Clio Trophy Questions
Discussion
I was going to put this in French Bred but that gets an audience comparable to Jim Davidson.
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
Patrick Bateman said:
I was going to put this in French Bred but that gets an audience comparable to Jim Davidson.
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
1. The handbook says 35k/5years but specialists recommend every 3years. As for cost, it will cost a couple of hundred at the most. any decent garage can change the aux belt. Its the cambelt job that requires specialist tools. Always get the full kit changed inc tensioners/idler...i'm sure you already know this.Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
2. Depends how lumpy an idle it is, they are a bit funny for the first 1/2 mile or so, the engine runs rich to begin with to aid getting up to temperature sooner. It can feel 'kangarooey' if you aren't steady with the throttle from cold. This is normal.
Really bad idle could be a sensor. Worst case is the timing is out but probably a coil pack or the leads need replacing. If the car pulls strongly from 5k then timing should be ok.
3. Give the wires underneath the passenger seat a good wiggle, push together, there is a common fault with all mk2 clios where the connection becomes loose. If this doesn't solve the issue then it may get expensive. Although there is a bodge of tricking the computer by soldering a resistor in place to give the reading the computer is looking for.
4. It does feel heavy generally, watch the revs carefully to ensure the clutch isn't slipping slightly. It is not a cheap job if it needs replacing(generally around £400) unless you can do it yourself.
The other thing you need to check are the sachs dampers. Do they feel good, are there any leaks? These require refurbishing from time to time and is another expensive job if it needs doing.
I am a 6 year clio 182 owner so I do have knowledge of the car and its traits, there is a great owners club in the form of cliosport.net which has lots of info/guides etc.
Edited by barker22 on Sunday 5th October 18:15
Patrick Bateman said:
I was going to put this in French Bred but that gets an audience comparable to Jim Davidson.
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
36k for the Aux, 72k for Aux+Cambelt, so if its had the cambelt it should be done. No idea what the failure mode is
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
Mine can be a bit rough occasionally, especially when cold
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
If its so easy the seller should do it! Airbag could be a connector under the seat I think, not sure on SERV.
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
Controls are much heavier than a 1.2, wouldn't necessarily be concerned about this
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
36k for the Aux, 72k for Aux+Cambelt, so if its had the cambelt it should be done. No idea what the failure mode is
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
Mine can be a bit rough occasionally, especially when cold
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
If its so easy the seller should do it! Airbag could be a connector under the seat I think, not sure on SERV.
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
Controls are much heavier than a 1.2, wouldn't necessarily be concerned about this
barker22 said:
1. The handbook says 35k/5years but specialists recommend every 3years. As for cost, it will cost a couple of hundred at the most. any decent garage can change the aux belt. Its the cambelt job that requires specialist tools. Always get the full kit changed inc tensioners/idler...i'm sure you already know this.
2. Depends how lumpy an idle it is, they are a bit funny for the first 1/2 mile or so, the engine runs rich to begin with to aid getting up to temperature sooner. It can feel 'kangarooey' if you aren't steady with the throttle from cold. This is normal.
Really bad idle could be a sensor. Worst case is the timing is out but probably a coil pack or the leads need replacing. If the car pulls strongly from 5k then timing should be ok.
3. Give the wires underneath the passenger seat a good wiggle, push together, there is a common fault with all mk2 clios where the connection becomes loose. If this doesn't solve the issue then it may get expensive. Although there is a bodge of tricking the computer by soldering a resistor in place to give the reading the computer is looking for.
4. It does feel heavy generally, watch the revs carefully to ensure the clutch isn't slipping slightly. It is not a cheap job if it needs replacing(generally around £400) unless you can do it yourself.
The other thing you need to check are the sachs dampers. Do they feel good, are there any leaks? These require refurbishing from time to time and is another expensive job if it needs doing.
I am a 6 year clio 182 owner so I do have knowledge of the car and its traits, there is a great owners club in the form of cliosport.net which has lots of info/guides etc.
