What do you think of...........

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:14

This?

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...ORD&model=FIESTA&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=

This is for my mum. We have an L reg 1.4 clio that we got for her, but the clutch is stiff (A Renault thing apparantly) and it's a bit fast for her. She's had a licence for years but has just started a set of refresher lessons and needs something to derive in so she can get used to not having her hand held!

Obviously you guys would recommend the 1.25 version but we don't have a great deal of cash to spare £600 is the limit really. This guy offered me £200 for the Clio which i think i'd take just to get rid.

EDIT It looked nice in the dark! just had a new clutch and new front tyres.

Any opinions welcome, i'm open minded

[TW]Fox · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:17

How on earth is a 1.4 Clio 'a bit fast for her'? The throttle pedal isn't an on-off switch.

If you can't afford more than £495 for a car keeping the Renault is by far the most sensible idea.

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:23

[TW]Fox;10871068 said:
How on earth is a 1.4 Clio 'a bit fast for her'? The throttle pedal isn't an on-off switch.

If you can't afford more than £495 for a car keeping the Renault is by far the most sensible idea.

Her thoughts not mine

It is actually quite fast, the pedals are high, the clutch is stiff. It just doesn't seem to suit her and if she can't get on with it there is little point in keeping it really is there?

.:MBK:. · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:24

keep the renault, if its too much for her shes gonna be stuffed in anything short of a mobility scooter

[TW]Fox · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:24

Well yea, there is really when youve only got 500 quid to spend on a replacement. When you run cheap cars you do it for the most economical way of running a car not for the most comfortable car. Any £500 car is going to have things you dont like it about it.

It is actually quite fast

It's actually not.

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:27

We're not talking comfort, we're talking control. She has problems controlling the clutch because it's heavy, and the gas because it's high. The height i've kind of solved using underlay beneath the mats. The clutch i doubt we can do anything with.

I had in mind something like a 1.1 106/saxo but they seem to go like hot cakes hence the fiesta idea, though the engine is only slightly smaller.

Rich1988 · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:28

there is no way a 1.4 l reg clio can be classed as fast

.:MBK:. · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:29

clutches in £500 used and abused cars is never going to be soft tbh

if the clutch is her only gripe save up some more cash and get an automatic

2Thumbs · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:30

She'll most likely complain about the tappet noise from the CVH in that Fiesta.

As a Mk1 Clio owner, I'll concur. They're dog slow!

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:31

2Thumbs said:
She'll most likely complain about the tappet noise from the CVH in that Fiesta.

As a Mk1 Clio owner, I'll concur. They're dog slow!

I don't think she knows what a tappet is

2Thumbs · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:35

Did I use quote marks?

She'll complain about it though, I'm sure.

Lopéz · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:40

The Edge said:
It is actually quite fast,

Stop talking bobbins! And try swapping the clutch cable.

BigglesPiP · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:42

Get something which will still have a floor left in it.

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:46

Lopéz said:
Stop talking bobbins! And try swapping the clutch cable.

Ok i'll rephrase that: It's a bit fast compared to what she's used to.

Is the cable likely to make much differance? People i've spoken to seem to think all renaults are quite stiff compared with other manufacturers.

Get something which will still have a floor left in it.

Do they rot then? I don't know much about fiestas.

[TW]Fox · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:48

The Edge said:
Ok i'll rephrase that: It's a bit fast compared to what she's used to.

A skateboard?

Is the cable likely to make much differance? People i've spoken to seem to think all renaults are quite stiff compared with other manufacturers.

They may be a little stiffer but it's a small French hatchback not a Landrover Defender. If she is that frail is driving the best thing for her :confused:

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:52

If she is that frail is driving the best thing for her

She manages in everybody's car except her own. When she passed her test she had a relatively new fiesta (C plate, G had just appeared) but it had been driven by an old guy mostly in second gear and the synchromesh was a little unpredictable. After that she didn't drive for 16 years, but has now had 3 refreshers and is driving fine.

She learned in a 1.0 metro, and is currently refreshing in a 1.2 Corsa.

[TW]Fox · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:53

15 year old superminis are not going to have a clutch like a new Fiesta no matter what make you chose though :confused:

The Edge · 11 Jan 2008 at 21:58

[TW]Fox;10871294 said:
15 year old superminis are not going to have a clutch like a new Fiesta no matter what make you chose though

No, of course not. But the pedals being in a sutable, comfortable position for her feet would be a start

Gaverick · 11 Jan 2008 at 22:19

How stiff can this clutch be? Maybe there's something wrong with it.

jongeeone · 11 Jan 2008 at 22:22

[TW]Fox;10871254 said:
A skateboard?

That actually made me laugh out loud

Classic.

Get the clutch seen to!