A free car - Clio 1.2 16V Dynamique
Discussion
Oh dear - no, I'm not selling it! It's in my name and taxed as of yesterday, but I'm not getting it until tomorrow...
I thought I'd made clear in the original post that I'd borrowed the photo from eBay, but clearly not! [hangs head in shame]
I'll try the toothpaste or just some cutting compound on an applicator via a drill end, plus potentially the 6-CD solution.
I thought I'd made clear in the original post that I'd borrowed the photo from eBay, but clearly not! [hangs head in shame]
I'll try the toothpaste or just some cutting compound on an applicator via a drill end, plus potentially the 6-CD solution.
Following a final holiday for the summer - and with back-to-school diaries for the whole family looming - I took the train to the village I grew up in today; where the Clio was waiting for me.
I last lived here in 2004, when I helped with the process of buying the Clio and drove it intermittently for a few months, while my then 10-year-old Clio Williams was being maintained.
In the 12 years since that time, the Clio has picked-up a few scars (I suspect from my two younger brothers!):
I'm planning to have a word with a trusted local bodyshop, as the OSF bumper / wing and door certainly look like they could be improved for modest outlay. The OSR panel and bumper look a little more tricky and, although it's hard to see in photos, the paint is cracked a bit just as the rear bumper meets the NSR panel:
Some other things could be resolved quite easily, like the dulled front headlights...
...but I'll have to live with some other things, like the scratched windscreen:
Overall paint condition is summarised well by this snap:
...and there are some small blemishes such as corrosion around the top brake light in the rear spoiler (not pictured), which surprised me as I assumed it was made from plastic) and others various:
The interior needs a deep clean:
It comes with three keys for the two remaining wheel centre covers!!
...a mountain of paperwork:
...but I left this pile of stuff!
A "melted" steering wheel completes the interior:
In its defence, the car started first time...
...and pumped out cold air and my choice of late 1990s jazz-funk-soul:
I then took it to the local petrol station for £4.99's worth of car wash and to check tyre pressures. I'd wasted my money on both counts: the tyre pressures were spot-on and it's the first time I've used a car wash with a dryer that didn't do much drying (assumed due to lack of any wax for water to bead off):
As I mentioned before, the drive is really pleasant and I was happy to get an indicated 53.5mpg on my run back to Bristol. The gearing is very low, with 3,000rpm coming up at 60mph - but it's nice to drive a perky little N/A motor, with its snappy responses. I'm a modest 6ft in height, but feel massive sat in this car! It's really easy to place on the road and really shames some more modern cars for its airy cabin and great visibility.
I fitted the mats, Cabbasse head unit and 2 missing centre caps on returning home. I've also got some new "aero" wipers to fit and I've decided to fit my private plates, taking the total spend so far to £104.42.
The only other noteworthy drive impressions are the juddering under braking to standstill (last 5mph or so) and steering knocks at slow speeds. These are consistent with June's MoT advisories:
- offside front abs ring cracked
- nearside front slight play top mount
- nearside front pin hole in n/s/f outer cv joint
- offside front slight play ball joint
- offside front slight play o/s track arm
I'll book it into a local garage on Monday to get as many of these sorted as is economic.
I last lived here in 2004, when I helped with the process of buying the Clio and drove it intermittently for a few months, while my then 10-year-old Clio Williams was being maintained.
In the 12 years since that time, the Clio has picked-up a few scars (I suspect from my two younger brothers!):
I'm planning to have a word with a trusted local bodyshop, as the OSF bumper / wing and door certainly look like they could be improved for modest outlay. The OSR panel and bumper look a little more tricky and, although it's hard to see in photos, the paint is cracked a bit just as the rear bumper meets the NSR panel:
Some other things could be resolved quite easily, like the dulled front headlights...
...but I'll have to live with some other things, like the scratched windscreen:
Overall paint condition is summarised well by this snap:
...and there are some small blemishes such as corrosion around the top brake light in the rear spoiler (not pictured), which surprised me as I assumed it was made from plastic) and others various:
The interior needs a deep clean:
It comes with three keys for the two remaining wheel centre covers!!
...a mountain of paperwork:
...but I left this pile of stuff!
A "melted" steering wheel completes the interior:
In its defence, the car started first time...
...and pumped out cold air and my choice of late 1990s jazz-funk-soul:
I then took it to the local petrol station for £4.99's worth of car wash and to check tyre pressures. I'd wasted my money on both counts: the tyre pressures were spot-on and it's the first time I've used a car wash with a dryer that didn't do much drying (assumed due to lack of any wax for water to bead off):
As I mentioned before, the drive is really pleasant and I was happy to get an indicated 53.5mpg on my run back to Bristol. The gearing is very low, with 3,000rpm coming up at 60mph - but it's nice to drive a perky little N/A motor, with its snappy responses. I'm a modest 6ft in height, but feel massive sat in this car! It's really easy to place on the road and really shames some more modern cars for its airy cabin and great visibility.
