RE: SOTW: Renault Clio Renaultsport 172
Discussion
I have respect for these cars. They seem pretty quick. I came across one at the lights yesterday in my 147 GTA.
When the lights turned gree, we both pulled away, fairly enthustiastically, I wasnt trying that hard probably about 6/10, but it seemed like a fairly quick car! I dont think the GTA would have embarrassed it that much really if I did use full power!
When the lights turned gree, we both pulled away, fairly enthustiastically, I wasnt trying that hard probably about 6/10, but it seemed like a fairly quick car! I dont think the GTA would have embarrassed it that much really if I did use full power!
ar 145 said:
I have respect for these cars. They seem pretty quick. I came across one at the lights yesterday in my 147 GTA.
When the lights turned gree, we both pulled away, fairly enthustiastically, I wasnt trying that hard probably about 6/10, but it seemed like a fairly quick car! I dont think the GTA would have embarrassed it that much really if I did use full power!
I had a little blat against my mate in his Audi TT V6 DSG, I don't think he could get past until silly speeds were involved.When the lights turned gree, we both pulled away, fairly enthustiastically, I wasnt trying that hard probably about 6/10, but it seemed like a fairly quick car! I dont think the GTA would have embarrassed it that much really if I did use full power!
They are quite quick up to 90 but after that they tail off rapidly.
Tin Hat said:
Great fun, but weird driving position - Reminded me of my old MG Metro!
My old MG Metro driving position was like driving a bus from memory! Though a bit gutless I did love that car ah... EHP 93Y where are you now.Great SOTW though!
After a few weeks in the doldrums and a few awful cars SOTW has picked up again recently.
TameRacingDriver said:
Riknos said:
Rubbish. Rubbish. Rubbish. Most people who slag off French cars as being unreliable junk ARE speaking from experience. Most people have owned at least one French car; the fact there are [u]so many[/u] stories of issues, and they have a poor reputation must come from somewhere? It's not like someone got up one day and said "I'm going to start a smear campaign against French cars for a laugh" and that it spiralled out of control from there?
As someone stated on another thread - French cars, buy them brand new then flog them when out of warranty. More proof that they are unreliable - depreciation on them is worse than other marques. Why? Because buyers KNOW they will not be as good quality as cars from other marques so they wont pay comparable prices. It's all facts, not hearsay...
People seem blind to their faults on Pistonheads TBH.As someone stated on another thread - French cars, buy them brand new then flog them when out of warranty. More proof that they are unreliable - depreciation on them is worse than other marques. Why? Because buyers KNOW they will not be as good quality as cars from other marques so they wont pay comparable prices. It's all facts, not hearsay...
But it seems you aren't allowed NOT to like Renault Sports on here. Apparently they are made somewhere else, so have Japanese reliability
To be honest, Integra Type-Rs, although they aren't shed money, aren't a huge amount more than a decent example of one of these, and they are so much better in every single way.
They're now all made as well as Nissans apparently.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, buy a new RenaultSport with a hefty discount and then chop it in when the warranty expires. Although to Renault's credit you do get a 4 year warranty now, with 4 years worth of servicing and 4 years AA roadside cover (just in case).
I NEARLY did this on a couple of occasions. My problem is I was badly bitten by a low mileage 2004 Renault (Megane) and I just couldn't bring myself to risk an older higher mileage one that's likely to have been abused.
Good as they might be to drive, Renaults are, perhaps more often than many other manufacturers products, the stuff of nightmares to own.
Good as they might be to drive, Renaults are, perhaps more often than many other manufacturers products, the stuff of nightmares to own.
To balance the argument, 5 Renaultsports here
Megane 225 - only fault was a window regulator, fixed under warranty
Clio Trophy - no faults
Clio 200 - faulty fuel sender, fixed under warranty
Cli 172 (as the Shed one) - no mechanical faults, had the melted steering wheel though
Clio V6 - no faults.
So yeah, not perfect, but by no means bad
Megane 225 - only fault was a window regulator, fixed under warranty
Clio Trophy - no faults
Clio 200 - faulty fuel sender, fixed under warranty
Cli 172 (as the Shed one) - no mechanical faults, had the melted steering wheel though
Clio V6 - no faults.
