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Advice On Purchasing Clio Rs 3


Goatman

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Hello all! I have reading about the Clio RS 3 a lot lately and have been intrigued by its cult status.  I spoke to the wife about my intention to get one for myself to kick off my mid life crisis phase.  I live in Brisbane and there is none for sale here now.  Saw a couple of nice ones i.e. Cup Trophee and Aus GP in other states on Carsales and am quite keen.

 

It would be great if you could give some feedback as to the ownership of the RS3's - the ones I am looking at are circa 2010 / 2011 with less than 100Ks. 

 

I would be getting an independent specialist to perform thorough check as well - any recommendations for who to use in the Sydney area and what to look out for specifically?

 

Also, are there any Rs3 owners in Brisbane here? I would like to get in touch to hear about your views and more so the availability of independent specialists here (I know there are plenty in Sydney etc).

 

One last quick questions - does it fit a child seat at the back and those with a little family, how easy is it to get in and out of the back? This one is a question from the wife - fail to impress her on this equals no Clio for me.

 

Thank you all.  

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Welcome to the forum.  Nice choice for a midlife crisis.

 

I have just purchased a Clio 3 RS as a daily driver - see my thread on it here..

 

http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/index.php?/topic/26486-demon-461666/

 

I, too, wanted as new a variant as possible with low kms.  They are out there.  There definitely appear to be more available in the southern states, with a couple of very low km examples currently for sale interstate - check the for sale threads here on the forum too.  Low km Angel and Demon has just been listed for sale, for example.

 

I think there are two AGP versions in liquid yellow for sale, that look amazing in that colour.  SWMBO has a LY Clio 4, so that colour was not possible for me to get past the keeper, but I wanted and A&D anyway..  Perfect!

 

In Sydney there are very good options for checking the vehicles out - Renotech seem to have a very good following and reputation on the forum, and I understand this is very well justified.  If I was planning on buying a Sydney or Canberra example, I'd be asking Renotech to check it out.

 

Not so many options in Brisbane for specialists and no real equivalent of a Renotech here that I am aware of, but there are places that can do the work.  I have no personal experience with these, but other forum members will no doubt chime in.

 

As for baby seats, lots of folks use them as daily drives with baby seats.  I know Trent (Treza360) uses his with child seats, and has had his vehicle as the RS of choice since his little tacker was first born.  I think the Clio is easier for this than a Meg because the doors are shorter in the Clio, and the reach is less, but folks still use Megs as well.  I don't expect you will have too many issues there at all.

 

Hope that helps, but shout out if you need anything else by way of assistance.  Always happy to help out where I can.

 

Good luck with your search, we look forward to the updates on your journey.

 

By the way, they are insanely good fun to drive.  We have semi regular drive days (hoping to get them up to "regular" status..  :mrgreen: ) which are great fun, and let you explore the delights of the RS in their natural habitat (twisty mountain roads) with other like minded folks...  :hyper:

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Welcome Goatman. I think your questions are answered above.

Supply of good Clio 3's is pretty tight at the moment (unless you are in NSW)!

I'd be looking at this one too if I was you. As long as you don't mind black...http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Renault-Clio-2012/SSE-AD-4117465/?Cr=1

It doesn't have Recaro's which could be a good thing if you regularly have your wife in the front. Recaro's can be a bit awkward to get in and out of.

It sounds like you haven't driven one yet. Someone form QLD here might volunteer to take you for a drive. Great cars! Good luck.  :smile2:

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Welcome.

 

Yes had a capsule in the car at first. Have since moved to fixed seats as the little fella is now 15 months old.

 

Utilising the removable feature of the capsule wasn't really an option due to the recaros impeding easy access. You had to get some funky angles going. Doable though. The missus' has her car too though.

 

Rear and front facing seats are dead easy and even in tightish spaces you don't need to worry about having to open the longish doors. Depending on how bulky the rear facing seat is it may mean the passenger seat is a ways forward. Can make it a touch cramped depending on height.

 

I've since purchased a permanent forward facing seat for my car and keep the rear facing in the other car as I got sick of swapping seats over.

 

RomanoWorkx which is Chris Romano's offshoot of Bob Romano Motors looks to be an option for RenaultSports but I've only spoken to him at this stage.

 

The Clio 3 tech section has a sticky for dealer servicing and maintenance costs. A big thing to note is that for belt changes engine specific tool/s are needed for locking the cams. Without them it is impossible to get the timing will be out.

 

If you find the right one interstate there are definitely (Specialist options that can check them out for you. If it checks out plane tickets and dodgy motels are cheap. You just need to organise some paperwork and insurance and you've got a fun road trip to get aquainted with it.

