TRD's Phase 1 Clio 172

[TameRacingDriver]

BriC175 said:

Parts will be quite a lot more expensive for any ///M car than they will for a Clio. Although I can see some logic in it - buy a car you're truly happy with, and if you need to spend money on it, then so be it, as it's a car you're very happy with, and plan to keep for a long time!

I refuse to spend much money on my current car (Clio 1.8 16v), as I'm thinking of buying something more suited to my tastes in a few months (funnily enough, I'm also thinking E36 M3). I'll do the odd bits and bobs to tidy it up, and any maintenance, although I'll do all the maintenance myself to keep costs down.

Thats what I was thinking.

I don't begrudge any car some maintenance, but I bought the Clio because I believed it would be relatively cheap and fun motoring. I would not have begrudged spending £2k to maintain an M3, but on a Clio, it seems [very] excessive.

Its really a case of what do I do now though... I have a car with a brand new exhaust, 4 new tyres, new brake pads, new shock absorbers, a fresh cambelt, dephaser and radiator, so really, unless the gearbox or clutch gives up, I can't see many more expensive things popping up (other than maybe the rear arches). OK, I've said it now, watch the damn gearbox give up

Thing is I've got people telling me that my car is worth less than I paid for it. OK, I paid a little over the odds, but in no way was it "expensive", and I find it hard to believe it will be worth less after all of this. If this is the case, I think pride will not let me sell it just so I can at least get *some* moneys worth out of it. However, all mods are now shelved. I am still interested in putting the original black side strips on, and, if I don't lose any money in the deal, I'd be interested maybe in the original 15" alloys, IF I decide to keep it, that is.

ETA one thing I am paranoid about is the fact the engine overheated when the problem occurred, and although I've checked and there doesn't seem to be any evidence of head gasket failure, could that be the next thing to go?

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 5th September 12:20

[TameRacingDriver]

Yep the lights did come on, but unfortunately, I was half way between slip roads on a busy main arterial dual carriageway with no hard shoulder and nowhere to pull over. I did slow right down, pulled over when I got the chance, and then let it cool, before limping to the next services.

Checked the oil cap - no sign of "mayo", although that was at the time...

Drove car to the place this morning - 15 mile trip - filled with water. It made it but quite an impressive amount of steam each time I hit the traffic lights (which was more than ever this morning, typical).

I agree with everything you say though. I cocked up buying it. Because it had a belt change and was local (didn't even have to drive), I was lazy. I thought to myself I'll take the mods off sell them but the originals back on. However, it needed more than that. You're right, avoid anything that isn't standard. I ruled out a very tidy one for the same price because (a) it wasn't local and (b) needed the belts. However, I've a feeling it'll end up costing me less than this one has.

I've got at least a month before I can sell it on anyway as need my work contract to be extended first. Will see how it goes. I'm actually quite relieved this bill was only 10% of the last one. Says it all really.

Thing is, even after this, the arches need tidying and the air-con regassed.

ETA: You're right about some of these owners clubs, the cliosport forum seems to be very negative with regards values (this is where I was told my car was barely worth more than 1k despite all this work). Also there has always been a fair few muppets on there. Don't know why I am surprised at this really. It'll teach me for choosing a chav chariot for a car I suppose.

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Wednesday 5th September 13:04

[TameRacingDriver]

Ha, thanks for the encouragement, and even though I said I would spend no more on it, I've just forked out £30 to get the original black side strips back on it

[TameRacingDriver]

deadmau5 said:

Essentially, you need to go and wring its neck a few times and all will be good again

It gets its neck wrung more often than not. To be fair, these are quite the weapon when driving in a determined fashion; just like a cheap we, it loves to be spanked.

I must like it a little bit because I'm looking forward to getting it back (although I feel slight trepidation as to what could be next, at the same time).

[TameRacingDriver]

I may not be keeping it yet. Another puddle underneath this morning so I've took it back and now he's saying it could be head gasket. Losing the will to live with this car now.

[TameRacingDriver]

The garage has rang me back and said they think that this *could* be the problem but they have to take the head off and send it somewhere for a check?

