172 Cup - 111K - What to look for...

[Stevemcmaster]

Hey All,

I am going to look at a high milage 172 (111K) and wondered if any of you knowledable individuals could give me a steer if there is anything specific to look for.

Obviously, I will be checking service history / crash damage etc etc etc, but if you could give me a few points on how to tell if it has been looked after, I would be really grateful.

Thanks in advance

Steve

[teeCup]

The milage isnt an issue as far as the engine is concerned, providing it has been serviced when it should have been and its not been abused. I ran my old Phase 1(same engine) upto and slightly beyond 170k, the car will fall to bits before the engine gives in!
Cambelts are meant to last 72k but many owners(myself included) replace every 52k so if its not had a recent belt I will be needing one in the not too distant future.
Also check there is no damage to Syncro mechanism on 2nd and 3rd gear as this is a sure fire indicator of abuse and gear boxes are not cheap.
High bite point of the clutch will mean a replacement is soon due as these auto level.
Vibration during hard acceleration in 1st and 2nd will mean the engine mounts are worn, quite common on 1*2's.
Brake pedal should be high on a cup, and braking will feel progressive. Might feel strange at first if used to ABS cars.

Great cars, but can work out expensive if you buy a dog. Have a good look around the car and check the service history over a cup of tea before commiting to buy. Dont be afraid to walk away, even cups are quite easy to come buy. If this one isnt right, the right one will come up.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[CuP197]

FSH is a must.

Strong engine as long as cambelt services have been done proper.

I'd be wanting to know for sure that at least two belts have been done before going anywhere near.

As above mainly - eats the mounts for sure.

[Stevemcmaster]

Gents,

Thanks very much for the cracking replies.

Fingers crossed.

Cheers again
Steve

[matt1269]

Also check the condition of the exhaust as the standard items tend to fall off. At that milage it will probably have an aftermarket one on it.

[JimGTxx]

as peeps above have said. cambelt and temsioners, aux belts.

also make sure it's got more than one key - renault charge a small fortune (£187) to supply and code to your car.

[rb5230]

CuP197 said:

I'd be wanting to know for sure that at least two belts have been done before going anywhere near.

Surely if it has only ever had 1 belt change but this was done recently then that is better than having 2 belts changed and the last one being a couple of years ago.

[simoid]

rb5230 said:

Surely if it has only ever had 1 belt change but this was done recently then that is better than having 2 belts changed and the last one being a couple of years ago.

2 belt changes would be a sign of more conscientous owner(s) than a recent belt change.

To put it another way, if it was long overdue on its first belt change, what else has been skimped on?

[rb5230]

simoid said:

rb5230 said:

Surely if it has only ever had 1 belt change but this was done recently then that is better than having 2 belts changed and the last one being a couple of years ago.

2 belt changes would be a sign of more conscientous owner(s) than a recent belt change.

To put it another way, if it was long overdue on its first belt change, what else has been skimped on?

true but recent service history has got to be the most important.

[simoid]

rb5230 said:

true but recent service history has got to be the most important.

edit to put 'only'
Aye?

On 2 otherwise similar cars on 100k miles, one with belt changes at 40k and 80k, the other one only one change at 90k I'd be inclined to go for the one with the regular changes. And I'd be happy to let you have the other one

But I do see what you're meaning - ideally it'll have been excellently serviced throughout its whole life and not just recently too!

Edited by simoid on Tuesday 8th February 11:59