51 Clio 172 as a daily run around

[rykard]

HI,
I have the option of a 51 plate clio 172 for about a grand. There doesn't seem to be much wrong with it. I will be doing short commutes, 3 miles each way with the odd longer trip at weekends.

Has anyone lived with one as a daily driver and how do they do? Is there anything i need to be aware of?

cheers
Rich

[rykard]

some interesting points there - thanks.

[rykard]

mikeyr said:

Had a 182 and such a short commute would be perfectly comfortable. TO be fair you could commute that distance in an Atom quite easily.

Lots of things to look for going wrong (buyers guides aplenty on the web) but if it's a commute with a roundabout or two then be aware that the urge to play will be too tempting to resist - they are pretty amusing.

can't afford an Atom unfortunately.

There is a roundabout on the way in - 90 right at 30 should be easy enough, my Disco 2 did it :-)

[rykard]

well I've got my hands on it for a week or so to see if it fits what i want...

it's done 115,600

things so far,
radio reception pretty bad.
tickover is 'lumpy' when warmed up a little bit - is this normal?

is there anything i should particularly look for?

cheers
Rich

[rykard]

what fuel do you use? The cap says 98, but will normal 95 do?

[rykard]

driving position doesn't seem to bad, what do people normally have an issue with?

it's a shame it's all stop start commute, but at least i could wander out at weekends...

[rykard]

lol, my 'normal' car is a V8 Discovery 3 that is a little too large (and thirsty) for blatting around the inner city and car parks. The clio will replace a rover 25 that was written off in an accident 12months ago.

[rykard]

Looks like its got a slow puncture what are the preferred tyres for them? (best value)

also seems to be leaking a clear fluid from the left front wheel - gearbox?

[rykard]

light coloured & greasy (like cooking oil )

[rykard]

belts have been done :-)

where is the best place for parts? I think it needs a aerial basea and aerial?

[rykard]

i will have a poke around tonight.

brakes have just been done all round discs and pads :-)