 

Model wise I still wouldn't go past a car with recaros. I think there's a good chance you'll regret it later. Early non trophee spec cars missed out on a few bits and pieces too.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

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Good post Trent. Plus 1 regarding the Recaros. They really make the cars bit more special IMO

 

Happy to offer my A&D for inspection and a drive if that helps. It's a very good example of what you might be looking for. What part of Brisbane are you?

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197 is 5 seater. 200 is 4 seater only.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

I remember reading something on these forms about 197s having some issues that were resolved with the 200s - can anyone confirm?

 

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Not really. A 197/R27 has a bit of a noticeable torque hole. A stock 200 pretty much gets rid of this. The rest was just tweaks and improvements.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

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I remember reading something on these forms about 197s having some issues that were resolved with the 200s - can anyone confirm?

 

Can you be more specific?

Nothing major I'm aware of.

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Can you be more specific?

Nothing major I'm aware of.

Unfortunately not

It was when I was looking at Clio IIIs vs IVs vs Meg IIIs so over 2 years ago

Yes it was nothing major but it mentally ruled out 197s for me which wasn't a problem because I wanted a newer car than the 197

It could have been something as simple/non-issue as the torque hole Treza mentioned

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Improved steering compared with the 197 and different gearing first to third I believe. Improved steering was the clincher for me plus I prefer the front of the 200 over the 197 but that is very subjective.

 

200 being later is a bit newer which fits what the OP is seeking. 2010 or later he was seeking.

 

And Recaros! Only in some 197s? Or is that the same for 200s? For some reason I thought more of the 200 variants had Recaros but maybe that is just perception...

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The 197 is a very good car.

With the 200 they tweaked the suspension (a bit tighter). Engine re-tune to get a bit more oomph down low. Slightly quicker steering ratio. Cosmetic changes. A few more mod cons inside .IE bluetooth, handsfree phone etc.

On the Recaro's. Most Clio 200's sold here were limited editions EG Oz Grand Prix, Red Bull, Angel and Demon. These all had Recaro's so non-Recaro 200's will be less common.

Edit: I'll also add here that some Clio's can run very rough on start up on summer blend 98 RON. Simple fix though, just use 95 RON. The car can run 95 RON 100% of the time anyway. No big deal... :popcorn: and don't expect amazing fuel economy either. 

Edited by apple3337
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The 197 is a very good car.

With the 200 they tweaked the suspension (a bit tighter). Engine re-tune to get a bit more oomph down low. Slightly quicker steering ratio. Cosmetic changes. A few more mod cons inside .IE bluetooth, handsfree phone etc.

On the Recaro's. Most Clio 200's sold here were limited editions EG Oz Grand Prix, Red Bull, Angel and Demon. These all had Recaro's so non-Recaro 200's will be less common.

That's as I thought. Good clarification. Thanks Andrew

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The Gordini also didn't have recaros.

 

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Did not know that...

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The Recaros are hot but I ended up with a very late 200 with stock seats in leather. I am glad I did in some ways as the standard seats soften the ride somewhat. The other drawback with the Recaros is that there is less foot room as they have a bar which impedes access (can someone confirm this is correct ? I haven't been in one for a while).

The 200 is a good daily, as are the 197. The colour does seem to affect the price and how quickly they sell. The 20th anniversary edition in pearl white look fantastic and are a great spec. If you are going to upgrade suspension etc. do some research (I'm sure Treza will jump in here...) but iirc the 197 and earlier 200 have different top suspension mount hole which make camber adjustment easier.. The belt change is 4 years despite the fact there is some other intervals floating around but it is cheaper than the 1x2. There are some great buys out there now and a good low km 200 with good history is worth travelling for.

Most run rough when cold so don't be surprised by that when you drive one.

Edited by SimonH
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There is less knee room for rear passengers with the Recaro backs but no difference in foot room. The standard seats are very good but the Recaro's make it feel more special and hold you in better when driving with spirit.

 

When test driving pay special attention to the gear shift. The synchro's can wear from 2nd to 3rd gear. That's about the only reoccurring issue with this model.

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 The standard seats are more comfortable for a daily.

I love the Recaro's.

Short trips, long trips, whatever. Lower back and thigh support is very good...for me anyway.

It's a personal preference thing I reckon.

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The standard seats also have lumbar adjustment, Recaro's do not. The standard seats are more comfortable for a daily.