I suppose it would depend at what mileage the aux. belt was originally changed at, if it had been done at the same time as the cambelt in 2010 then I'd expect it to have been above 36k miles.2. Depends how lumpy an idle it is, they are a bit funny for the first 1/2 mile or so, the engine runs rich to begin with to aid getting up to temperature sooner. It can feel 'kangarooey' if you aren't steady with the throttle from cold. This is normal.
Really bad idle could be a sensor. Worst case is the timing is out but probably a coil pack or the leads need replacing. If the car pulls strongly from 5k then timing should be ok.
3. Give the wires underneath the passenger seat a good wiggle, push together, there is a common fault with all mk2 clios where the connection becomes loose. If this doesn't solve the issue then it may get expensive. Although there is a bodge of tricking the computer by soldering a resistor in place to give the reading the computer is looking for.
4. It does feel heavy generally, watch the revs carefully to ensure the clutch isn't slipping slightly. It is not a cheap job if it needs replacing(generally around £400) unless you can do it yourself.
The other thing you need to check are the sachs dampers. Do they feel good, are there any leaks? These require refurbishing from time to time and is another expensive job if it needs doing.
I am a 6 year clio 182 owner so I do have knowledge of the car and its traits, there is a great owners club in the form of cliosport.net which has lots of info/guides etc.
Edited by barker22 on Sunday 5th October 18:15
The car was warm when it was a bit lumpy. Nothing terrible but definitely noticeable.
I think that quick fix you're describing there is what the owner was suggesting. How expensive is expensive? I've been used to BMW 'M' tax so browsing anything for these seems comparatively cheap.
The dampers were refurbished by BG motorsport last year which is a plus. The main issue from my point of view is the aux. belt.
I did forget about daft French ergonomics though. Bonnet release in the passenger footwell and a barely accessible dipstick to name two!
Edit: Just had the owner text me there and say the aux. belt wasn't done until 60k miles before. That's good to know, the rest seems fairly minor.
Edited by Patrick Bateman on Sunday 5th October 18:53
Some good advice in their, when a seller says it an easy fix, air con just needs a regas, service light is on, small dent I've been quoted £50 quid to fix etc etc, my first thought is always if it's so simple to fix then get it f
king fixed, it sets off the bullst meter and I just wouldn't buy a car from them, something better always comes along if you have the patience.
king fixed, it sets off the bullst meter and I just wouldn't buy a car from them, something better always comes along if you have the patience.Patrick Bateman said:
I was going to put this in French Bred but that gets an audience comparable to Jim Davidson.
Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
Hey Patrick,Just been to see one and I have a few questions-
1. Auxiliary belt. Looking to confirm this with the paperwork but I'm under the impression this should be done every 36k miles/5years? Car is on 78k miles and I don't think it's had it done at the 72k miles interval. How much of an issue would this be for buying with regards to cost/risk? I've read if it goes it can take the cambelt with it but is there warning of it impending?
2. Fairly lumpy idle. They all do that sir?
3. SERV light and airbag light on. The owner says this is a reasonably easy fix, true?
4. Heavy clutch. I remember driving an old 1.2 Clio and it had a similar feeling clutch, I trust this is just the nature of it?
After my brief foray into 182 ownership, make sure you buy a good one. They can swallow money nearly as rapidly as your M5.
Renault dealer suggest aux belts on mine every 5 years but when I pushed him on it, he checked and the cooking versions are 5 years, the 182's are 3.
serv light I woudlnt worry about, surely a case of resetting it? Witht eh airbag light, John that bought mine had issues when he switched the steering wheel. simple fix iirc.
Lumpy idle is pretty normal. mine was extra lumpy as it had an exhaust leak and crappy plugs. Check its not running too rich, mine would feel sluggish for the first minute or 2 and pop/bang on over run.
Check the exhaust while you are there. They rot and Renault OEM is c.£800 I bought a Miltek for £450. They can chew wheel bearings and snap springs. not expensive jobs but annoying.
All that said, they are great fun. Would still have mine if my brother stiched me somewhat. Said I could have his old Focus so I sold the clio as I couldnt warrant a Clio 182 and the CLK55, He ran it by his Fiance and now I cant have it as her sister needs it more than me.... sigh....
Patrick Bateman said:
I think that quick fix you're describing there is what the owner was suggesting. How expensive is expensive? I've been used to BMW 'M' tax so browsing anything for these seems comparatively cheap.