So yeah, not perfect, but by no means bad
TameRacingDriver said:
Funnily enough, my old 182 had a 'kick' at 5,000 RPM where the power was noticeably more, a bit like a VTEC. However, it was also a bit wheezy at very high revs >6500.
My Phase 1 on the other hand had no real kick, it just had a constant, gradual build up of power, and the power didn't let up until the limiter at 7000.
When I had the cambelt done, it was noticeably more pokey, I got it done at a place recommended by cliosport for the reason that I didn't want the timing to be out. Obviously it was out before.
It does sound like the problem is more your talent for buying lemons than the manufacturer involved.My Phase 1 on the other hand had no real kick, it just had a constant, gradual build up of power, and the power didn't let up until the limiter at 7000.
When I had the cambelt done, it was noticeably more pokey, I got it done at a place recommended by cliosport for the reason that I didn't want the timing to be out. Obviously it was out before.
LewisR said:
Reliability & Frenchness notwithstanding, I still think that these are horrible, buzzy, 4 cylinder, FWD, understeerynasty tin-boxes.
Understeery? Might i suggest some driving lessons, and/or some tyres that arent made in China?Ive owned 4 x 1*2s and never had any issues, also broken about 10 of the things for parts.
Sold the Trophy in September on 187k miles on the original engine/box/clutch, was still fine, & will go to well over 200k im sure. It was my track car, & has now been bought by another chap for similar use.
I've resisted up to now diving into the whole French car/unreliability stuff because much of it is down to personal experience. But here goes...
From my experience, Renaults are of a decent enough quality and, more importantly, their quality has improved in the last 10 years or so. This experience is based on my family owning about 13 Renaults (I have lost count!) in the last decade and also being on the Renault forums for a number of years. When I say quality, I mean reliability and not breaking. I don't mean how nice the interior looks or how smooth and sexy the materials are in the cabin. As has been stated, if you want a piece of art, you can go and buy a German car. That is partly why Renaults are cheaper, because they spend less money producing them. The money they do spend also goes on other bits of the car.
With regards to our Renaults, they have been generally reliable and easy to maintain. There have been a few issues (about 4 of any substance), but these have been isolated. Over this period of time and in connection with this amount of cars, I would say that is not unreasonable. We have never had a "dud" Renault. In this time we have had all sorts of other vehicles and by comparison they have not been overall any more reliable. The car we most had issues with was a Ford, about 5 years ago. That probably was a dud though.
With regards to what I have learned from other people on forums, yes there are problems out there, but I think the old adage is true: if you have a problem you are more likely to shout about it and shout louder than those who are happy. As a result, those with problems may well appear to outnumber those without. But whether this is the case, I don't know.
I am not going to say for one minute that Renaults are the most reliable cars on the market. However, as I stated above, our most recent cars seem of better quality then those we had up till 2006. Could this be related in any way to the tie-up with Nissan? In fact, the last three Renaults have all run like clockwork.
Anyway, that is my two cents worth. There are obviously people out there who have had nightmares which is a shame and I am not attempting to persuade them that theirs were one of incidents. However, personally, when I buy my next car and a Renault is on the shortlist, choosing a different car over it (if I do) because of a lack of quality, or more accurately, a percieved lack of quality in Renaults, is not something I will even consider.
From my experience, Renaults are of a decent enough quality and, more importantly, their quality has improved in the last 10 years or so. This experience is based on my family owning about 13 Renaults (I have lost count!) in the last decade and also being on the Renault forums for a number of years. When I say quality, I mean reliability and not breaking. I don't mean how nice the interior looks or how smooth and sexy the materials are in the cabin. As has been stated, if you want a piece of art, you can go and buy a German car. That is partly why Renaults are cheaper, because they spend less money producing them. The money they do spend also goes on other bits of the car.
With regards to our Renaults, they have been generally reliable and easy to maintain. There have been a few issues (about 4 of any substance), but these have been isolated. Over this period of time and in connection with this amount of cars, I would say that is not unreasonable. We have never had a "dud" Renault. In this time we have had all sorts of other vehicles and by comparison they have not been overall any more reliable. The car we most had issues with was a Ford, about 5 years ago. That probably was a dud though.
