octapotamus Posted 16, May 2016 Report Share Posted 16, May 2016 Hey y'all! I'm considering stepping into a Clio Sport, and have found one that seems pretty great and I think I can get it for a price I'd be happy with. I want to get an inspection done before proceeding with negotiations so: Is there anyone in Perth that has good knowledge of 2001/02 Clio Sports that can either inspect with me (for cash, nice whiskey or a couple cartons) or recommend a mobile vehicle inspector that's Clio savvy? Car is in Landsdale.. Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acidwestern Posted 16, May 2016 Report Share Posted 16, May 2016 Frenchtech Motorsports? He seems to be the man over there at the moment... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkb89 Posted 16, May 2016 Report Share Posted 16, May 2016 Or Steve at http://www.waeuro.com.au/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 18, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 18, May 2016 (edited) Thanks guys. Got a guy from WAEuro looking at it tomorrow morning. Here's the vehicle I'm looking at: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/landsdale/cars-vans-utes/2001-renault-clio-sports-only-153000ks/1113121501 Has had a fair bit spent, recent belts, clutch, suspension and top end, among other bits. Looks tidy but really want a professional's opinion before taking the leap. Hoping to get for $3200ish (rego due real soon). Stay tuned! Edited 18, May 2016 by octapotamus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 18, May 2016 Report Share Posted 18, May 2016 Funnily enough, I was even looking at this recently as a fun weekend toy. JP at Frenchtech is very good, I've had him do work on my car. If the major maintenance has been done, at that price it's a good buy. With a Clio, common failure items are engine mounts. If timing belt and water pimp dobdobe Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Sorry didn't finish the message, that definitely shouldn't read "pimp"... Water pump, timing belt, brakes, clutch. Sticky gearbox is common, but you learn how to drive around that. Otherwise I've found them to be pretty reliable. Make sure you check the oil regularly, as they do burn a little (like many European cars). I find a minor top up each month depending on mileage is in place. You're in for lots of fun motoring... Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 18, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 18, May 2016 Yeah, the more I think about it the more I want it. It's a downgrade in terms of convenience (currently driving an 07 Corolla Levin ZR) but will be a massive upgrade in terms of fun. The gumtree ad said 'sold' the other day and I was GUTTED, but it just turned out the guy had re-placed the ad to get back to the top of the gumtree list.. Fingers crossed it goes well tomorrow, could be a fun weekend indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R182 Posted 18, May 2016 Report Share Posted 18, May 2016 Corolla to a Clio... your soul may yet be redeemed! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 You won't go back to a Corolla. Take it to some good roads and start pushing it, you'll then realise why most of us can't move away from a Renaultsport. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaughan Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 From the Gumtree listing: "receipts for cylinder head, timing belts..." which suggests that the belt has already gone bang and it's needed valve work to get going again. If the work was done by a specialist, go for it. Check the engine numbers too. Might not be the original donk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 From the Gumtree listing: "receipts for cylinder head, timing belts..." which suggests that the belt has already gone bang and it's needed valve work to get going again. If the work was done by a specialist, go for it. Check the engine numbers too. Might not be the original donk. Well spotted, cheers man. I'll ask the inspector guy what he thinks about this.. The car is an ex trade-in with a pretty sound service history but I'll let you guys know what the verdict is. Aftermarket wheels don't enthuse me either.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 If the work was done properly might still be ok. I had a timing belt done under warranty and the tech stuffed it up, left a bolt in there!!! Lasted 2 years and luckily before catastrophic failure I took it to JP at Frenchtech. I was very lucky. Point of the story is VVT was also way out as a result, but JP has the factory Renault tools and was able to adjust it. Renault's are particular about timed maintenance, always follow mileage and timing, if the time has arrived long before kms still do the required maintenence. There's a number of horror stories from people who have not observed this... Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Some items on list: cracked and bodgily repaired sump (sealant) cheap wheels and bald tyres up for a new timing belt within 12 months exhaust chopped and changed by various owners with some sharp bends and rusty sections rego due in June DIY pod filter injectors possibly fouled (starts rough) AC in cabin not great steering wheel bodgily repaired (stick on thumb grips) lowered (suspension noisy & tyres wearing unevenly) So, up for some costs going forward! It does drive OK, but what do you guys reckon? Worth a low-ball or run away? