Agger5 Posted 28, August 2012 Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 G'day guys, my name is Stephen. Very excited to announce I should be picking up my new clio sport over the weekend Heaps excited as my previous car was a Starlet and I've been a fan of the unsung Clio for a while. A few quick questions, if you guys could give me your advice with scaring me off the car too much, that would be great haha! 1. I live in Sydney, before I pay for the car, do you recommend any mechanics who could do a quick run down of the car before I pay for it- just to make sure it's ok? 2. I'm paying around $4,600, the car has a bit of exterior damage, but according to the owner the engine is fine- he spent a couple of grand 2 years ago giving it a major service on all radiators, clutch, gear and brakes. I doubl checked with the mechanic and his database, he said that car does not need another major service for another 10,000 kays. 3. The car has around 79,000 Kay's on it, still fairly young- since the service it's only had 10,000 Kay's driven on it; I've been told at 100,000 Kay's or the 6 year mark the cam(?) belt needs a change or the whole car is basically f**ked. Can it wait the 100,000, I don't think it's been changed before- I should I get that fixed ASAP? I hope all goes well and I get the car, in saying that I hope I'm An active member of this forum as a result, and yes, before people hammer my username, I Am a Liverpool fan Any help would be greatly appreciated Cheers guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 28, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 Ps, full newbie- sorry if I didn't mention Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 28, August 2012 Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 Welcome. AP automotive in Carlton, or the Colliers would be a good start for workshops. Cam belt is due at 4 years or 100k, and will lunch the engine if it fails. Make sure you go in with your eyes open: once you're hooked on these little things it's hard to give them up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob 240 Posted 28, August 2012 Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 welcome . what grif said is right [ as usual ] . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nemz Posted 28, August 2012 Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 Welcome Stephen. As Griff said, give Paul V at AP Automotive a call. He's an absolute magician when it comes to French cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 28, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 4 years OR 100.000. Can it be one or the other , or am I better off getting it checked ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 28, August 2012 Report Share Posted 28, August 2012 It is whatever milestone is reached FIRST: If you do 100,000ks in 1 year, it's due. If you do 14,763ks in 4 years, it's due. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 The car is past 4 years and hasn't been done yet, hasn't reached 100,000 yet. Been on the phones all day- being quoted around $1,100... So much money and I haven't even gotten the car yet haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dish Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Welcome, and as advised above, get that attended to. Money well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Picking up the car for around 5k, add another 1k on that for this belt. Stressing our heaps, if I find any other issues with it might not go through with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 I would love to see you in one of these, BUT if money's that tight, perhaps it's not for you. Owning a performance car is EXPENSIVE, but has rewards like nothing else on four wheels. Make no mistake, the Clio 172 is a performance car and capable of humbling much more expensive material on track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Means a lot that you guys are honest. I've wante a clio for a good 3-4 years now, and I've finally gotten the courage to get one. I work and study, make decent money as I work for a bank, enough to run the car etc, I'm just worried with the stigma attached to these cars- the way it's been portrayed at times by others is that every time I go to accelerate or hit the gas hard I pay $1000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffie Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 /\ A bit OTT but it's a normal servicing cost unless the car has a chain and not a belt. Work it into the bargaining, or buy elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Means a lot that you guys are honest. I've wante a clio for a good 3-4 years now, and I've finally gotten the courage to get one. My wife (dragyn) runs a 172 that was bought secondhand. It's now done 150,000K's (round figures) and is still going strong, now somewhat modified with a different mainfold, remap, and other sundries. Matt205 has cracked some obscene number as well, and is also just fine. If you're up for running one, do it, but do it with your eyes open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 At 150,000 kays, what do you find you spend on it yearly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG 172 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 My car has 185,000 k's on it, still going strong. Needs its timing belt changed. I hope the previous owner did it before I bought it at 120,000 k's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Ah here we go, some silver lining and a tad of hope. I'm feeling a bit better. If I pay the grand and get the belt changed- will I be smooth from then, or is this dependent on driving? I am a new manual driver so I won't be hammering her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 At 150,000 kays, what do you find you spend on it yearly? Service twice to three times a year at an average $400/pop, plus this year has seen a JMS RS2 at $1500, along with some solid top mounts and sparkly wheel nuts at circa $300. Fuel is about $70/week (it's doing a lot of kays), and nothing else has been required. Power steering pump return hose was dislodged during some work and that was $1600 to sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanerr88 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 My cars at 193,500 odd.. I have had it for just over 2 months and have piled on 7500 of those kays! I'm dreading the timing belt costs too, but im thinking I'll import the parts myself or thru wolf and have heard there's cheaper places around (That have come with recommendations, i should note.. Before I get a lecture about skimping on important services) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave200 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Ah here we go, some silver lining and a tad of hope. I'm feeling a bit better.If I pay the grand and get the belt changed- will I be smooth from then, or is this dependent on driving? I am a new manual driver so I won't be hammering her. How long is a piece of string? It is impossible to say if you will need to spend more money than average over the next couple of years (unless you drive a modified delorean) but you can minimise the risks by not skimping on regular maintenance. For example using good quality filters and fluids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Welcome. If you get Paul V to do the service, you can be guaranteed it will be done correctly as he is a huge perfectionist. However, because of this he may pick up other faults that your average mechanic wouldn't, and cost you a bit extra. But, if you do it right the first time you won't end up having to fork out even more for a new engine if she goes bang My 172 had 97k km on it and had just had the timing belt changed by some local mechanic (so thought we were saving a few dollars). However, when she went to Paul V for a once over, he discovered an absolute bodge job on the service, with the timing now out and things about to go bang. If you take it to Paul for your service (and it needs the big service as it's well over due), at least you will have the comfort of knowing it's been taken care of by the best Renault doctor out there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 At 97 Kay's was it under 4 years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 At 97 Kay's was it under 4 years? No it was 7, almost 8 years old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Ok, thanks. You guys are a very helpful bunch and not intimidating- If the inspection goes ok and the cars ok and I get it, would love to Meet up for a drive, do you guys do that? I live in inner west Sydney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Yeh, there's quite a few of us in the inner west. Keep an eye on the social pages. Did you decide on a place to have it inspected? