Would I regret buying a Clio 182?

[Z4MCSL]

I have always wanted to get into trackdays and finally am in a position I can think about it seriously.

I have been toying with upgrading the daily when I suddenly thought if I didnt bother doing that I can just go straight out and by a track day car and insure tax and maintain it for less than the price of an upgrade .

I have kept an eye on clios and have a real interest because they seem simple, I assumed a front wheel drive car would be a good way into trackdays before graduating to RWD, and...I actually think they look fantastic..

Is there anything I should particularly consider or is a 182 a solid bet? There seem to be so many of them out there.

[Z4MCSL]

Also how much difference does taking the rear seats actually make. I am tempted to buy a track prepped car but as I have a Z4 and the missus has a TTS it would be handy to have a car with backseats on the odd occasion so am tempted to leave them in?

[Z4MCSL]

I havent done enough research yet but is there a difference in reliability between tthe 172s and the 182s....I tend to want a 182 purely on the aesthetics!

[Z4MCSL]

Illmonkey thanks for that really helfpul if a little scary. I dont mind bills along the way but what will frustrate me is buying a car that immediatly needs serious money going into it.

ARe there any ways to assess the gearbox or any upgrades that people make to solve the issue? I am wondering whether it makes more sense to buy a track prepped car

[Z4MCSL]

Thanks that is really helpful.

I am based in south London? Anywhere near you? Near Crystal Palace?

Appreciate the car is small but it has to be better than a the TTS which I cant even physically get into in the back!? and god knows what would happen if you crashed with people in the back - heads straight through the wear window?!??!

[Z4MCSL]

Looks like you bought yours stock too? Happy with that choice?

I get that financially it makes sense to buy a prepped car but I like the idea of enjoying the process of the car gradually getting better on track.

[Z4MCSL]

And I guess this is a whole separate post but is there an argument to consider around 172 vs 182

[Z4MCSL]

Wherabouts in North Oxford? Summertown way?

My rents live in Oxford and I grew up there so I am back quite often actually

[Z4MCSL]

sent one now let me know if you cant see it

Cheers

[Z4MCSL]

and actually yes I would be interested in the spreadsheet

[Z4MCSL]

OK thats it then - I am sold.

Now to start the search and resist the temptation to just buy the first one I see!!!

[Z4MCSL]

Although is there any value in comparing the 182 to the 197? They look remarkably cheap too?

[Z4MCSL]

Thanks for all the help peeps

Only frustrating thing now is finding one! they all seem to be located miles away from London and there are a fair few with "issues".

[Z4MCSL]

The Z4M is a jointly owned car that doesnt get out much to be honest, I love it but would be scared to take it on track as I am a pretty crap driver and sure I would manage to spin it into a wall on the first lap?!

I also actually have a Z43.0si Coupe which I did think about tracking but again I would worry about crashing it and its my daily driver


If I were to crash a clio 182 I think I would be upset and devastated but in a much more manageable way. Also I feel like starting with a FWD car probably makes sense as hopefully more predictable and easier to learn with?

I do also have an old c70 t5 manual which I did think about tracking but I think it would need a lot doing to it to get it round a corner nicely and everything on those cars is stupidly expensive. I have had many chats with Don at Kalmar Union when I was thinking about tracking it (I took the seats out, did a load of polybushing, strut bar etc) but just came to the conclusion it wouldnt be a good car to start with.

I also like the idea of having something I can take 4 adults in when necessary, as well as put the skis in

[Z4MCSL]

I have looked at them, actually a bit more expensive as far as I can tell.


Hesitations would be

1. That it wont really stand up as an occasional 4 seater

2. Do you get frustrated with the power? I know it is not all about straight line speed but it is really down there on the power front? at that size I would start thinking about e.g. a 106gti?

[Z4MCSL]

That is interesting thanks for the info

the only other thing is I do actually like the way the 182 looks (my GF cant get her head around it ?!)

[Z4MCSL]

225s now look quite cheap as well? Is that a bad idea compared to a 182?