Six years and over 84k disagrees with you. The standard seats may be cashier but nothing wrong with recaros on a daily basis. If you have them reclined and drive like a hektic fully sik bro, you'll get back ache. Set the seat back up straight and your driving position properly, you'll have no issue.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

Edited by Treza360
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Wow! I did not expect so many replies / feedback in one day guys.  Thank you so much for all the good information and validation that my "observation" of the Clio RS 3 as the little hot hatch impossible for anyone to ignore.

 

I think I will take up No152's aka Jason's offer for a close-up inspection of the car itself - I've seen some from afar (they usually are way ahead of my Mazda 2).  Who knows I may not like it up close and personal? But we all know that is impossible right?

 

The other thing is that with so many variants of the 3 on the market, I have no idea which ones to go for - most of them are within my budget i.e. 15 to 20k for a 4 to 5 year old but choices, choices choices.

 

Specs aside, I really like the yellow on the AGP - it shouts Renault Sports to me really.

 

I will keep everyone posted about my journey and definitely with the QLD members for the catch ups / drive days etc. - fingers crossed all's good!

 

Cheers

Damo 

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Awesome Damo maybe PM me and we can organise an inspection and drive of mine and more of a chat. Happy to help and I would be surprised if you didn't like the Clio...

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Very passionate and supportive owners here Goatman as you have seen. 

FYI, yesterday I sampled a Golf 6 GTI  for curiosity's sake. Was NOT impressed. Apart from impressive pace, it was deficient in steering, handling, suspension, clutch and seating (IMHO of course  :) ). 

It makes me wonder about the reviewers who rave about this car. Do not buy a Golf!  :biggrin:

Mind you, the Clio will put a LOT of more expensive rated cars to shame.

Edited by apple3337
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Six years and over 84k disagrees with you. The standard seats may be cashier but nothing wrong with recaros on a daily basis. If you have them reclined and drive like a hektic fully sik bro, you'll get back ache. Set the seat back up straight and your driving position properly, you'll have no issue.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

 

 

 

I love the Recaro's.

Short trips, long trips, whatever. Lower back and thigh support is very good...for me anyway.

It's a personal preference thing I reckon.

 

I love the Recaro's too and they are quite comfortable. The "right on top of the action" seating position the Clio has means the "driving from the back seat" look just doesn't take (thankfully).

 

The standard seats just don't get much praise when they are very good seats. More padding and adjustment offers greater comfort which someone somewhere would find more important than the bolstering of the Recaro's.

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When I bought my 197, I immediately was on the hunt for some recaro's....but after driving car for a few weeks, I love the standard seats. I did have experience of driving a rb8 with recaro's, and I would prefer my 197 seats to the rb8 recaro's.

 

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I'm a plus one for the Recaros being supremely comfortable. I get massive back pain on long drives in any kind of normal seat (e.g. my girlfriends Audi A1), but I actually found that the Recaros were supportive enough to eliminate this all together. I would NOT be looking for a car without recaros if comfort is your main concern.

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I'd personally look for a car without recaros if it was primarily about comfort for me. Not being able to shift my legs around as much due to the side bolstering gets uncomfortable after a while.

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I think that if you bought one without recaro's you'd get seat envy every time you came to an OZRS meet [emoji6]

^^agreed ????

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I'd personally look for a car without recaros if it was primarily about comfort for me. Not being able to shift my legs around as much due to the side bolstering gets uncomfortable after a while.

 

 

I think that if you bought one without recaro's you'd get seat envy every time you came to an OZRS meet [emoji6]

 

 

^^agreed

 

 

Deb with seat envy? She'll just pop the bonnet and let the ITBs do the talking. :)

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If the price differential between a 200 and 197 is minimal, go a 200. The steering rack is 7.5% quicker, the first 3 ratios are shorter, the cup chassis firmer and flat spot less noticeable. If the 197 is much cheaper, get that, go H&R springs (or coil overs if budget permits), and remap, that will be quicker and sharper than a stock 200. Thr 197 also has a higher red line and cut out than the 200. There were 3 197's on carsales recently with extremely low kms (less than 40k), going for under $14k, they were great buys. If you're not in a rush gems like this do appear.

 

Faults? Through my 6 years of ownership nothing major except for routine maintenance. Change belts and water pump based on age, not mileage. The gearbox can be sticky when cold, but you learn how to drive around this. Engine mounts are prone to early wear due to being too soft for given hp of the engine. Other than that, these cars are awesome. I've driven plenty of fast and exotic cars and had a number follow me on great roads, the Clio shines and makes you ask why you would spend money on exotic metal when the Clio can do what it does.