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 I hate to say this, but I think walk away. Some issues may be expensive to repair and you'll probably find better loved Clio's on the forum for sale that do not require any work. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Realistically, what's your budget? This was cheap, but if you have a higher budget you might find a used example with all the work already done to it. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 I hate to say this, but I think walk away. Some issues may be expensive to repair and you'll probably find better loved Clio's on the forum for sale that do not require any work. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Realistically, what's your budget? This was cheap, but if you have a higher budget you might find a used example with all the work already done to it. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk yeah, that's my inclination too unfortunately I was thinking around 5-6k for an example that wouldn't need much more than servicing over the next 24 months.. The price of this one did pique my interest but from the sounds of things, even if I low-balled and got it for ~2k it'll cost me another 8-10 before I can rest easy. Doesn't stack up I don't think, too many issues. Steve from WAEuro was great and the inspection was money very well spent, I must say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Keep a lookout, one will come up. There a good Clio 197 being sold by a local dealer for just over $10k, with very low kms. If you can stretch, that would be a good buy. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 this one perchance? http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/victoria-park/cars-vans-utes/2009-renault-clio-x85-sport-197-red-6-speed-manual-hatchback/1110810330 my heart is set on a 172/182. I prefer the nuggetty styling of those. I'm sure the 197 goes very well, but I'm not a fan of the look. Photos CAN be deceiving though, and I've never paid them much mind so I might check it out in person.. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) If that car ticks all the boxes, it's definitely good buying at 10 to 11K. Go drive it and see how you like it. I mean really drive it. I just had a look at the pics on carsales. You could fix that gutter rash yourself. I even did a thread here on how to do it Edited 19, May 2016 by apple3337 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Correct, that one. Take it for a drive, very different from a Clio II, much more mature and stable. Is quicker, but doesn't feel as quick unless you really drive it. Possibly higher limits as well (more sophisticated suspension). Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 haha, what have I/you guys done... Now I'm researching the hell out of 197s... Thanks guys. This site really is all about enabling isn't it Shall check that one out I reckon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloudy Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) One of my best mates is selling his blue 197 soon with a bunch of mods. Milltek exhaust, ktec engine mounts, RStuner'd, eibach springs, factory panoramic sunroof, new RE003 tyres and Ferodo DS2500 brake pads... just adding fuel to the fire Edited 19, May 2016 by cloudy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) haha, what have I/you guys done... Now I'm researching the hell out of 197s... I've already done the hard work. Just visit my website. Although it's more 200 focused. Edited 19, May 2016 by apple3337 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No152 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 A punch of fuel never hurts a fire... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) :furious: :furious: :furious: Ahh, you see our evil ways grasshopper. Edited 19, May 2016 by apple3337 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ishhyyyy Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 One of my best mates is selling his blue 197 soon with a bunch of mods. Milltek exhaust, ktec engine mounts, RStuner'd, eibach springs, factory panoramic sunroof, new RE003 tyres and Ferodo DS2500 brake pads... just adding fuel to the fire Is he letting go already?! You think he would go for a phase 2? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloudy Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Is he letting go already?! You think he would go for a phase 2? He's getting his 220 in a few weeks time, so probably not. It would certainly be a good buy for either you or OP and saves us the hassle of trying to sell it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ishhyyyy Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 He's getting his 220 in a few weeks time, so probably not. It would certainly be a good buy for either you or OP and saves us the hassle of trying to sell it If the OP picks up mine, i can pick up his and then he can get his 220! WIN WIN WIN Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkb89 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Just adding some more fuel to the fire... :furious: http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Renault-Clio-2011/SSE-AD-3966637/?Cr=26 I'm pretty sure the car is not worth any where close to the asking price but nonetheless is a great example!