Renaultsport Clio 197 - thoughts
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
Zippee said:
Hi all,
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
A 197 Cup is a great track car out of the box but can be a bit harsh for everyday use. They don't usually make the claimed power and they have a big issues with failed gearboxes. If you budget for a new box you would be OK.I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
Why not have a look at a mint Clio 182 (+Cup pack). Cheaper to buy, run and no ticking time bomb gearbox issues. Also a great track car and it would give you some spare cash to pay for the trackdays and consumables.
In regards to the ST, based on the other cars you mentioned, I assume you mean the original?
Unless you have a garage, AVOID! The bumpers, skirts and spoiler and very easily ripped off and lots of people with ST's have had this problem. Myself included! Ford will gladly charge you over £1500 for replacements, and the vandals will gladly take them off your hands again and again.
Unless you have a garage, AVOID! The bumpers, skirts and spoiler and very easily ripped off and lots of people with ST's have had this problem. Myself included! Ford will gladly charge you over £1500 for replacements, and the vandals will gladly take them off your hands again and again.
Cambelt needs changing at 5 years, 60k miles on a Clio 197 - if I recall correctly. Bank on £500 upwards and it needs doing properly with the correct tools which are Renault specific. I'd suggest a Renaultsport specialist.
Gearboxes can be an issue - synchro rings fail.
There are Cup cars (basic spec), full fat cars (higher spec; climate, cruise, electric everything) and full fat cars with cup chassis (the most desirable). Recaro seats are also sought after and were an option on all cars.
Clio is the best option, in my opinion, if you are intending a few track days. Certainly the best handling of the cars you mention - which is what the Clio is all about.
Gearboxes can be an issue - synchro rings fail.
There are Cup cars (basic spec), full fat cars (higher spec; climate, cruise, electric everything) and full fat cars with cup chassis (the most desirable). Recaro seats are also sought after and were an option on all cars.
Clio is the best option, in my opinion, if you are intending a few track days. Certainly the best handling of the cars you mention - which is what the Clio is all about.
Edited by Red 4 on Tuesday 30th April 16:43
Technomatt said:
Zippee said:
Hi all,
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
A 197 Cup is a great track car out of the box but can be a bit harsh for everyday use. They don't usually make the claimed power and they have a big issues with failed gearboxes. If you budget for a new box you would be OK.I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
Why not have a look at a mint Clio 182 (+Cup pack). Cheaper to buy, run and no ticking time bomb gearbox issues. Also a great track car and it would give you some spare cash to pay for the trackdays and consumables.
kayzee said:
Or... get the version that already has the Trendlines's, a Trophy!
There is that, though I doubt £4.5k would get you into as good an example as a RB 182 with cups and change for the seats.Don't get me wrong I'd have a Trophy over a 'normal' 182 any day if the budget was a bit higher
Picking up a 200 cup on saturday, rediculously excited about it.
Your budget, i think will only stretch to a ropey 197, probably non-cup and no recaros.
If I were in your situation, i would get a 182 Trophy.
Recaros, Sachs race bred dampers and speedline wheels. They are around the 4-5k mark and the residuals should be excellent with them being very limited in numbers. Failing that a 172 cup, you can get the best one of those for about 3 grand, no abs/AC/thinner glass etc. the lightest of all RS clios.
Your budget, i think will only stretch to a ropey 197, probably non-cup and no recaros.
If I were in your situation, i would get a 182 Trophy.
Recaros, Sachs race bred dampers and speedline wheels. They are around the 4-5k mark and the residuals should be excellent with them being very limited in numbers. Failing that a 172 cup, you can get the best one of those for about 3 grand, no abs/AC/thinner glass etc. the lightest of all RS clios.
I bought a 197 earlier this year for £4.5k with 82000 miles on the clock and to be honest I really like it and think I did ok, at the moment there really aren't any trophys for your price range. The only thing my car need was new tyres, a service, rear brakes and new steering arms but apart from that there is nothing wrong with the car and it seems to have worn its miles very well really.
Depending where you are I could show you my car at a small PH pub meet or something similar.
Depending where you are I could show you my car at a small PH pub meet or something similar.
Had my 197 (non cup) for just under a year now with no serious issues, Cambelt is the big one but mine was 95ish quid off ebay and fitted by a friend for not much! Its a great car, people think its just a Clio then get rather surprised. Ive done one trackday in mine at Snetterton and it was amazing and showed up a few more expensive cars. Ive just fitted Ktec racing's induction kit and the noise is just epic!
I'm inclined to recommend a mint late 182 + cup packs over an early 197 too. They have a lot of kit and are starting to look like real value now IMO.
Something worth noting is that cup packs are a must have for track toys (and you can live with them day to day no worries).
But... early 197s didn't have the cup chassis available until later in 2007 (it was introduced on the R27 special edition - maybe one of those would be worth a look as they came with about £1500 worth of extras such as anthracite alloys, tinted windows, red brake callipers, Recaro seats and decals on roof and doors).
So basically, your budget might only get you an early 197 which may be too early for the cup chassis.
Something worth noting is that cup packs are a must have for track toys (and you can live with them day to day no worries).
But... early 197s didn't have the cup chassis available until later in 2007 (it was introduced on the R27 special edition - maybe one of those would be worth a look as they came with about £1500 worth of extras such as anthracite alloys, tinted windows, red brake callipers, Recaro seats and decals on roof and doors).
So basically, your budget might only get you an early 197 which may be too early for the cup chassis.