 

There's a cult following for a reason, Renaultsport make awesome drivers cars. I seriously would need to go to a Porsche to find something I enjoy as much, and on the right road it might only be a Porsche to perhaps a Lancer Evolution or GTR that would give chase to a well driven Renaultsport.

 

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Hello all!

 

Thanks again for the great advice / tips.  I am in the advanced stage of negotiations and will be getting the Renotech boys to get the pre-purchase inspection done sometime soon! I can't believe this is (almost) happening!

 

I have one other question - does anyone here have any experience transferring rego from NSW to QLD?

 

I have read many forums but it all seems confusing to me.

 

My understanding is:

1) Pay for the vehicle

2) Seller to provide Notice of Disposal

3) Prepare a letter / agreement to evidence the private sale

4) Drive back to QLD (I hope I will enjoy this bit the most)

5) Take off NSW plates

6) Hand over plates to Transport QLD

7) Register the car as though it is a new registration (I believe I will also have to do a roadworthy cert beforehand as they do not recognise the NSW equivalent?)

 

Is my understanding correct?

 

Cheers!

Damo

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Here's what we do in Vic. (Doesn't help you though I know).

I bought my red Clio in Tassie. Flew down, picked it up, drove it back with Tassie plates still on, got a roadworthy certificate, drove it to Vicroads and registered it. Hand in Tassie plates. Pretty simple really.

Hey exciting times for you eh?  Now I'm wondering which one you are looking at... :news:

Edited by apple3337
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What one are u looking at? There is a black 200 cup trophee rego AL078R for sale on carsales - my old one. It is a particularly healthy example, being pampered for a large chunk of its life in terms of paintwork, and then being sold to an ex Renault UK mechanic in Sydney. It also made a whopping 124kw at the wheels which means its particularly energetic :wink:

Edited by Dave200
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Hello all!

 

Thanks again for the great advice / tips.  I am in the advanced stage of negotiations and will be getting the Renotech boys to get the pre-purchase inspection done sometime soon! I can't believe this is (almost) happening!

 

I have one other question - does anyone here have any experience transferring rego from NSW to QLD?

 

I have read many forums but it all seems confusing to me.

 

My understanding is:

1) Pay for the vehicle

2) Seller to provide Notice of Disposal

3) Prepare a letter / agreement to evidence the private sale

4) Drive back to QLD (I hope I will enjoy this bit the most)

5) Take off NSW plates

6) Hand over plates to Transport QLD

7) Register the car as though it is a new registration (I believe I will also have to do a roadworthy cert beforehand as they do not recognise the NSW equivalent?)

 

Is my understanding correct?

 

Cheers!

Damo

 

Pretty much it.  Only thing is that you will still need to get a Qld safety certificate before going to Qld Transport, as they will require this to register in Qld.  Even if it has passed in NSW, that will not assist the paperwork here.

 

If there is remaining rego, it will be returned to the NSW owner, they won't refund to you, as it will go the the NSW registered address.  Not a bifg deal in the scheme of things.

 

Process is pretty straight forward.

 

Getting excited?  I think we all are for you...  

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Hello all!

 

Thanks again for the great advice / tips.  I am in the advanced stage of negotiations and will be getting the Renotech boys to get the pre-purchase inspection done sometime soon! I can't believe this is (almost) happening!

 

I have one other question - does anyone here have any experience transferring rego from NSW to QLD?

 

I have read many forums but it all seems confusing to me.

 

My understanding is:

1) Pay for the vehicle

2) Seller to provide Notice of Disposal

3) Prepare a letter / agreement to evidence the private sale

4) Drive back to QLD (I hope I will enjoy this bit the most)

5) Take off NSW plates

6) Hand over plates to Transport QLD

7) Register the car as though it is a new registration (I believe I will also have to do a roadworthy cert beforehand as they do not recognise the NSW equivalent?)

 

Is my understanding correct?

 

Cheers!

Damo

 

All over it, that's exactly what I did with mine. You have two weeks from the date of purchase to register in QLD.

 

Pretty much it.  Only thing is that you will still need to get a Qld safety certificate before going to Qld Transport, as they will require this to register in Qld.  Even if it has passed in NSW, that will not assist the paperwork here.

 

If there is remaining rego, it will be returned to the NSW owner, they won't refund to you, as it will go the the NSW registered address.  Not a bifg deal in the scheme of things.

 

Process is pretty straight forward.

 

Getting excited?  I think we all are for you...  

 

The refund will go to the new owner as it belongs to the car, not the previous owner. I have a cheque from NSW Transport sitting on my table right now :wink: If you google, there is a form to fill out with a check list of items you need to post with it. All pretty straight forward, and turnaround was abut two weeks.