Well it really does depend entirely what the fault is, if the owner is suggesting wiggle the wires, why hasn't he done it? The lights as a safety issue shouldn't be a worry as the airbags have been known to still work in the event of a crash, its just the MOT will likely be failed with the lights on the dash.Expensive as in you may end up replacing ecu, airbag ecu, all associated wiring, plus the labour and many hours diagnosis before even the suggestion of replacing anything. This is one of those stupid french electric moments unfortunately.
The quick fix really is a few pence, few pounds option but is more of a 'trick the computer' rather than a fix. It just requires soldering in a small resistor somewhere specific under the seat.
But moving forward, there doesn't sound much wrong with it, the car is getting on for 10 years old now.
I have had mine 6 years and done over 50k miles in it. It is now on 100k. In that time it really hasn't gone wrong in the way the renault haters would have you believe. Granted my aux belt did take the cambelt out but that was more of a garage issue in which a full rebuild was provided under warranty.
Generally pretty cheap electrical things will go every so often. Screen wash pump, climate control resistor pack. All under £20 to fix and most stuff is DIY. FYI I am still on the original clutch, coil pack, leads and renault battery. All original driveshafts, gearbox etc. Look after it and it will last.
Edited by barker22 on Sunday 5th October 19:45
In fairness, the guy seems pretty genuine, it's had a lot spent on it over his ownership, scorpion exhaust, suspension components, tie rods etc. Front discs and pads and rear calipers for its MOT the other month. Having the dampers done recently is a big plus too.
By quick fix, I meant the resistor, not wiggling the wires.
It'll be a second car, it's a Renault that's almost a decade old, I'd expect niggles.
By quick fix, I meant the resistor, not wiggling the wires.
It'll be a second car, it's a Renault that's almost a decade old, I'd expect niggles.
Patrick Bateman said:
Looking at a photo of the service book and there are gaps of 27k miles and 20k miles between the first, second and third services. That being said, my 330Ci had a gap of almost 30k miles between services in its early life and that was running well at over 100k miles.
That's pretty poor, interval is 12k...If the car has only done 72k it is possible the cambelt may have been changed on age not miles (5yrs). If this is the case, it could be due next year. As said the aux is half way between and then at the same time as the cambelt. I have got a Trophy and mistakenly thought the aux was done at the same time as the cambelt, but I don't actually think it was so I had it done as a precaution. Lucky I did as the bearings were starting to seize.
A good point on the exhaust, I don't think anyone replaces with original now as a stainless sports exhaust is half the price. The hangers don't last long but can be replaced easily.
Make sure it has all the Trophy bits, mainly the front dampers as this is where the value is. The dampers can be refurbished but it is expensive so if they have not been done you should budget £500 for a refurb. If the front suspension is bouncy they need doing. You cannot get dampers new any more for the front, so make sure they have not been swapped for standard dampers!
Check the number, it is on a sticker on the seat slider on the drivers side, the clio trophy forum list them all so you may see some past owner history.
I have 449, I love it as they are good fun, definately a future classic!
A good point on the exhaust, I don't think anyone replaces with original now as a stainless sports exhaust is half the price. The hangers don't last long but can be replaced easily.
Make sure it has all the Trophy bits, mainly the front dampers as this is where the value is. The dampers can be refurbished but it is expensive so if they have not been done you should budget £500 for a refurb. If the front suspension is bouncy they need doing. You cannot get dampers new any more for the front, so make sure they have not been swapped for standard dampers!
Check the number, it is on a sticker on the seat slider on the drivers side, the clio trophy forum list them all so you may see some past owner history.
I have 449, I love it as they are good fun, definately a future classic!
'fk it, what's the worst that can happen?'
Deposit impending on this-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...
He's just sorted the airbag light as well and will throw in a set of Cup dampers/springs should I ever need to get the originals refurbished again.
k it, what's the worst that can happen?'Deposit impending on this-
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/r...
He's just sorted the airbag light as well and will throw in a set of Cup dampers/springs should I ever need to get the originals refurbished again.
Edited by Patrick Bateman on Monday 6th October 22:12
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