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Considering moving to Sydney now.. seems like a strong RS community there. Going to drive the 197 tomorrow or Saturday I reckon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 19, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 One of my best mates is selling his blue 197 soon with a bunch of mods. Milltek exhaust, ktec engine mounts, RStuner'd, eibach springs, factory panoramic sunroof, new RE003 tyres and Ferodo DS2500 brake pads... just adding fuel to the fire ya don't say... roughly how much he want for it you reckon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cloudy Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 Sent you a PM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaughan Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) This black pearl 172 looks good, although the buyer wants a premium for low mileage. It's got ESP. Mine is the same age and colour and has just ticked over 148,000. http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Renault-Clio-2002/SSE-AD-4043429/ Edited 19, May 2016 by vaughan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 The only issue with an interstate purchase is freight costs as a percentage of total cost make it uneconomical below $30k, unless what you're getting is an absolute steal, or a collectors item. Budget on an extra $2.5k to get it on the road here, by the time you cover the stamp duty, freight, and costs for getting it over the pits. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 If you look interstate call Ceva for a quote for transport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaughan Posted 19, May 2016 Report Share Posted 19, May 2016 (edited) Sorry I didn't realise you're in WA. And sorry, this got a bit long too. Keep looking. Never give up, never surrender! By Grabthar's hammer... Look at and drive as many 172s and 182s as you can. Get a feel for the clutch and gear change and learn how to test for broken engine mounts (drive really slow in 3rd or 4th and press-release the accelerator hard to jerk/rock the engine, a knock/clunk means broken). Look carefully and get a feeling for what wear and tear is normal, expected and unavoidable (broken engine ECU bracket, sticky dash, melted steering wheel, interior rattles, headliner sagging, seat wear, hazard light switch with a piece of paper stuck in it to keep it from flashing constantly, leaky washer bottle, loose console trim, boot latch that jams) and what indicates the car has been neglected.* Learn what a F4R engine sounds like idling and get a feel for the VVT switch-over in second gear and what it sounds like at full song (watch the speed limit). Get a feeling for how well they handle so you can tell if something is wrong. Renault Sport did epic engineering on these cars and they are excellent stock. The F4R engine is normally aspirated (i.e., non-turbo) and has been tuned about as much as it can be, so getting more out involves a LOT of time and money. There is no simple chip or cpu re-map like on turbo engines. (As a corollary to this, if there was a simple mod that liberated the kilowattz it'd already be there: it's already got exhaust headers and some manifold porting and matching has been done at the factory. Most intake mods reduce low and mid-range torque and exhaust mods don't do much more than change the engine sound.) Suspension mods are common but the car came stock with ride height, springs and dampers that work very well on the imperfect surfaces typically found on public roads. The 182 Cups are probably the cream of the Clio II RS models (and possibly all 2.0 litre F4R Clios) but 172s are 99% the same** and are relatively cheap. Of the 172s the later models (2003-ish) with ESP are preferred, but -- again -- any and all are excellent. The original 172 Phase 1s are special too and becoming collectible as we only got 85 in AUS. Finally, if the car has the stock alloys with cheap tyres, great! Complain bitterly, negotiate some dollars off the price, then use the money you saved to get some really good rubber onto them. Michelin PS3s are a good choice for daily driver with balanced performance in both wet and dry, but there are a heap of other stickier choices too; and for the stock 15 inch alloys they are cheap. If the car already has decent tyres: get some good new rubber anyway, the car needs it to handle well. Even more finally: budget an additional $1,500 for a service that may include the belts. Find a RS specialist mechanic and do not use a general workshop, the F4R needs special factory tools and expertise. That flamer you were looking at needs work and but at the right price (a bit lower maybe) it might be worth doing if you had parts and expertise. If it wasn't in WA it'd probably be in a driveway on Sydney's Northern Beaches already. *Apart from broken engine ECU bracket, sticky dash, melted steering wheel, interior rattles, headliner sagging, some seat wear, hazard light switch with a piece of paper stuck in it to keep it from flashing constantly, leaky washer bottle, loose console trim and boot latch that jams; what indicates neglect? Sticky residue in the bottom of the front cup holders is evidence that the previous owner actually tried to use them to hold drinks. Crazy.