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 29, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 Yeah, there's a European car specialist my uncle has been using for a while, he's pretty anal, it'll be about 100 bux to check the motor and safety of the car. If its all good I'll go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wade Posted 29, August 2012 Report Share Posted 29, August 2012 If you really want to know what you are getting yourself in for I would go to Paul at AP....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 30, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 How much does he charge for an inspection? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 30, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 Just called up, 150, not bad. Question - for oil change and oil filter etc- the basic changes, can I do them myself, or do I need to go tons Renault mechanic. My dads a regular mechanic, he can do the basics like oil change etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 30, August 2012 Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 It's an engine the same way every other engine is - you'll need the appropriate size square driver and you're set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace Posted 30, August 2012 Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 For the relatively few bucks that a 172 costs, and the enjoyment from gained from driving one, some reasonable ongoing investment in servicing is well worth it, they are an absolute blast. The big thing you'll hear over and over is the timing belt, make the investment and you'll only likely need what any other car of its age/km needs depending on how it is driven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 30, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 You guys are a top sort! I can't actually thank you enough for your time and honesty. I'll get back to you all tommorow whether or not I got it, subject to the mechanics advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 30, August 2012 Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 30, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 30, August 2012 Driving it to mechanics now, I'll be shattered if I don't get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themarvel2004 Posted 31, August 2012 Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 For information on how to do basic mechanical jobs, I have found the cliosport.net forum to be very good. If you signup and join them for a small fee, you can access a bunch of guides and things created by members showing you how to do all sorts of things - from easiest way to get to the oil filter to change it, through to how to remove your dash. It is a UK forum - but they have heaps of them over there, and the most aftermarket stuff is in the UK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krappy Posted 31, August 2012 Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 ^^^ +1 for cliosport.net - definitely well worth the money to join. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 31, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 Ok guys, looks like I'll get it! The car is fine, mechanically fine and has been looked after- needs the belt done and will need the power steering done but the mechanic said that's not that serious yet and had a few months left. Breaks, clutch and oils have all been looked after. Mechanic said its safe to drive and a good buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 31, August 2012 Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 Good one. Photos when you can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nemz Posted 31, August 2012 Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 Love a happy ending. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffie Posted 31, August 2012 Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 Nice. Which mechanic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 31, August 2012 Author Report Share Posted 31, August 2012 Roselands European Automotive... On church street. Been on my phone posting, will get photos up soon! thanks for all the advice guys- trying not to drive it untill the belt is done but when I have, I almost wet myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bozz Posted 1, September 2012 Report Share Posted 1, September 2012 Roselands European Automotive... On church street.Been on my phone posting, will get photos up soon! thanks for all the advice guys- trying not to drive it untill the belt is done but when I have, I almost wet myself. Congrats Agger5! Great to hear another happy owner story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xeno182 Posted 1, September 2012 Report Share Posted 1, September 2012 It is whatever milestone is reached FIRST: If you do 100,000ks in 1 year, it's due. If you do 14,763ks in 4 years, it's due. So much for the "4 year" theory. This car is probably 10 years old, most likely no timing belt change, and it hasn't disintegrated yet. Even specialist mechanics (e.g. Virage) will tell you to leave it for 6 years if you haven't done the k's. Possibly another manufacturer/dealer furphy to take your money.....and lots of it. Oh.....and congratulations on the purchase. I'm sure everything will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 2, September 2012 Author Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Cheers mate. Question lads- I took it for a drive, a very slow one as I am not amazing at manual yet, it was about 25 minutes worth, I've turned the car off, left it in the garage and now there's this ticking noise. It's not coming from the manifold or the motor, almost from the under carriage however. Am I just being a stress head or what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 2, September 2012 Author Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Xeno- a Pao fan I see? I'll have to show you my tattoo one day. Gate 13 <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eire Posted 2, September 2012 Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Cheers mate. Question lads- I took it for a drive, a very slow one as I am not amazing at manual yet, it was about 25 minutes worth, I've turned the car off, left it in the garage and now there's this ticking noise. It's not coming from the manifold or the motor, almost from the under carriage however. Am I just being a stress head or what? Good to see you got it. I wouldn't worry about that noise, a lot of my Clio's have done that! Nothing serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 2, September 2012 Author Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Cheers guys, I assume it's just warming down. I love this car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My Name is Earl Posted 2, September 2012 Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Typical sound to come from a Clio. Just a well engineered machine cooling off. Harmless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xeno182 Posted 2, September 2012 Report Share Posted 2, September 2012 Xeno- a Pao fan I see? I'll have to show you my tattoo one day. Gate 13 <3 Yes! Been a fan all my life, but not enough to get a tattoo (I'm probably a bit older than you as well) You're the first to notice, although most on here wouldn't know the badge. Pity things are looking down this season. And don't stress too much about the Clio. I was the same when I first bought my 182 four years ago, and now I'm on my 3rd RS. I suppose that's saying something about these cars. If you look after them, all should be OK. Like any car, things can go wrong....it's only money after all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agger5 Posted 4, September 2012 Author Report Share Posted 4, September 2012 Haha a fellow Pao, love it! Taking it in for the belt today. So nervous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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