Zippee said:
Hi all,
I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
The 197 would be vastly more competent as a track car over those, better even than 182s due to being much more stable and having much more powerful brakes.I'm considering a second car soon to run alongside my weekend toy and a 197 is one that's piquing my interest along with Cooper S & Fiesta ST). I want a smallish car that's comfy, quick, fun and above all reliable with reasonable running costs (not fussed about MPG)- plus I'd also like it to be capable of occasional track use as well so does need to handle and have reasonable power.
Looking in the classifieds there are 07 cars within budget at around 55-65k on the clock - how do they wear the miles? Is there anything that's well known on these cars in terms of issues or concerns? My budget is circa 4.5k.
But 4.5k is not going to get you a particularly great example and won't get you a cup which would help on track, though I'd suggest you drive one as even the non-cup earlier cars are not all that soft and the cars themselves they aren't for everyone.
Gearbox issues are exaggerated it seems by people who know little about the cars.
andrewhutch1 said:
I'm inclined to recommend a mint late 182 + cup packs over an early 197 too. They have a lot of kit and are starting to look like real value now IMO.
Something worth noting is that cup packs are a must have for track toys (and you can live with them day to day no worries).
But... early 197s didn't have the cup chassis available until later in 2007 (it was introduced on the R27 special edition - maybe one of those would be worth a look as they came with about £1500 worth of extras such as anthracite alloys, tinted windows, red brake callipers, Recaro seats and decals on roof and doors).
So basically, your budget might only get you an early 197 which may be too early for the cup chassis.
Agree there. A 197 Cup is going to be £6500+Something worth noting is that cup packs are a must have for track toys (and you can live with them day to day no worries).
But... early 197s didn't have the cup chassis available until later in 2007 (it was introduced on the R27 special edition - maybe one of those would be worth a look as they came with about £1500 worth of extras such as anthracite alloys, tinted windows, red brake callipers, Recaro seats and decals on roof and doors).
So basically, your budget might only get you an early 197 which may be too early for the cup chassis.
Even the R27 is still a bit pricey as owners seem to think they are something special. Which of course they are not.
An early 197 with no Cup for the OP's budget of £4500 is going to be a bit of a high mileage dog and with all those expensive gearbox worries, you would be taking a big risk.
Plus a decent 182 Cup is just as quick as a tired old 197 round a track.
Just to remain factual regarding the R27, quoting: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/2091...
"The most important part about the R27 is, of course, the new Cup chassis, which will become an option for all 197s later in the year. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm, the dampers are 10 per cent stiffer all round and the springs have been stiffened by 27 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear."
Most are painted in Liquid Yellow which is relatively unique and sets it apart from the rest of the cars. It all rests on what you deem 'special', some would say an AMG Merc isn't special either which of course they are not.
"The most important part about the R27 is, of course, the new Cup chassis, which will become an option for all 197s later in the year. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm, the dampers are 10 per cent stiffer all round and the springs have been stiffened by 27 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear."
Most are painted in Liquid Yellow which is relatively unique and sets it apart from the rest of the cars. It all rests on what you deem 'special', some would say an AMG Merc isn't special either which of course they are not.
GrumpyTwig said:
Just to remain factual regarding the R27, quoting: http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/2091...
"The most important part about the R27 is, of course, the new Cup chassis, which will become an option for all 197s later in the year. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm, the dampers are 10 per cent stiffer all round and the springs have been stiffened by 27 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear."
Most are painted in Liquid Yellow which is relatively unique and sets it apart from the rest of the cars. It all rests on what you deem 'special', some would say an AMG Merc isn't special either which of course they are not.
The R27 is too pricey for the OP anyway."The most important part about the R27 is, of course, the new Cup chassis, which will become an option for all 197s later in the year. Ride height has been lowered by 7mm, the dampers are 10 per cent stiffer all round and the springs have been stiffened by 27 per cent at the front and 30 per cent at the rear."
Most are painted in Liquid Yellow which is relatively unique and sets it apart from the rest of the cars. It all rests on what you deem 'special', some would say an AMG Merc isn't special either which of course they are not.
The R27 is not worth the extra just for the badge. It's really only 197 FF + Cup + seats and many of them are not even Liquid Yellow.
Renault have tried to play the 'special game' with the 197/200 so much, it's now become comical.
Technomatt said:
The R27 is too pricey for the OP anyway.
The R27 is not worth the extra just for the badge. It's really only 197 FF + Cup + seats and many of them are not even Liquid Yellow.
Renault have tried to play the 'special game' with the 197/200 so much, it's now become comical.
LY was the colour that sold the most, I was just trying to remain factual rather than offer unfounded opinion whether or not it's suited to the OP I wouldn't want someone to be misled.The R27 is not worth the extra just for the badge. It's really only 197 FF + Cup + seats and many of them are not even Liquid Yellow.
Renault have tried to play the 'special game' with the 197/200 so much, it's now become comical.
GrumpyTwig said:
Technomatt said:
The R27 is too pricey for the OP anyway.
The R27 is not worth the extra just for the badge. It's really only 197 FF + Cup + seats and many of them are not even Liquid Yellow.
Renault have tried to play the 'special game' with the 197/200 so much, it's now become comical.
LY was the colour that sold the most, I was just trying to remain factual rather than offer unfounded opinion whether or not it's suited to the OP I wouldn't want someone to be misled.The R27 is not worth the extra just for the badge. It's really only 197 FF + Cup + seats and many of them are not even Liquid Yellow.
Renault have tried to play the 'special game' with the 197/200 so much, it's now become comical.
C2james said:
You could always buy a standard 197 and add the cup suspension later, it's only springs and dampers unlike the 200 cup changes.
Of course if you are a real hardcore 197 Cup person then stuff like no air con, cheap dash and low spec trim and deletes, no cruise control etc are significant details to also enjoy banging on about. Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff