Jon_RS Posted 24, October 2007 Report Share Posted 24, October 2007 Just wanted to say hi to all you RenaultSport owners - I may be joining you soon! About a month till I'm ready to purchase and still deciding between a Clio Sport and a couple of other hot hatches/coupes. Problem I've got is seeing any of the cars I'd like in person - if anyone in Brisbane can help with a Clio, so I can make some sort of decision based on looks and feel (I'll take your word for it on the driving experience!), it would be greatly appreciated. Currently driving a mildly modified Mazda 3 SP23. Cheers, Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffyn Posted 24, October 2007 Report Share Posted 24, October 2007 Good luck with the hunt Jon and welcome aboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 24, October 2007 Report Share Posted 24, October 2007 Go the Clio Jon... you know you want to! May I ask what else you're looking at? Oh, and welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmadrid-182 Posted 25, October 2007 Report Share Posted 25, October 2007 Welcome Jon_RS, If you're the sort that would be happy tottering around in a Lotus, PRB, Caterham (i.e. the bare essentials handling performance car) but you have a budget, need a stock car for all seasons then the Clio's for you. The only other second hand hatchs you might find in that area is the DC2 Honda ITR or the Pug 205GTI. If you got Clio, you'll find, as I found out, what the French nutcases say "the cars got soul" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 25, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 25, October 2007 Thanks for the warm welcome. Other cars on the consideration list are 96-97 Golf VR6 (sitting higher on the list), and the Mitsubishi FTO GPX (lower - little too common and boy racer). I definitely want a car that shows off in the bends and not in a straight line. Though, I'm a little concerned about the bent seat rail saga - is it common on these cars when pushed (say hillclimb)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racingroo_new Posted 25, October 2007 Report Share Posted 25, October 2007 I definitely want a car that shows off in the bends hahaha.. thats the clio mate.. You should've seen the face of my mate who owns a MY02 wrx the first time he tired to keep up in the hills, it was priceless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 25, October 2007 Report Share Posted 25, October 2007 I definitely want a car that shows off in the bends hahaha.. thats the clio mate.. You should've seen the face of my mate who owns a MY02 wrx the first time he tired to keep up in the hills, it was priceless Word. IMO the Clio will be much better than the VR6 through the bends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 25, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 25, October 2007 Word. IMO the Clio will be much better than the VR6 through the bends Completely agree. However, with the VR6 being cheaper, aftermarket suspension parts are not out of the question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 27, October 2007 Report Share Posted 27, October 2007 Clio. Will need to drive to understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrZ32 Posted 27, October 2007 Report Share Posted 27, October 2007 have driven a vr6... clio is faster straight line... handles better... much more reliable (hard to believe i know) and no comparrison with fuel consumption... clio kicks a*** there. IMHO it is a much rortier and harder car (goes against the name). I had a Z32 300zx tt with 400rwhp (too many angine mods to list), insane 240f, 280r tyres and 4k worth of suspension and I can get to the top of my mountain (not naming it cos of the fuzz) faster in the clio than my 300 (i could get from the bottom to the top in 8.45mins. got to work the clio harder but you dont feel as though you are about to die. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jeffster Posted 27, October 2007 Report Share Posted 27, October 2007 The Clio is so good it took me a month to get used to the R26 and fall in love with it (right around the time the engine broke in) If you love the twisties there is on other car BFYB that can beat the Clio, it's just to damn good Gett a good low K example of an 182 Cup and you won't need to spend anything it's a great package out of the box. Welcome to the forum mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 27, October 2007 Report Share Posted 27, October 2007 have driven a vr6... clio is faster straight line... handles better... much more reliable (hard to believe i know) and no comparrison with fuel consumption... clio kicks a*** there. IMHO it is a much rortier and harder car (goes against the name). I had a Z32 300zx tt with 400rwhp (too many angine mods to list), insane 240f, 280r tyres and 4k worth of suspension and I can get to the top of my mountain (not naming it cos of the fuzz) faster in the clio than my 300 (i could get from the bottom to the top in 8.45mins. got to work the clio harder but you dont feel as though you are about to die. He rests my case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 27, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 27, October 2007 All good points - MRZ32, since you're in Brisbane, perhaps you could help out with my 'I need to see a Clio Sport in person' request? Unfortunately my budget restricts me to an '02 model, which there are 2 of for sale up here that I know of. I can't find the thread where I found the information, but when those rubber hand grips on the wheel go, you have to replace the entire wheel right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murcod Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Jon, you can get the grips recovered in leather like Lost Horizon did. You need to go for a test drive in one. A friend was looking at buying one and was gob smacked with the driving experience after he finally drove one- and he owned a Lotus Elise previously. He couldn't believe the handling and pick up. This would be a good one to look at : http://tinyurl.com/3c43vk And a couple of others (including a Phase 1) : http://tinyurl.com/2uow5c http://tinyurl.com/2o44zl http://tinyurl.com/2zwhr9 http://tinyurl.com/2o9k3f Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 28, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 The second one you listed is located in a dealer down the road from me, will definitely arrange to test drive that next weekend (never saw it because I rarely check the dealer listings, only private) The first one is amazing! Low km's, ESP - however over budget. The other 2 links didn't work?! Ohh and must be Phase 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matteo Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 I've never driven an RS Clio myself (I wouldn't mind having a go actually) but i've had the opportunity to see them in action and i'm very impressed by how quick they are in the hills, in the twisty sections. I also drive a Renaultsport and i can assure you, you'll have a car with real personality which can also embarrass vehicles twice as expensive. By what i've seen the 172 has plenty of performance, considering the nature of these cars i'd go for a mint low-km 172 rather than a 182 but the RSC guys can advise best Welcome to the forum Best regards Matteo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murcod Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Hmmm... I don't know why those links don't work? Just go to Carsales and look at the dealer listings, there were quite a few on there. Also try searching: www.carsguide.com.au www.drive.com.au www.carpoint.