I fitted the mats, Cabbasse head unit and 2 missing centre caps on returning home. I've also got some new "aero" wipers to fit and I've decided to fit my private plates, taking the total spend so far to £104.42.
The only other noteworthy drive impressions are the juddering under braking to standstill (last 5mph or so) and steering knocks at slow speeds. These are consistent with June's MoT advisories:
- offside front abs ring cracked
- nearside front slight play top mount
- nearside front pin hole in n/s/f outer cv joint
- offside front slight play ball joint
- offside front slight play o/s track arm
I'll book it into a local garage on Monday to get as many of these sorted as is economic.
Today, I hacked-off the old gearknob and replaced it with the new Dacia one. I've fitted my private plates, after taking ages to remove the old rusted-on screws (remember to use plastic caps, kids). Finally, I gave the seats a first pass with some cleaning product - with pretty impressive results.
Next on the cosmetic list will be some touching-up of the scratches and a session with a clay bar and polishes. I'll see how it's looking after that, before deciding on whether to do any paint. I keep noticing things like a minor ding to a wheel rim and imagine I could spend ages and £££ chasing these details to perfection... all on a car that's worth very little.
I'll persevere with the minor improvements, though, because - taken with things like the wheel centres and head unit - I feel it's worth the effort, if not lots of cost.
I also consulted my local garage, who cared for my old R32. The owner concurred that the ABS ring was available separately from the driveshaft and was sceptical that all the MoT advisories above would actually need doing - bearing in mind the car's value. I'll drop it off on Wednesday.
The Golf SV is going on Wednesday, so this will be our family wheels (with a couple of reasonably long day trips to be done) until the Campervan arrives in a fortnight!
If it's not too much of a step down, I might keep this for a while. Otherwise, I'll get looking into the likes of the Up / Twingo / 500 etc...
Next on the cosmetic list will be some touching-up of the scratches and a session with a clay bar and polishes. I'll see how it's looking after that, before deciding on whether to do any paint. I keep noticing things like a minor ding to a wheel rim and imagine I could spend ages and £££ chasing these details to perfection... all on a car that's worth very little.
I'll persevere with the minor improvements, though, because - taken with things like the wheel centres and head unit - I feel it's worth the effort, if not lots of cost.
I also consulted my local garage, who cared for my old R32. The owner concurred that the ABS ring was available separately from the driveshaft and was sceptical that all the MoT advisories above would actually need doing - bearing in mind the car's value. I'll drop it off on Wednesday.
The Golf SV is going on Wednesday, so this will be our family wheels (with a couple of reasonably long day trips to be done) until the Campervan arrives in a fortnight!
If it's not too much of a step down, I might keep this for a while. Otherwise, I'll get looking into the likes of the Up / Twingo / 500 etc...
Edited by Basil Hume on Monday 5th September 21:53
The ABS ring and OSF ball joint were replaced today, which made an instant improvement for the sum of £133.32. There's still some clicking when steering at slow speeds, but the garage didn't recommend doing any other work at this stage.
I also touched-up the scratches pictured above, which I think will suffice for now.
Total spend is £237.74.
I also touched-up the scratches pictured above, which I think will suffice for now.
Total spend is £237.74.
I just cannot see why you are putting money like buying gear knobs and wheel centre caps etc. on a cheap 2 year run-around. I appreciate that you may take pride but its neither a special model, neither in good condition. just enjoy it for what it is and use the money to put towards a nicer car or your home, camper, holidays etc.
Sorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
Sorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
BonjourB1tches said:
I just cannot see why you are putting money like buying gear knobs and wheel centre caps etc. on a cheap 2 year run-around. I appreciate that you may take pride but its neither a special model, neither in good condition. just enjoy it for what it is and use the money to put towards a nicer car or your home, camper, holidays etc.
Sorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
Yeah this. I had one, don't spend any more than you need on the piece of sSorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
t, it's electronics are going to break all the time and cost you a bomb anyway, save your cash for that.Yup - I get it; don't worry! Having spent some more time with it, I won't be spending any more on the car if it can be helped.
However, I do need to get some more photos; as I think the discretionary £92.44 on things like mats, wipers, centre caps and gearknob has made a big improvement. The other £150 wasn't optional, but I've decided that I won't be doing any more than this. Earlier ideas of new tyres and body repairs are out.
My dad is usually non-resident in the UK (can only be in UK 90 days p/a), so my mum and brother kept it going as an occasional 2nd car and just sent him the bills. There's no way I'd have spent what they did on it!
Sorry it's not an in-depth how-to guide to make up for the boringness of the car, but I don't think people would be especially more interested in this thread if it had a "how-to" section; detailing how I sawed-off the old gearknob or threaded in centre cap screws.
