Soldato
haha, how much nuts? 
Clio 172 running costs and common problems?
- Thread starter Stormster
- Start date
Aye how much? lol. 3k, blimey I'd be wanting spend closer to 300 in 7 months haha 
I'm sure I remember seeing this in a petrol station near brighton (sainsburys iirc)
I only recall the reg as my engine came from W739WTR...
Correction, your gearboxes fail at an alarming rate
I've had a phase 1 172 for about 4 years and 2 months now. It was bought on 32k, it's going to hit 92k this weekend.
Servicing every 12k, going minor minor major with aux belt every 36k or 2 years and cam belt + spark plugs every 72k or 5 years.
Prices I pay for services from a specialist are minor service is sub £100, major is about £150/120 (can't remember). Cam belt with the full cam belt kit which replaces the pully and tensioner was another £300.
The issue with the plugs isn't that they are a pain to change, although you do have to take off the inlet and plenum, it's that they are just expensive! £60 a set, and the Renault ones are the best to get, no advantage getting any aftermarket ones.
Since I've had the car problems I've had have been:
Exhaust rotted and broke - common problem due to shocking backbox design. Replaced with a custom powerflow for £200. The backbox and centre section come as a 1 piece from the factory so if it's still on the original when one bit breaks you have to replace both and is about £400 from Renault for parts.
Passenger side window regulator went pop - replaced by myself with a part from GSF, cost about £50.
Window washer motor went - cost a couple of quid for the part and 2 seconds to fit it.
Front coil spring snapped - Replaced springs and whilst I was at it did the shocks at the same time so that everything was renewed. Renault shocks were about £40 a corner so pretty cheap imho.
That's been it for things going wrong really although I've got a droney wheel bearing that's just started so need that sorting soon.
Tyres on a phase 1 are cheap as they are only 15s, Michelin PE2s which are popular are about £45/50 a corner and that's pretty much the most you'll pay for a tyre on them. Other brands are cheaper, some of the Toyos are only like £30 a corner.
Rear brake discs are pricey as they come with the rear bearings pressed in as well, £150 a set. You can get non renault ones cheaper, or you can buy ones without bearings and press your old ones out and in again.
As for that gearbox thing, I really like the feel of the box and have driven other cars and everytime I get back in the Clio the shift just feels so much nicer. Although I always notice how heavy the clutch is when getting back in it.
It's becuase I'm an old git now, but insurance is also pretty cheap on them once you've got some years/ncb behind you.
2k should get you a nice phase 1, some people argue it's a better drive than the later models but tbh they are all going to be about the same so get which ever one you want.
Soldato
Some bloke on ebay sells the NGK plugs for 172's for £7 each comes to about £30 with postage. half the price of Renault.
That's a good deal, will remember that when I come to get them done again!
Correction, your gearboxes fail at an alarming rate
I've had a phase 1 172 for about 4 years and 2 months now. It was bought on 32k, it's going to hit 92k this weekend.
I think i was just unlucky. The new renault box is awesome,tighter than a nuns whatsit.
Also love the fact that the car refuses to burn oil,after 2 years with a Alfa its lovely.
Soldato
I have had the Ph2 172 for 5 years since new and its done 36k.
They are a decent car but they need loving and need to be treated like a lady not some cheap slapper. Rag it 1st and 2nd all the time things will go. But do it occationally it will love you back.
And the other thing find a good independed garage is essential take it to the dealers they will rape you silly and then some.
After 5 years there isnt another car i'd have for the money though.
They are a decent car but they need loving and need to be treated like a lady not some cheap slapper. Rag it 1st and 2nd all the time things will go. But do it occationally it will love you back.
And the other thing find a good independed garage is essential take it to the dealers they will rape you silly and then some.
After 5 years there isnt another car i'd have for the money though.
Good to hear, I'll say it again the feel of a good box in these cars is pretty good. Even noticed it coming from driving a mk5 R32 for a day, why do they make newer boxes so light and vague, I prefer a nice weighty action.