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matteo Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Hmmm... I don't know why those links don't work? Just go to Carsales and look at the dealer listings, there were quite a few on there. Also try searching: www.carsguide.com.au www.drive.com.au www.carpoint.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au Also under private for sale in carsales there's a QLD Clio 172 with only 13,000 km (!) might be worth a look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 28, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Yea I know. There are 2 in QLD with around 100k for $15k, plus the black one at the dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Hmmm... I don't know why those links don't work? Just go to Carsales and look at the dealer listings, there were quite a few on there. Also try searching: www.carsguide.com.au www.drive.com.au www.carpoint.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au Also under private for sale in carsales there's a QLD Clio 172 with only 13,000 km (!) might be worth a look? I believe that's a forum member's car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Although I wouldn't worry too much about the Km's..a few extra grand will cut the k's on a 2nd hand car by a lot. Prob worth it in the longer run. Depends really on how many K's you intend to do annually. My RSC was 20K on the rd for a completely stock 2002 Mk 2 non-esp with 30K back in June 2006. I've now done 25K since I got it in a little over a year. My annual Km's travelled went up by 7K because it is an RSC. That would be 7K of driving cause it's really addictive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol'mate Posted 28, October 2007 Report Share Posted 28, October 2007 Yeah I just so happen to be selling that much talked about low Km Clio. Your more then welcome to come have a look at any time, just send me a pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 29, October 2007 Author Report Share Posted 29, October 2007 I might just do that ol'mate. Going to see the local dealer with the black RSC on Saturday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 6, November 2007 Author Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 Went and saw ol'mates Clio on the weekend - fantastic car, they really are. My only gripe is the narrow footwell around the pedal box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITHELIVING Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 Went and saw ol'mates Clio on the weekend - fantastic car, they really are. My only gripe is the narrow footwell around the pedal box. What size shoe are you? I'm an 11 and generally have no issues. You'll also find that the pedals are positioned well for heel and toeing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave182 Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 I am 6ft tall and have size 11 feet as well. only took me a couple of days to feel right at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 I'm 6 ft 3" with size 13's and never thought about it. Feels great. In fact the whole ergonomics work very well for me with everything in just the right spot Seemless. Espec the reach for the gears / wheel. Very quick and slick for me anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_RS Posted 6, November 2007 Author Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 Size 11 as well. I probably can't take too much away from it, as the drive was shortish and I didn't adjust much either. As long as it doesn't sell there will be a next time, where I will take my father along. I keep getting told about the build quality - it's not really that bad is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITHELIVING Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 Size 11 as well. I probably can't take too much away from it, as the drive was shortish and I didn't adjust much either. As long as it doesn't sell there will be a next time, where I will take my father along. I keep getting told about the build quality - it's not really that bad is it? Ah, the old build quality question. There are differing opinions on this, but I think general consensus is that there are sometimes niggles here and there (e.g. electronics, various rattles, sub-par interior trim, etc), but mechanically, they are pretty robust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 Re build quality I personally think it's made to a cost and comparative to other cars in the same price range it is average - really have a good look over it - it's only the interior plastics on the trim that create this idea. You are paying a premium as it's from Europe. But you don't buy it for it's so called build quality. You buy it for how it drives and it's singular character. I don't think there is anything like it on Aust rds. It's unique. Most tend to develop a relationship with it's tenacity to make you smile and enjoy every drive. It connects the driver with the road. You need a good 30 min at 7/10's to either get this or not. My experience with Renault motors and drive train is that they are very robust and as good as anything on the road. If you look after your cars the RSC will be fine. All my previous Renaults lasted infinately longer than any Aust made car did. But then again I look after them. The build quality thing is a bit of a rumour in that when renault first sold in Aust the brands cars were a decade ahead of the other local product etc. This tended to mean they require greater care mechanically and often led to issues as people didn't..i.e run the alloy heads / sealed cooling systems with low levels or leaks. Parts were / are more exe so typical Joe Public people remember that for longer etc. a head back to holden / toyota / ford etc etc. Quality mechanics were hard to come by etc. They are either for you..or they are not...there should not be any doubt. You will know. That's what I reckon My 2c worth on the subject. P.s - I bet my RSC is still looking sensational and going really well in 150K and 7-10 yrs with minimal outlay bar maint costs. Then again..I'll fix what I can on my own car that helps a lot in saving money with any car. And oh yes..you get this great web site and a social network as well for your money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmadrid-182 Posted 6, November 2007 Report Share Posted 6, November 2007 But you don't buy it for it's so called build quality. You buy it for how it drives and it's singular character. I don't think there is anything like it on Aust rds. It's unique. Most tend to develop a relationship with it's tenacity to make you smile and enjoy every drive. It connects the driver with the road. You need a good 30 min at 7/10's to either get this or not. you took the words right out of my mouth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emu Posted 8, November 2007 Report Share Posted 8, November 2007 Welcome Jon, I've probably done more hillclimbs in 172's and 182's than others here (and very successfully), and never heard of a seat rail problem Has your left foot found the left footrest? Maybe the throttle pedal is a bit close to the brake, but i like it Good luck, pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosey Posted 8, November 2007 Report Share Posted 8, November 2007 The Phase 1 is a minter. I saw the car here in Sydney before it moved up to the Gold Coast. Here's a link to the For Sale on ozRS.com: http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/forum/vie ... php?t=4769 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qubic Posted 8, November 2007 Report Share Posted 8, November 2007 Come on Jon...buy one!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.