Clio 182 buying advice

[TomHunnisett]

Hello, this is my first post, so here goes...

I'm looking to get a 182 in the next few weeks, and have driven a 182 with all the trimmings and now one with both Cup packs, and the choice is definitely a no brainer!

Having driven the said 182 'Cup' I noticed a kind of whining, squealing coming from the car under acceleration. It sounds vaguely like a fan belt slipping but happened when the car was warm and only really above a couple of thousand rpm.

Has anyone heard of this as a problem, any ideas otherwise? It's a Jan 2005 model with about 36000 miles. Also, has anyone got any advice about possible problems associated with Clio ownership that I should be aware of before I take the plunge?

Apologies if something similar has been posted before, unfortunately I'm not blessed with time enough to search all the forums!

Thanks, Tom

[trickywoo]

Engine noises can be any number of things even if you hear them in person its difficult to say.

I've not heard of any know faults along those lines.

Worst case it could be cambelt related (tensioner maybe). I'd be walking away from that one there are plenty to pick from.

The really common faults are the exhaust falling off and faults with the rear calipers.

[warren182]

Go over to www.cliosport.net, lots of guys on there might be able to help out.

[artdealer]

Ask if it has had an acoustic valve mod, this improves airflow (marginally) in the inlet system and makes a whining noise, but usually heard from the outside...

Otherwise it may be as simple as a fan belt as already flagged up.