However, I do need to get some more photos; as I think the discretionary £92.44 on things like mats, wipers, centre caps and gearknob has made a big improvement. The other £150 wasn't optional, but I've decided that I won't be doing any more than this. Earlier ideas of new tyres and body repairs are out.
My dad is usually non-resident in the UK (can only be in UK 90 days p/a), so my mum and brother kept it going as an occasional 2nd car and just sent him the bills. There's no way I'd have spent what they did on it!
Sorry it's not an in-depth how-to guide to make up for the boringness of the car, but I don't think people would be especially more interested in this thread if it had a "how-to" section; detailing how I sawed-off the old gearknob or threaded in centre cap screws.
Edited by Basil Hume on Monday 12th September 21:29
visitinglondon said:
Well done - you're married and still being subsidised by your parents ...
I've got a Ford KA from my mum, did I need it? no, did I want it? not really. She couldn't be bothered to trade it in when we bought her new Mii so just gave me it, these things happen, it's not like it's a TVR or something.I don't think it is a bad thing to tart it up a bit, I know with my old bangers even though they were not worth much I still enjoyed tinkering.
Sometimes just fixing something that is broken is enough of a reason
Engine in that will likely not give you any problems, they don't rust much and being a basic model you are keeping risks of electrical problems down a touch.
Sometimes just fixing something that is broken is enough of a reason
Engine in that will likely not give you any problems, they don't rust much and being a basic model you are keeping risks of electrical problems down a touch.
MikeGoodwin said:
My first 3 cars were Clios. My 2nd was a dynamique like this and I remember it returning 53mpg. Christ what a car it was. I am sure it went way faster than it had any right to and I also got done doing 96mph in it back when I was about 18.
After I got sick of the running costs of my Impreza and sold it I bought a brand new one of these in silver which cost 8,800 (No air con). Picked it up on the day the new reg came out (think it was an 02), it was the best brand new car I have ever owned as it had just been build not sitting in a field for months on end like my Impreza.Loved it, brilliant fuel economy and agree faster than it ever had any right to be. Wish I had kept it and not sold it to buy a rubbish Peugeot 206CC (don't ask..) a year later and then a succession of sheds.
BJG1 said:
BonjourB1tches said:
I just cannot see why you are putting money like buying gear knobs and wheel centre caps etc. on a cheap 2 year run-around. I appreciate that you may take pride but its neither a special model, neither in good condition. just enjoy it for what it is and use the money to put towards a nicer car or your home, camper, holidays etc.
Sorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
Yeah this. I had one, don't spend any more than you need on the piece of sSorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
t, it's electronics are going to break all the time and cost you a bomb anyway, save your cash for that.BJG1 said:
BonjourB1tches said:
I just cannot see why you are putting money like buying gear knobs and wheel centre caps etc. on a cheap 2 year run-around. I appreciate that you may take pride but its neither a special model, neither in good condition. just enjoy it for what it is and use the money to put towards a nicer car or your home, camper, holidays etc.
Sorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
Yeah this. I had one, don't spend any more than you need on the piece of sSorry if it seems critical but it is PH and unfortunately, there is not even any guides on how your doing it or any mechanical knowledge.
t, it's electronics are going to break all the time and cost you a bomb anyway, save your cash for that.Just a little update, now that it's been subject to a little elbow grease and TLC - around 90 minutes with a clay bar, wax and interior cleaner.
This is the "bad" side... from a few paces away, it looks like the £3.50 of touch-up paint was a decent investment:
...and the good side:
The wheels have come up well. It's surprising what a deep clean and some cutting paste will achieve:
The interior is transformed. I'm really glad with how this has come up - the headlining is literally night and day better:
Finally, here's the new Cabbasse head unit and gearknob in place.
I managed to sell the old head unit on eBay for a similar to the new one amount - meaning that the overall cost of the car to date has reduced to £217.74.
I don't feel confident enough to use this for my occasional (but long distance) business use, but it's proving ideal in its remit as an around town car. The tyres have definitely seen better days, but I can't imagine they'll worsen much soon - given an average of 100-150 miles per month use.
Overall, I'm very happy with how it's come up.
This is the "bad" side... from a few paces away, it looks like the £3.50 of touch-up paint was a decent investment:
...and the good side:
The wheels have come up well. It's surprising what a deep clean and some cutting paste will achieve:
The interior is transformed. I'm really glad with how this has come up - the headlining is literally night and day better:
Finally, here's the new Cabbasse head unit and gearknob in place.
I managed to sell the old head unit on eBay for a similar to the new one amount - meaning that the overall cost of the car to date has reduced to £217.74.
I don't feel confident enough to use this for my occasional (but long distance) business use, but it's proving ideal in its remit as an around town car. The tyres have definitely seen better days, but I can't imagine they'll worsen much soon - given an average of 100-150 miles per month use.
Overall, I'm very happy with how it's come up.
Edited by Basil Hume on Friday 16th September 13:15
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