Back into a mad one: Renault Clio V6

[moktabe]

Hi,

Fancied the idea of getting back into a "mad" car, current one is an E92 M3 Comp Pack.

Stunning car, does everything I could wish for and there is only one problem with it.....it bores me to death!!

So, decided to go down the route I was thinking about several years ago and, having done that, this lunatic will be in my garage by Wednesday afternoon.

Looking forward to it is a bit of an understatement.

[moktabe]

[moktabe]

Well, 3 days in and it's great!

New battery needed as it's been mainly stood for the last 3 yrs.

Absolute hoot to drive and it's surprising how small it actually is, looks lost in the garage. Talking about the garage, that's where it's staying until Wednesday as it resolutely refuses to go into reverse which, apparently isn't an unknown issue ( cable operated gear selection )

Called the place I got it from and they couldn't have been more helpful and they're sending a wagon to collect it on Wednesday, sorting it out and getting it back to me. With all the horror stories we read about dealers / warranties I don't think I could ask for more tbh.

It's booked in for early August with the detailing guy who has done my previous 2 cars, it'll have a 2 stage m/c polish, coating of gTech Crystal Serum Light and one of EXO3. He produces outstanding results.

Initial thoughts were maybe to do a few changes, different seats and a different back box but, having actually driven it and had it for even a short while, it'll be staying bog standard. Would be way too easy to spoil it.

Not being renowned for being Mr Patient, I'd normally now be in the frame of mind to set fire to the car but in the garage this morning just looking at the thing makes me smile.

Couple of pics of it in the wild yesterday before it had its hissy fit,

Edited by moktabe on Saturday 22 July 10:05

[moktabe]

sleepera6 said:

Bought from BMW?

No mate,

my last 2 cars were BMW and I know a few there, they wanted to see the Clio so I went for a coffee.

[moktabe]

sleepera6 said:

Ah.
That's a truly lovely car. You're bonkers!

Can't disagree with that.

[moktabe]

Well, it's fairly sharp but certainly no flying machine however, if I'd wanted that I'd have kept the M3.

From what I've read on it the engine is a bit of a grunter rather than tuned to the hilt, maybe a good thing really with the handling reputation these things are blessed with. Fine in the dry and deadly in the wet however, I had a CSL prior to the E92 and that was shod with Michelin Cup tyres, was driven in the wet yet I'm still alive!

If it's damp, drive smoothly and hopefully all should be good

I think I've said earlier, this has been bought because of its character and its lunacy.

[moktabe]

ITP said:

Great buy, modern cars, even very capable ones, are so boing compared to mad stuff like this. Not very fast, dodgy handling, and on paper makes no sense. But who cares! Much more fun to own. Is it your only car/daily driver though?

It isn't, no.

I have a Smart for running about in and crappy weather use.

[moktabe]

MikeGoodwin said:

Love the car. How come the M3 bored you to death? I ask as Ive had an itch to replace my Megane 275 with an E92 M3, but in my early 20s I sold a coilover'd Clio GT (best driving memories come from this car) for an E92 320d and hated the thing after a year, not because of the engine but because of the size and more laid back approach to driving it at any speed. Sold for a Mk3 Focus ST which was a step in the right direction, then a Megane 275 which on tyres that arent worn and kept setup properly is a riot. I would hate myself if I sold the Megane and found the M3 wasnt right for me.

I couldn't fault the M3, it was a 13 plate Comp Pack and it did everything asked of it. As already answered, unless you push the M button and put everything in loon mode it's like you've already mentioned, a very laid back car which, in effect, was boring me. Only had it in M mode once in the 4 months I had it and that was for 2 runs around the Evo triangle. Then it's a different beast!

Used to have a madcap R53 that had been modified to within an inch of its life and was a hoot to drive, that got changed for an E46 CSL, again a hoot to drive. Neither of then knew what "laid back" meant!

The E92 only gave that feeling when, as said, the M button was used. I don't regret having one by any means, it stops me wondering what they're like.

The V6 provides a wide, childish grin just opening the garage door and looking at it sat there.

[moktabe]

RacingPete said:

Having driven or owned that collection of cars I would say you would be disappointed in the M3 - great V8, but you have chosen cars based on chassis dynamics with great turn in. The M3 is fun when pushed, and you have to have the M button turned on with everything off to keep it fun. But it is a different world to the Megane.

Agree with this.