Either way they reckon £££££££. So its bye bye clio.

[TameRacingDriver]

Haven't thought about it. Might trade it in, I dunno. Less hassle that way?

[TameRacingDriver]

Dunno. I'm in two minds between something depreciation proof and a bit newer and sporty, or just slum it in a Lupo TDI for a bit and enjoy 60 MPG and £30 road tax. Could be a hoot with a tuning box too...

[TameRacingDriver]

grenpayne said:

TRD, gutted for you, when I saw your thread at the top again I really hoped it wasn't for another problem.

I think you have been desperately unlucky, I have a Ph2 172 and so far it's been as good as gold. I've spent a lot on it this week (new cambelt, aux belt and new rear shocks) but I knew these were coming up and in the year I've had it has been great. I am in no way gloating here, just saying they're not all trouble.

I understand you wanting to sell on, but surely there can't be many more things that can go wrong?

I've lost all faith in this car now to be honest, whenever I look at it, I see a hungry silver frog that feeds only on cold, hard cash, and lots of it. I resent it with every fiber of my being. I know they aren't all like that, but I won't be touching another Renault for as long as I live. My first 182 also had lots of problems but luckily that was under warranty. I've spent £2K trying to maintain and put this back to standard, and no more. I could have had an S2000 with the money I've spent on this and for that reason, I don't think I can ever find it in me to like this car ever again, ergo, it has to go.

Although I started this car without any debt, I've still got £1K on a credit card that I've had to use to pay for repairs. I'll probably see what I can get for this, and then I'll have to take out a loan to get a newer car... which I didn't want to do... or just get a £500 puma and spend nothing on it. If it breaks, scrap it.

[TameRacingDriver]

Well if you don't laugh you'll cry. And what a greedy little bd its been too.

[TameRacingDriver]

Nope I just took it back for them to look at and they told me this. I didn't give any go ahead for more work just said I was selling up. Drove home slowly and it hasn't lost any coolant. No mayo in the oil cap (I told them this but they said it was in the early stages and in wouldn't notice it?)

[TameRacingDriver]

Well it looks like I'm moving on. My mate (who is fully aware of its foibles) has offered me his Audi TT V6 DSG for my Clio and some cash, as he's getting a company car.

Not the most exciting thing probably, but its a bloody nice car TBH. 4-wheel drive, 250 bhp, the same engine as the Golf R32, lots of toys, great gearbox etc.

The thing is, I don't get to hoon around as much and I really want a more relaxing car, and I'm in love with its interior, engine and gearbox. The handling is a bit lump hammer, its no elise for sure. But I use this car for 40 miles of commuting a day and its ideal.

[TameRacingDriver]

I was going to Olly, but I've changed my mind. I don't fancy the potential of the DSG to go bang on me (especially as my mate admitted the box misbehaved so he changed the oil and it now "seems" alright), so instead I'm on the hunt for a manual Golf R32 Mk4. I prefer the look of the Golf anyway.

[TameRacingDriver]

Traded it in today for a Nissan 350Z Roadster, 2006 model (I hope its the one with the lower tax!). Quite high miles but it drove lovely. Insurance is the same as the 172 and FSH and a 3 month warranty. Got £1300 for the Clio. He remarked that it was quite tidy.

Clio has behaved perfectly and not leaked any coolant?!

Too many bad memories of that little frog!

Pics of the Zed here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.101512073...

[TameRacingDriver]

I reckon there's a good chance they were trying it on yes. Also they let their dog in my car as I had dog hairs all over the passenger seat. Not all that impressed really. Especially as they've been recommended both on here and clip sport.

[TameRacingDriver]

I reckon there's a good chance they were trying it on yes. Also they let their dog in my car as I had dog hairs all over the passenger seat. Not all that impressed really. Especially as they've been recommended both on here and clip sport.

[TameRacingDriver]

Don't think you're allowed to name and shame, but if you want I can email you.

Perhaps they weren't trying to fleece me, I'll never know, but I still don't think its very professional to let your dogs in your customers cars. And they advised me not to drive it and I had driven it for probably 200 miles and it was OK.

Never mind, got me Zed now