywa]

Sounds like a good price mate.

 

[Le_Momo]

Right, just got home from picking it up, I'm very happy with the car for the price I paid.

Pros:
Bodywork wise she's an absolute minter, one small dent on the drivers door and on the leading edge of the bonnet where I think someone has pushed the bonnet closed.
Engine sounds good and pulls really well.
Gearbox feels good, nice positive shift, not graunchy at all.
Interior is very clean, hardly any wear on the bolsters.
Drives straight and rides well

Bad points:
Nearside headlight dipped beam doesn't work - hopefully get it sorted tomorrow
Bite point on the clutch is very high
Handbrake needs adjusting
Aircon needs a re-gas
Steering wheel thumb grips are obviously knackered - perfect excuse to buy a 197 wheel
Baffles have gone in the exhaust - had planned to go for an aftermarket one anyway
Brake discs have a pronounced lip on them - had planned to upgrade anyway
No service history - will get a major service completed ASAP

Will get some photos up tomorrow once it's light outside.
Oh and it's got a hideous sunstrip across the top of the windscreen

 

[R-Sport.]

wow- 1.2k on a car that needs well over a grand spending on it to still be a no service history car-
All that work.. really worth the hassle?

 

[Daniel]

wow- 1.2k on a car that needs well over a grand spending on it to still be a no service history car-
All that work.. really worth the hassle?

Service history?? Its going to be a track car you tart.

 

[andyclio172]

Not a bad price to pay for a car that is only going to be intended for track use.

 

[R-Sport.]

Service history?? Its going to be a track car you tart.

missed that then- uber tart

Although I would have gone for a tatty FSH car as opposed to an unknown car- for at least a lit bit of peice of mind....


Will still be at least a grand to get it on track- Belts + dephaser + Disks / Pads + service

S

 

[Le_Momo]

The co-owner of the car is an engine builder, so we will be doing most of the work ourselves. He is currently building an engine for a guy who works at a renault specialist with the locking tools for doing the belts, so we should be able to get a pretty price on getting them done. We had already planned to change the pads to DS2500s and new the exhaust was a problem before we put the bid in on ebay. The only things which weren't planned for are the headlamp and clutch, but we'll wait until the clutch goes before changing it.

We new we were taking a risk with this car, and to be honest we're pretty happy with what we've bought, give us a couple of weeks to sort the issues out and we'll be even happier. The first track outing is at Cadwell on the 13th of September.

 

[.Andy.]

Get rid of the aircon, won't need re gassing

 

[S TAYLOR]

Clutch is high on ALL Clios!

 

[Cookson]

Get rid of the aircon, won't need re gassing

this if its a track car

 

[Le_Momo]

Aircon is staying, the car will be used on the road as well and I like my creature comforts.

I've got a new set of discs sat in the boot now, going in to a friends garage in an hour to get them fitted and the headlight sorted. Will check the pads while the discs are out, seems to be plenty of meat left on them anyway.

 

[olliewebbuk]

If you're putting new discs on you really need to replace the pads matey.

 

[montana]

missed that then- uber tart

Although I would have gone for a tatty FSH car as opposed to an unknown car- for at least a lit bit of peice of mind....


Will still be at least a grand to get it on track- Belts + dephaser + Disks / Pads + service

S

1k worth of work - no way!

not if you buy smart, belts & dephaser etc will be under £400 @ a specialist (maybe a bit more becasue of the air con) - all the other bits (bar brakes) are not show stoppers and can be done at a later date