With regards to what I have learned from other people on forums, yes there are problems out there, but I think the old adage is true: if you have a problem you are more likely to shout about it and shout louder than those who are happy. As a result, those with problems may well appear to outnumber those without. But whether this is the case, I don't know.
I am not going to say for one minute that Renaults are the most reliable cars on the market. However, as I stated above, our most recent cars seem of better quality then those we had up till 2006. Could this be related in any way to the tie-up with Nissan? In fact, the last three Renaults have all run like clockwork.
Anyway, that is my two cents worth. There are obviously people out there who have had nightmares which is a shame and I am not attempting to persuade them that theirs were one of incidents. However, personally, when I buy my next car and a Renault is on the shortlist, choosing a different car over it (if I do) because of a lack of quality, or more accurately, a percieved lack of quality in Renaults, is not something I will even consider.
Edited by Roma101 on Friday 14th December 12:56
Sir_Dave said:
LewisR said:
Reliability & Frenchness notwithstanding, I still think that these are horrible, buzzy, 4 cylinder, FWD, understeerynasty tin-boxes.
Understeery? Might i suggest some driving lessons, and/or some tyres that arent made in China?Ive owned 4 x 1*2s and never had any issues, also broken about 10 of the things for parts.
Sold the Trophy in September on 187k miles on the original engine/box/clutch, was still fine, & will go to well over 200k im sure. It was my track car, & has now been bought by another chap for similar use.
Very divisive these little cars, that alone tells me something 
Had my 172 Cup for over three years, done three seasons of hillclimbing with it & the rest of the time it gets used for the 2ml commute. It has not led an easy life & it was a bit of a dog when I bought it. It averages 27mpg, not bad considering the use it gets, it has shown 40+ on a run.
In it's time with me it has had: TDC sensor, exhaust, rear shock leaking, rear brakes, dog bone & a few other minor bits. Most of these are known faults, most I was aware needed doing at purchase but as I intended upgrading anyway it didn't bother me. The steering wheel like most others has melted.
It is now running Koni dampers with Eibach springs, powerflex dogbone, BTB exhaust & matched inlets. Front brakes will be upgraded & it will get a remap, it will then be the car it should have been. One of the best cars I've ever owned, makes me grin like an idiot when I get chance to drive it properly
Had my 172 Cup for over three years, done three seasons of hillclimbing with it & the rest of the time it gets used for the 2ml commute. It has not led an easy life & it was a bit of a dog when I bought it. It averages 27mpg, not bad considering the use it gets, it has shown 40+ on a run.
In it's time with me it has had: TDC sensor, exhaust, rear shock leaking, rear brakes, dog bone & a few other minor bits. Most of these are known faults, most I was aware needed doing at purchase but as I intended upgrading anyway it didn't bother me. The steering wheel like most others has melted.
It is now running Koni dampers with Eibach springs, powerflex dogbone, BTB exhaust & matched inlets. Front brakes will be upgraded & it will get a remap, it will then be the car it should have been. One of the best cars I've ever owned, makes me grin like an idiot when I get chance to drive it properly
roystinho said:
exigepete said:
Love my Phase 2 172 Cup, drive it hard and it always puts a smile on my face. So much so I ended up selling my 911 GT3 RS!
They are good, but I think I'd be smiling more in a GT3 RS personallyBigTom85 said:
only1ian said:
Now i know SOTW has run out of ideas! They are featuring EXACTLY the same car as the last time it made SOTW back in January 2011:
http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=162&i=229...
Not just the same model but quite possibly the ACTUAL car itself that or clio cups all come with the same after market steering wheel cover! Check that mileage matches some receipts and MOTs...
Also nice to know deprecation has stopped!
Hmmm, I too am a bit suspicious.http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=162&i=229...
Not just the same model but quite possibly the ACTUAL car itself that or clio cups all come with the same after market steering wheel cover! Check that mileage matches some receipts and MOTs...
Also nice to know deprecation has stopped!
Car from last year has colour coded door handles and no rust
Plus that reg on last years advert has 6 former keepers
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