Renault Clio 1996, 1.8 16v (worth doing up)

[Nathan-ae2bh]

I've some money coming my way soon and my wife bought this brand new and kept it. It runs but needs some money chucking at it plus has the wrong front bumper on it when her mate had an accident and paid someone to fix it. At the time when she bought it (before we knew each other) she was after at the time a Williams but she didn't like the gold wheels so she got this. It's done 140k but if I completely restored it would it be a collectors item? I was after for myself a modern classic to invest but I thought before I start looking maybe have this as a project?

[anonymous-user]

The amount that is required to be spent getting it tip top will dictate whether it's worth it or not.

But tbh, I'm leaning towards no.

Clio Williams will always over shadow these.

If it was purely sentimental then it's maybe worth it but as an investment? Nah

Better off bagging a decent longish miles 172 cup and wait and see what happens

[andymc]

not in a million years

[80sMatchbox]

andymc said:

not in a million years

I recon there's more chance of it becoming a collectors piece in 1 million years than over the next 10. I'm not sure that you'd be allowed to start the engine but as a static display, it might be worth something in the year 1,002,0018, Who knows..

[bungz]

Is it likely to be worth more than you put into it? Nope.

Is it quite a cool rare quirky car, yep!

Question is if it is worth it to you really.

[HustleRussell]

If you want to keep it I’d recommend a little tidy up with a new bumper, a bit of paint here and there, and a machine polish. Should be doable for £400 and will really freshen the car up without sinking loads of money you’ll never see again into it.

Remember if somebody runs into the back of it, it’s going to get written off no matter how shiny it is because the book value is about fifty quid... that is unless you get a specialist insurance policy.

[anonymous-user]

I like them. Not quite a Williams but surprisingly quick for their day. If you are going to keep it original and then keep it for yourself, then go for it.

[davebem]

A Valver has survived! Save it, Ive not see one for years.

Edit, are you sure its a 1.8 16V im sure by 96 they were facelifted and this engine no longer available?

Edited by davebem on Monday 18th June 21:57

[jako1]

I had a really clean m reg ('94) valver.

Still miss it to this day, first fast car I ever had.

Worth bugger all in 2007 and nothing has changed now.

Yes I crashed it.
Yes it was lift off oversteer.

[pthelazyjourno]

jako1 said:

I had a really clean m reg ('94) valver.

Still miss it to this day, first fast car I ever had.

Worth bugger all in 2007 and nothing has changed now.

Yes I crashed it.
Yes it was lift off oversteer.

I always wanted one.

I had to make do with sticking a J reg 1.4 RT into the ditch.

Yes it was lift off oversteer. A welcome introduction to French hatches!

[Nathan-ae2bh]

Sorry it is a 1995. It's more that she loves this thing and the 12 years we've been together she just won't part with it. It's done about 3k miles in 6 years. I call it the Terminator as the b@stard just won't die. A few times people have knocked on our door and said would you sell and she always says no so I thought maybe with the money coming it might be worth doing up and I could use it at shows. It's black with full leather and the orignal wheels but it's very tatty and faded inside. Apart from the stereo and front bumper it's original.

What does make me sick is when we meet she also had a Clio V6 and she added traction and launch control to it. But had to sell it due to the high running costs and one of them had to go. Worth a lot more now than what she sold it for

Edited by Nathan-ae2bh on Tuesday 19th June 16:29

[DanielSan]

As it’s her car maybe ask her if she wants to restore it rather than strangers on the internet?

If you’re hoping someone will tell you it’ll be worth stupid money if it is restored, you’ll be disappointed. But if it’s restored youll both have a cool, rare 90’s hot hatch.

[Croutons]

Any woman who buys a car like that is clearly a keeper,

So keep the car.

1 owner from new is worth more than the miles, or value/ cost ratio, and it will always attract attention at shows.

[Munter]

Croutons said:

Any woman who buys a car like that is clearly a keeper,

So keep the car.

1 owner from new is worth more than the miles, or value/ cost ratio, and it will always attract attention at shows.

OP I'm leaning towards keep it, restore it and enjoy it as a couple. Perhaps tour France in it, and use it to build memories together, not just build the car for the hell of it.

[Nathan-ae2bh]

I might do it then as she also has in a garage at her mums a 1971 Austin Mini and I was defo going to get that back on the road but that will be more for her as I don't like driving the old mini's. That was her first car and she's kept it but it doesn't run and the paint has gone flat.

The Clio was more for me to use. Been looking at old Escort's and Golf's but while the Clio was just sitting there gathering dust I thought might as well while I am in a position soon