wentworthmeister

What clutch did you fit - just a standard one?

I've just been to see that FRB 182 Cup (it's not an LE or F1) in Mitcham, and can confirm that it's got some issues. Mechanically it felt ok; the front end felt nice and tight (no noticeable knocking) and the engine pulled smoothly albeit a little lethargically (stock tune, needs RS Tuner!). The clutch (which has been replaced) felt unusually light and had quite a high contact point, and the gearshift was a little looser than normal but not alarmingly so. Brakes need doing and the exhaust mounts have collapsed, but neither are unusual at this age or difficult to fix. Quite a bit of oil seeping from the underside of the bay; I wasn't able to tell where it was coming from on the night and the owner wasn't forthcoming with that info (didn't know I suspect). I also got the old "belts don't need doing for 7-10 years according to Renault", which I decided to let slide at the time. However, cosmetically it's really not in good shape: The front bumper has taken a hefty hit/scrape at some point and the owner has tried a DIY touch-up (not a proper respray); the colour doesn't quite match and it looks awful. It actually upset me to see a FRB treated like that. The bonnet has also copped an impact at some point which caused it to buckle at the front, but instead of getting it properly fixed/replaced, the owner has had someone try to "smooth it out"; again it's a half-arsed job and you can still see evidence of the damage where the front part of the bonnet is still slightly wrinkled. The paint on the outer edge of both doors is badly chipped as a result of (I suspect) the doors being opened and hitting objects. This is to be expected to some extent (the doors are quite long) but this was definitely the worst case I've seen of it. Several small panel dents here and there; would probably come out with some PDR. Wheels are very badly curbed; would need a full refurb. While the owner was very nice and good to deal with, he doesn't seem to know these cars well in general terms of features and common issues/maintenance. One of those people who hasn't put in the time to learn about the vehicle (not what I'd call an enthusiast), and prefers to "just leave it to my mechanic". I've run into a few of these types while looking at Clios, and it has surprised me to be honest as I didn't expect non-enthusiasts to own these cars. You'll know these people and their cars by the cobwebs, paint fade, curbed wheels and un-repaired cosmetic damage. It's a bit sad really, but I guess everyone has different standards.

Well, I got one. Finally! A beautiful example of the 182 Cup. More pics and info here: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=20169

Congrats! I hope to join RCCV once I get my car.

Hi Adam and welcome. Damn you, I guess that's why he didn't return my calls! You've got yourself a very nice car there...

There's currently one 182 (non-cup) in VIC, and it's a repairable write-off. How's that for choice?

Nice work, that was almost too easy. We need some on the market in VIC dammit!

Right. But how do I go about getting the inspection done? It's not my car to take anywhere

I've got a question for you guys, how do I go about getting a pre-purchase inspection done on a used car for private sale? Do I pay the seller to organize it and then check the results? I've talked to a few sellers by phone, but I'm hesitant to go and inspect at a car on my own. I sort of know what to look for and what questions to ask (relevant to the clio), but I've never gone through this process before and it's a bit nerve-wracking.

Haha, you're really into the VN! I'm making slow process. I've talked to a few people selling their RSC, none have jumped out at me yet. Next on the plate is this one: http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... C08D335631 And this one is going for cheap in SA: http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/pri ... C08D335631 (viewtopic.php?f=48&t=19738) I really wanted a 182, but the only one in my budget is this one: viewtopic.php?f=48&t=19728, and I don't really like the colour. I might just have to settle for a mint 172. I hear Portal is selling his soon...

Thanks for the encouragement Tim. This'll be a major purchase for me so I'd really like to get it right.

Bah, where was I when this was for sale!? >> viewtopic.php?f=48&t=18948 I'd have been all over it at that price. Shame there's very few nice examples currently on the market. Who wants to sell me a pre-loved RSC with all the usual mods already done?

Certainly interested in a 182. Shame there's only 1-2 available on the market right now! I ride a 2007 Honda CBR600RR, lovely bike. Been to the track a few times, but it hasn't had much use recently. I'll go dig up the bike thread...

My VN on the track!? I don't think so. I'm not sure you understand, maybe I should upload a photo to explain. It's nearing the end of its life. Needs $2k in suspension and body work alone. That's more than double what it's worth in its current state. It'd be good for a laugh though, that's for sure.

Thanks! I'm well aware that the VN won't be making anything near what it did when new, so you're probably right in saying that it won't hard to find something in the vicinity. To be honest, a hot hatch will be a complete departure from the VN. Almost the opposite, in fact. I've been riding motorcycles for a few years, which has changed my riding/driving style towards a more corner-oriented one (as opposed to straight-line speed). Like most motorcyclists, I enjoy riding (and driving now) in the hills where the corners are. Unfortunately, the commodore isn't suited to this style of driving, so I thought a hot hatch would be the right direction to take. Plus, on the odd occasion that I drive my sister's Pug or my friend's Barina, I have a ball. They're both gutless, but I love the small, light, flickable car and the manual 'box. @buddy: Trust, me you don't wanna see the VN. I'm embarrassed enough as it is!