Clio 197

Greg0986

Greg0986

Greg0986

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Am I mad?

Looking for a new car. Have been looking at one of these as they look nice (to me), seem decently spec'd for a late 2008 one and are not too bad to insure with Adrian Flux. Coming from a 1.4 207, this should be a big step up. Apart from some well documented issues (gearbox, 2.5k rpm flatspot etc), what else do I need to keep an eye out for? It is in the sweetspot for my budget also (4 - 6k)

Are there any other cars that are an equal match in terms of price/performance and spec?
 
Greg0986 said:
Am I mad?

Looking for a new car. Have been looking at one of these as they look nice (to me), seem decently spec'd for a late 2008 one and are not too bad to insure with Adrian Flux. Coming from a 1.4 207, this should be a big step up. Apart from some well documented issues (gearbox, 2.5k rpm flatspot etc), what else do I need to keep an eye out for? It is in the sweetspot for my budget also (4 - 6k)

Are there any other cars that are an equal match in terms of price/performance and spec?
Click to expand...

They are cracking cars IMO. Bit less raw than the 182, better interior etc.

Most desirable ones are with cup suspension (notable from standard red brembos) and recaros (watch for bolster wear on these, very common).

Other weak spot is that the manifolds crack, can normally hear a ticking as fumes escape. Also ensure the steering rack is knock / creak free as they sometimes fail too.

Make sure service history is present, cambelt job is expensive and must be done by someone reputable with the right tools. Every 5 / 6 years or 72k.

Don't let that scare you off though, on the whole they are a great drivers car.

Dan @ SJM in Staines is probably your best local specialist based on location.
 
Cheers!

I was looking for a specialist as I have seen that a specialist tool is needed for the cambelt. That looks the closest, or Fairwater Garage in Taunton has been recommended. Have you heard of them?
 
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A few points from my experience with the later 200;

They're not actually *that* fast, if that's what you're going for. Certainly don't feel as quick as the 7 second 0-62 time would suggest.

Do you enjoy absolutely ragging every ounce of performance the car can offer? Making decent progress will require you to bomb it in 1st and 2nd to get away.

If you're after a bit of a track toy which can be used for a shortish commute, then go right for it. I found the suspension to be just about bearable (no cup chassis) but passangers (i.e. girlfriend) weren't keen at all.

Cheap interior - but coming from a 207 that might not bother you as much, I came from an E46 BMW.

Having said all that, when you do get the opportunity, that suspension and chassis set up is spot on. It will have you grinning like an idiot as it corners and grips like few other hatches.

Find one with recaros, they make the car IMHO.

Oh, and French electrics :(

Really really fun cars, but for the other 90% of my driving it was a pain in the backside. Sometimes literally.
 
arent their gearboxes rubbish?

driven both 197 and 200 and didnt feel that quick, if you're after power, consider the megane 225
 
I have loved mine since I got it in 2010.

I found out mine had a new gear box after only 15k miles under warranty so never had any gearbox issues or any kind of issues to be honest. Will keep up with most things on the road. I also got Renault to go halves with me replacing the steering wheel when it was slightly out of warranty.

I think the new Renault sport with the silly juke engine and the weird "make noise like another car thing" is just pants

I am selling mine now after ordering an RS3 but not advertised it yet. I've bought loads of stuff to service it including main and auxiliary belts but might just sell it with them.

I feel the rs3 has big boots to fill as point to point and handling wise it's excellent. I bought some 18" speed line Turini alloys (bigger variants of what they put on the old clio trophy) which look good on the car. When I last changed the tires I got Yokohama paradas all round and that made a huge difference.

Apparently the 08 ones have better gear ratios so it does less revs in 6th gear are much better on fuel but never tried one to compare.. Mine is a 56 plate and an early 07 car.

Www.clio197.net is a great site and a wealth of information for the Clio 197/200
 
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Thanks for the advice guys!

I have signed up to clio197 already and read all the how to's, what to look out for etc :)

I think I will be going for an 08/58 model with climate control early next year.

Anything will be better than a 207 so I have no worries :p
 
Ironic the Juke being mentioned, as I also had a Dig-T version of the Juke (180bhp) with a quoted 0-62 of 8 seconds flat, 1.1 seconds slower than the 200. The Juke always felt faster to me, despite being technically slower.

And as above, don't justify the Clio over the Pug because it'll be better. Most things will be!

You've still not mentioned what it'll be used for? Will you track it? Do you have a long commute? On the motorway at 70 you'll be doing in excess of 3k revs which can drone on.

It's the sort of car you've really got to want IMO, not asking if you're mad to consider it :P

I'd much prefer a Golf GTi Mk5, not sure if they're within budget yet? Or indeed the 225 Megane mentioned above.
 
Commute and back country roads to meetings most weeks. Currently in 5th gear at 70, my car sits at 3.5k rpm, so I am used to it :p
 
really enjoying my clio 200 after owning it a few months, I have a short commute 7 mile round trip, its definitely a car you have to want, but if its what you are looking for you will be really happy . Previous car was a 300bhp gt4 and whilst the power and speed was awesome I have way more fun in the clio, and have gotten over the need for more power/ being faster than people around me some time ago. I just enjoy driving it for myself and its a really rewarding car, evo rated it fifth in their car of the year 2009 group test and given the competition its quite impressive, in that review they mentioned it giving some of the same feelings as a Porsche gt3, and whilst yes its miles apart in league, having recently drivin a gt3 I get it, it feels natural and encourages you to be a hooligan, but at least in the clio your not doing silly speeds!, I cant afford a gt3 or that's what I would have, so i'm happy to settle!. I'm not sure how the 197 differs, but I have a dyno print out for mine with over 160 ft lb's at 3000rpm and it feels a strong engine despite not being turbo'd.
 
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In short.

"No. You're not mad"

If for whatever reason I was unable to bag another Mini GP2. I would most certainly consider the 197 or 200 (N/A engine).
 
Greg0986 said:
Cheers!

I was looking for a specialist as I have seen that a specialist tool is needed for the cambelt. That looks the closest, or Fairwater Garage in Taunton has been recommended. Have you heard of them?
Click to expand...

I know someone that works at Fairwater, they did the work on mine and the wfe's Clio's when we had them

Can't fault them at all, really know their stuff
 
Reading Clio sport threads make me sad. I loved my 182,such a fun fun car. I'd have another in a heart beat and if I ever get into track days I probably will too.
 
Issues I had with the 197:

Rattly boot latch can be annoying at slow speeds
Glove box sagging on its hinge noticeably, apparently a common issue
Gearbox 4th gear synchro can go and is not a cheap job to repair
Steering wheel trim appears to 'melt', unsure of cause.
Pre-08 models ~4k rpm @ 70mph, 08 onwards 3200 rpm @ 70mph
I could never get the fuel economy some claimed to get on long runs, I'd love to know what speed they were doing

Cracking fun to drive though, I had a non-cup and was more than happy with handling + suspension.
 
I owned a 08 plate from new, kept it for 3 years and loved it....... Most of the time, course I had a new gear box and something went wrong with the engine cam phaser? Didn't enjoy long motorway journey's so much

Racing blue all the way, sold when my little girl turned up
 
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