[moktabe]

Bit of spending planned in today.

Have the habit of "bottoming" my cars with the intention of getting them both looking and performing the best I can.

Early August it's booked in with the detailing guy who did my 2 previous cars that ended up looking outstanding. It'll be having a 2 stage m/c polish, a coat of gTech Crystal Serum Light followed by one of gTech EXO3, C5 on the wheels and whatever it is he uses on the interior.

End of August it's off down to SG Motorsport for a new cam belt and water pump (belt not needed for 12 months in theory) and also new coil packs. It'll be having a good once over and if anything needs doing then it'll get done whilst it's down there.

Chasing the possibility of an Orbisoud exhaust but not holding out too much hope on this score!

Originally planned on changing the seats however, they're in excellent condition and suit the car. Fear that changing them might spoil the car.

It's also booked in for some decent security upgrades as I feel it's a bit on the pinchable side.

[moktabe]

Martin_Hx said:

Saw one exactly like this on Sunday parked up in Ripponden, wasn't you was it

Great cars btw!

Afraid not.

[moktabe]

Yup, it definitely ain't the best however, minor detail

[moktabe]

Well, the loon disappeared off on the back of a trailer this morning ( If you haven't read the rest it wouldn't select reverse ) and, strangely enough, I was quite sad to see it go.

Have to say that this is the only car I've had that makes me like that and I've only had it a week!

The good news is that it appears it was only some sort of locating pin that had decided to pop out, new one ordered and they'll have it in the morning and I'll have it back by the afternoon

[moktabe]

Had some more modern security kit fitted yesterday, had a RAC Trackstar from new but thought it worth an upgrade.

On the exhaust front have managed to order an Orbisoud Race back box that should hopefully be with me by mid to late Sept, should liven the sound up a tad

[moktabe]

Car is currently in the detailers having a 2 stage m/c polish, coat of gTecnic crystal serum light and a layer of Zymol Concours wax.

Been in since Monday and get it back tomorrow. He did my 2 previous cars and the results were outstanding.

This is after the first stage polish, I'd have happily took it away then!

[moktabe]

Back from the detailers after 6 days in there, looks like a different car!

It's the 3rd car of mine he's had and he makes an outstanding job, Mr Fussy doesn't quite cover it.





Have managed to source a clear engine cover and just waiting for the new Dzus bolts to arrive and it'll be fitted.

[moktabe]

Hello mate, how're you?

The CSL went in January.

[moktabe]

Bit of an update,

Car went into Scott at SGMotorsports for the aforementioned tlc, first thing he noticed was that the front callipers were upside down! Whoever had fitted them should never be allowed near a spanner again ffs.

Anyhow, works done..
Cambelt,
New bottom pulley and idlers,
Water pump,
New driveshaft oil seal,
New lower engine mount,
New aux belts,
Clutch & slave cylinder,
Front brake callipers correctly fitted,
Rear brake pads correctly fitted,
New ABS sensor to one rear wheel,
Quicksilver exhaust fitted,
Air con sorted,
New strip thingy fitted to the bottom of the front spoiler,
New D panel fitted to front underside / wheel arches etc. Old one had been worn away in one arch, possibly due to running 18" wheels, and the leading edge had all but disappeared through rubbing on the road due to not being fastened in. It amazes me how someone managed to put up with the racket whilst it was wearing away.
Shed load of screws and bolts that were either loose or missing.
Have been to many specialists with various cars but, never to one that shows as much attention to detail.

It makes you wonder who had the idea to stick this lump where the rear seats should be on a Clio,



Much better with the new exhaust, better tips and stainless so no rusty old oem lump showing through the grilles,



A few from the detailer, outstanding work,

Edited by moktabe on Sunday 17th September 09:08

[moktabe]

[moktabe]

GrumpyTwig said:

Always preferred the face of the earlier ones, I seem to recall you can adjust the rear somehow to match the later cars avoiding their suicide maker reputation in corners.

Shame we'll never see a v6 in a Renault again.

Since I've had mine it's been raining most of the time,140 miles home from Scotts' in almost monsoon conditions and I survived!

I think it's more the fact of driving to conditions and not pushing it.

My CSL ran on cups and the same principle worked with that. I think if I'd pushed either in the wet I'd have had some good insurance claims in.

Famous last words etc etc..

...and no, I don't think I'm some sort of driving god

Edited by moktabe on Sunday 10th September 19:16