act180 Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 Hi there, I've had a black 197 for nearly 2 months now. I bought it new as it had not yet been complied. So I get full warranty and all that jazz. I really love this car, I fell in love with it as soon as I sat in it. As far as cars worth mentioning, I've had a 206 GTi180 and a Polo GTI. The 197 is a vastly better car! Anyway, nice to be a part of the forum and hope to get involved on a drive day some time soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubbsy Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 and a Polo GTI. The 197 is a vastly better car. Careful what you say here.... There were a couple of 'heated conversations' about this here which you might find entertaining. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 Welcome, welcome! Where, around our fine country, do you hail from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dish Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 ...Griffyn, I'm tipping from the ACT, but that's just a guess Welcome to our lil community Very glad for you that you were able to secure full warranty on it as that alone would be most reassuring. Happy motoring! All the best, Dish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamR Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 Welcome, I'm guessing you've been on Aussiefrogs as well? Good to hear you're enjoying the 197! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Posted 9, September 2010 Report Share Posted 9, September 2010 and a Polo GTI. The 197 is a vastly better car. Careful what you say here.... There were a couple of 'heated conversations' about this here which you might find entertaining. You beat me to it Tubbsy! Anyways, welcome aboard and enjoy the ride. Feel free to drop in some observations on your new ride. Keeping her stock? Cheers, WOLF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
act180 Posted 10, September 2010 Author Report Share Posted 10, September 2010 Yes, I'm in the ACT. I plan to keep it stock performance wise. For pure aural pleasure I may consider a different muffler with 200 style chrome exhaust tips for looks. I am getting the stereo sorted too with a Kenwood HU, Polk splits, Kenwood 4 Ch amp (already got), and a 10" JL sub (already got) and the CANBUS adaptor. I'm curious about Megane 18" wheels as well but I like the stock 17s so I think it would be a waste of cash. The Polo needed $$ spent to get it anywhere near the overall car the 197 is. I think stock there is no comparison when it comes to handling. The Polo is quick (the stats lie) but the way it takes corners is not pretty, grip was an issue. Grip is not an issue at all in the 197 and that's the part that makes me smile. It seems to defy physics!! I think though if I had a budget of $30k and I was looking for a new hatchback, nothing comes close to the Polo for value. The Clio was a bit much at $40k which is what it was at the time I bought the Polo. The $10k difference could easily be spent on the Polo to make it a closer match but I find I'd rather spend my dollars on something else. I still really like the Polo (my GF has it now so still in the family) but for different reasons. It's a laugh to drive in a straight line and is a much easier car to drive in traffic. The Clio really makes me want to flog it everywhere I go, even if it's 100 metres between lights or around a roundabout, I can't help myself. I should do a search on this Polo v Clio argument. I'm surprised it even was an argument. Thanks for the welcomes, yes I was all over aussiefrogs when I had the GTi180 but it seems new Renaults are not talked about much there, this is why I came here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Posted 10, September 2010 Report Share Posted 10, September 2010 I should do a search on this Polo v Clio argument. I'm surprised it even was an argument. Interesting comment. Straight from the horses mouth so to speak. Cheers, WOLF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob 240 Posted 10, September 2010 Report Share Posted 10, September 2010 welcome ! we tested a polo gti before getting the first RSC and the polo didnt do it for us . the RSC did :] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wal Posted 11, September 2010 Report Share Posted 11, September 2010 wow, did u just say u paid $40k for a 197. i hope it was the r27. many dealers r discounting the 197, its about $30k driveaway. in fact the 200 is about $40k isnt it? im interested in the r27, but not at that price. its a nice car, but not worth $40k, not when near new 197s r selling in the $20's and even then they aint moving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Posted 11, September 2010 Report Share Posted 11, September 2010 You forgot to say "im my opinion" Wal. Doesn't come across too friendly telling someone their car is not worth said amount. Hope you don't mind me saying so...i'm sure it was a slip of the keys. Cheers, WOLF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wal Posted 12, September 2010 Report Share Posted 12, September 2010 My apologies, But I thought it was widely accepted that Renault priced the 197 way too high when it came out and then with the new 200 and the subsequent horrible resale numbers for the 197 people started to have a gripe. Well that's what I been reading Anyway, if it was priced in the $30s new then it might be ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 12, September 2010 Report Share Posted 12, September 2010 ^^^ if you read it again, he said: The Clio was a bit much at $40k which is what it was at the time I bought the Polo. Welcome act180! I hope you continue to enjoy the car for a long time to come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
act180 Posted 12, September 2010 Author Report Share Posted 12, September 2010 ^^^ if you read it again, he said: The Clio was a bit much at $40k which is what it was at the time I bought the Polo. Welcome act180! I hope you continue to enjoy the car for a long time to come Yes , when they were first out in Aus, they were $40k - too much. They are good buying now and I was lucky to find a quasi new one with full warranty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wal Posted 12, September 2010 Report Share Posted 12, September 2010 That's the way to do it, let some other poor slob get reamed with depreciation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
147owner Posted 14, September 2010 Report Share Posted 14, September 2010 Yes , when they were first out in Aus, they were $40k - too much. They are good buying now and I was lucky to find a quasi new one with full warranty. Hi, I had a look at your car last week when it was parked near the National Archives Building. Then I saw a 20th Anniversary Clio 200 on the way home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosey Posted 19, September 2010 Report Share Posted 19, September 2010 The 197 is a cracking car, even at $36K plus on roads when it was new. Problem was it was misunderstood by many. Still is. If you don't get it, then check out Motor Mags Handling Test - highest cornering g's of any car on the test, including Porsche and Lotus. Then check out our recent Nationals laptimes. The 197/200 are so much better than the 172 (which I lovingly own) it's not funny. Yeah, if you want straight line grunt then look elsewhere for your similar budget. If it's twisties that get's your juices flowing then the Clio RS 197/200 is it. Saying that, a 197 at $25K with 20K on the clock, there's a serious bargain to be had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
act180 Posted 14, January 2012 Author Report Share Posted 14, January 2012 So, I've had the 197 for a while now and I love it still! So much in fact, that we've just today traded the polo GTI in for a 225 cup in black. Can't wait to pick her up this week. So that'll be a black 197 and a black 225 in the garage, happy days!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsr Posted 14, January 2012 Report Share Posted 14, January 2012 Nice pickup! Was it from Melrose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
act180 Posted 14, January 2012 Author Report Share Posted 14, January 2012 No, from Lennocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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