Edited by MikeC90
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The other option is that the current owner cancels the registration prior to you taking ownership and applies for an un-registered vehicle permit. This allows you to drive the car from NSW to your home address and then to the RWC shop and to QLD transport.

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If the price differential between a 200 and 197 is minimal, go a 200. The steering rack is 7.5% quicker, the first 3 ratios are shorter, the cup chassis firmer and flat spot less noticeable.

 

Different ESP/Stability programming too. 197 is more conservative, 200 has will take a much 'rougher' corner before the computer tries to minimise your joy.

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Different ESP/Stability programming too. 197 is more conservative, 200 has will take a much 'rougher' corner before the computer tries to minimise your joy.

Not sure I agree with this. I've never had stability control intervene on my 197, even when I lost control of the car and was oversteering towards a rock wall, trees and scrub. The only thing that saved me was what must have been angels pushing back into the middle of the road...

 

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All over it, that's exactly what I did with mine. You have two weeks from the date of purchase to register in QLD.

 

 

The refund will go to the new owner as it belongs to the car, not the previous owner. I have a cheque from NSW Transport sitting on my table right now :wink: If you google, there is a form to fill out with a check list of items you need to post with it. All pretty straight forward, and turnaround was abut two weeks.

Thanks Mike. Must be Victoria that won't as I have bought from there too.

Not sure I agree with this. I've never had stability control intervene on my 197, even when I lost control of the car and was oversteering towards a rock wall, trees and scrub. The only thing that saved me was what must have been angels pushing back into the middle of the road...

 

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???? doesn't sound like early ESC intervention there... Sounds more like ESC off...

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Thanks Mike. Must be Victoria that won't as I have bought from there too.

 

???? doesn't sound like early ESC intervention there... Sounds more like ESC off...

I thought the same. Checked and it seems to be on. The only time I can get it to engage is if I'm han fisted in the wet and try to get onto the power too early, in which case it just cuts the power. On the road in question, my rear end broke traction (tyres were close to used by) taking a corner at the limit of adhesion. Since changing tyres (to grippier Bridgestone RE003's mind you), and going out with coil overs I haven't experienced an oversteer moment like that again (thank goodness). Quite possible I'm also more mindful of those particular corners and the kind of speeds to safely carry without the safety of the runoff a race track provides.

 

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The Trophee 200 has lots of extras over most other 200s. Such as auto lights, wipers, folding mirrors, nicer dash, climate control and bespoke 17" rims.

You must beware of syncro probs on any early year Clio 3.

 

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Different ESP/Stability programming too. 197 is more conservative, 200 has will take a much 'rougher' corner before the computer tries to minimise your joy.

 

I find the 200's system really obtrusive compared with all my other RS's. It cuts in quite often when you've intentionally induced oversteer, turning a nice slide into a clumsy wobble... The 172's is waaaay better in my opinion, always there when you need it, and almost never there when you don't. If the 197's is yet more conservative, that would be a PITA...

 

Not sure I agree with this. I've never had stability control intervene on my 197, even when I lost control of the car and was oversteering towards a rock wall, trees and scrub. The only thing that saved me was what must have been angels pushing back into the middle of the road...

Your angels sound like ESP ones to me... :wink:

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Here's what we do in Vic. (Doesn't help you though I know).

I bought my red Clio in Tassie. Flew down, picked it up, drove it back with Tassie plates still on, got a roadworthy certificate, drove it to Vicroads and registered it. Hand in Tassie plates. Pretty simple really.

Hey exciting times for you eh?  Now I'm wondering which one you are looking at... :news:

Did no one pick up the fact that Andrew drove from Tassie to Vic? I didn't know Clio 3s were amphibious!

:clown:

 

To the OP - good luck with the purchase! You'll be a convert in no time :yes:

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I find the 200's system really obtrusive compared with all my other RS's. It cuts in quite often when you've intentionally induced oversteer, turning a nice slide into a clumsy wobble... The 172's is waaaay better in my opinion, always there when you need it, and almost never there when you don't. If the 197's is yet more conservative, that would be a PITA...

 

 

Your angels sound like ESP ones to me... :wink:

The car didn't push me back into the middle of the road. I hit a road post really hard and it bounced me back. I turned to look back and the post had disappeared, such was the impact. Minor scratches on the car only...hence it could only be angels.

 

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How does it compare to the skoda though Mike? I know in all the sporting VWs I've driven it's been a right nanny of a thing. Hence my like of the 200s.

 

Cheers,

- Sent via TapaTalk

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