*** **More accurately the 182 is 99% the same as the 172 because the 182 has got less (no spare wheel). ***Don't try this at home. Edited 19, May 2016 by vaughan 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 20, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Vaughan! Thanks heaps for the info mate, very comprehensive. Legend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 I think that Clio just sold... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaughan Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 I think that Clio just sold... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Which one, the gumtree listed one in post #4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 20, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Which one, the gumtree listed one in post #4? the 197.. yeah I saw that. gutted, didn't even get a drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Keep looking, one will come up. There was another RS 200 Clio Cup a while ago for $12k, it was comes on and off the market, black one with low kms. It was a repairable write off, but I don't think he discloses that on his ad openly. Potential, but you would want to be satisfied with the quality or repairs and reason it was written off... Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 (edited) the 197.. yeah I saw that. gutted, didn't even get a drive Oh no That was a good deal... Go and drive the other one listed in WA to see if these for you. He's asking way too much though. What's your budget? Edited 20, May 2016 by apple3337 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 20, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Oh no That was a good deal... Go and drive the other one listed in WA to see if these for you. He's asking way too much though. What's your budget? haha, my budget WAS 5k (when I was looking for 172s), and then that 197 came up and I thought "bargain" and convinced myself it would be a good move after a little research. Selling my Corolla for 8K and was hoping to have some cash in my pocket after 'downgrading' to a more fun & cheaper car, but I'm fickle and prone to irresponsible decisions sooooo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 The other one in WA is very overpriced, that's Megane RS III money. Just hold out for the right Clio III. If you start stretching too far, you might was well consider something newer like a Fiesta ST. There's a really good one locally with very low kms for under $20k. That's the closest thing to a Clio III these days. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Someone from WA probably saw this thread and beat you to it. Can you go as high as 15K? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 20, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 Someone from WA probably saw this thread and beat you to it. Can you go as high as 15K? Yeah, PM for links from now on! lol, jk.. but it wouldn't surprise me. I can but don't really want to. Kind of need as much cash as possible for a sabbatical I'm taking soon. A fun car would make it good but being broke or watching pennies certainly won't.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 10K Clio's do come up occasionally so you will have to be patient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 20, May 2016 Report Share Posted 20, May 2016 I know it's not a Clio, but have you considered a Megane II? The former Frenchtech Megane II is for sale on Gumtree, for under $13k. It's seriously fast (I've been in it), has pretty low kms and serious upgrades. Perhaps even negotiable on price if you can't quite stretch so far. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octapotamus Posted 23, May 2016 Author Report Share Posted 23, May 2016 I know it's not a Clio, but have you considered a Megane II? The former Frenchtech Megane II is for sale on Gumtree, for under $13k. It's seriously fast (I've been in it), has pretty low kms and serious upgrades. Perhaps even negotiable on price if you can't quite stretch so far. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Yeah I saw that one too, looks NUTS.. Also considering this: http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ferndale/cars-vans-utes/2008-renault-sport-megane-225-cup-hatchback/1110144644 Looks very tidy. Wonder if it's a forum member's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apple3337 Posted 23, May 2016 Report Share Posted 23, May 2016 He's on here but I can't remember his name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shifu76 Posted 23, May 2016 Report Share Posted 23, May 2016 I think the black Meg II is in Geraldton. Logistically might be easier to take the Frenchtech for a drive first. It's had some serious work done to it and would be quicker than a Meg III. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaughan Posted 23, May 2016 Report Share Posted 23, May 2016 http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ferndale/cars-vans-utes/2008-renault-sport-megane-225-cup-hatchback/1110144644 No specific mention that the belts have been done recently, which probably means they need doing... budget $1,000 for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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