6 foot mate. I’ve read about the offset steering wheel issues

May work out differently for you depending on where your height is, but for me at 5’11” with 33″ inside leg, I found I couldn’t fit comfortably in a standard 182 – I found the leather and alcantara seats rather overstuffed. The poverty spec (and rather less generously padded) cloth seats in my old 182 Cup made the difference between me fitting comfortably and not.

maybe for me to stick the bike in and go to the trail centre

It’ll be a both wheels off job, and even so it could be a tight fit depending on what you ride. My old Pace RC405 fitted with both wheels off, but it was a bit snug and really needed the front seat forward a notch further than I’d prefer. With modern bikes generally having slacker head angles, longer forks and longer wheelbase, not to mention the general trend towards wider bars… I ended up with roof carriers as the slightly larger Cup spec roof spoiler didn’t play nice with rear hatch mounted carriers, and with the twin pipes on a 182 anything requiring a towbar is a non-starter.

I think it’s basically what cbmotorsport says above, it’s a relatively cheap to run go-kart that’s happy on country lanes/around town/cruising down the motorway

Not so much cruising down the motorway – not a major drama if you’re only doing it now and then, but sitting at a steady 70 on the motorway in a 172 or 182 is not an especially relaxing experience. Not especially relevant to the OP by the sounds of it, but if 100+ mile motorway trips are even remotely regular, I’d be looking elsewhere (and did). That said, the “Cup Chassis” handling tweaks could have been exacerbating things

There’s a point, my 17″ Five is snug, your 29er could be tricky. Reckon it would go though (just).

The steering wheel lines up better with the seat than the one in our T5. The pedals… not so much. The height issue comes from the seat not going as low as you would expect.

A standard or “full-fat” will have cruise control for the days you do have to go on an m-way trip. Certainly helps the sanity, we just about survived Glasgow > London and back

Crack on then, personally I’d have a Civic Type R as they’re potentially more reliable. Plus they rev to about 8500 rpm, so great for doing laps of town in first gear.

Vtec kicked in yo! (EDIT: DTF got modded?)

Legend,have you not had a xl meta sx in the back of yours?

Vtec kicked in yo!

😀 A mate had one for a while quite a few years ago. It was fast and sounded awesome. After travelling in it, I can certainly understand why powerful cars with loud exhausts appeal to certain men (small ones especially).

A standard or “full-fat” will have cruise control for the days you do have to go on an m-way trip

My 182 Cup had cruise control too. My point was more that the lively handling – which made the car so much fun on little roads – made motorway journeys a bit tiresome. Well, that and the noise. This isn’t intended as a criticism of the car btw – as I mentioned in an earlier post, there are days when I really miss the general bonkers-ness of it. However, my circumstances changed, my driving habits changed, so I changed my car.

stuartlangwilson – Member

Legend,have you not had a xl meta sx in the back of yours?

eerrrr yeah good point, I’d forgotten about that. Just to be clear to anyone else, that was an XL Meta SX and a 17″ Five at the same time

My mate had a 172, bonkers fast and a wee bit scary as well.I went to a rugby match with him in it and tbh felt like I had played a game by the time we got there.The ride is a bit harsh. Went like a scalded cat mind you!

Evening. Why are men so hung up on the car/the model claiming it’s a ‘x’ car etc yet would happily think a Golf R is cool etc or anyway driving an older GTI is a druggie etc

All fast/warm UK hatches are based on shopping trolleys. All Beemers are sales execs etc cars. Who cares? I always wanted a 182 etc but the steering wheel just felt a tad too big.

Anyone who looks down on a Type R for instance, I imagine they themselves drive round in a handmade limited edition motor and not a mass market diesel something.

Awesome cars- Renton could you widen your radius search and look at a early Clio 200?

Hora… I think they are still too pricey to be honest!

What about Twingo Sports? (Over budget I imagine but I’d love one!). I guess in some posters eyes that’s make me ????? Or my current car a taxi driver. A red 182 would be awesome. Best colour IMO.

Hora and Renton discussing car purchasing. this has all the signs of being amazing.

Davidt – I’m disappointed. You gave in too early

I had a 172 cup with a few bits under the bonnet and on kw suspension. I wouldn’t recommend it. The engine felt like it was just about to come on song when it was up nest the rev limiter. Needs another 2kk revs.

At that budget I’d look at the civic type t. Much better built, better chassis in my opinion and definitely a stronger more tuneable engine.

Looked at 182’s briefly, but couldn’t quite bring myself to get a French car, however well they handle, was looking for something a bit lower maintenance.

So we recently replaced the wifes Porsche 944 S2 with a Panda 100hp. Think the brakes will corrode out before they get worn out, foot in through all corners.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/clio-ii-bad-buy

Not so much cruising down the motorway – not a major drama if you’re only doing it now and then, but sitting at a steady 70 on the motorway in a 172 or 182 is not an especially relaxing experience.

Tbh, his other car has got a roll cage and a racing clutch, so it might be a case of “less bad” rather than “better” than the alternative.

I’ve had a phase 1 172 for a few years now and I absolutely love it.

I’ve done about 30,000 miles in mine (now on 80,000) and apart from a pair of new front dampers for the grand cost of ~£80 it’s needed nothing other than consumables and normal servicing. 100% reliable, never a moments trouble, but then I look after cars properly.

I’m 6’2″ and although the seating position is higher than I’d like, I have plenty of room.

Until recently it was our only car and got used for everything including 20 mile each way motorway commuting. Will do 40+mpg used like that but in fairness as someone else said it isn’t the most relaxing thing to sit in at 70 on the motorway.

We now have a diesel estate for that commute (and DIY related stuff for the house we bought) but the clio won’t be going anywhere. Too much fun for any driving that’s not motorway commuting.

I really miss my liquid yellow 182. Amazing little car. Can only add to the points all ready given. It’s small, French, it rattles, it’s loud (mine had a Magnex catback system), and really really great to drive. 35mpg all day long. Great ride, only crashed about on big hits, strong engine if looked after.

I’d buy mine back in a heart beat if I could.

Sold my 182 about 18 months ago, and miss it most days still. It’s not the most comfortable car, I found it difficult to get comfortable after about an hour of driving, But then i’m over 6 ft and alot wider than most. But thats not why you buy a small sporty hatchback.

I plan on owning another at some point in the future, i don’t think there is much out there that is better for the money.

They’re not cheap to keep when comparing them to a normal car of it’s size, so people always say they’re expensive to service, etc. But compare it to other cars that offer the same speed and it’s probably about average. There are also lots of places that offer upgraded/quality/original parts for a lot less than buying from Renault direct.

Saying that though, as they are so cheap to buy now, some owners will skrimp on the servicing (whether through being cheap or just dumb), so you need to watch out for that.

I’d do a little research before buying to make sure you do get a good one. Find a good renault specialist near by that can service it and enjoy it.

Cliosport forum is a good place to start, and there are also plenty up for sale on there that have generally been looked after by it’s current owner, with lots of receipts for replacement of old worn parts and servicing.

Had both a 172 and a 182 trophy, Loved em both, bit hard but thats the price you pay with most performance ish cars. Used to put two bikes in the back with wheels off. Passed the 182 on to my son who is 6’2″ and he had no problems size wise,he then went onto a 200 Cup. Apart from servicing the 172 had one bulb,an exhaust and a set of discs and pads in three years. The Recaro seats in the 182 are a little snug. It’s all about the handling, you soon forget about a few rattles.
Get one bought

Great cars. Own a PH1 172 and a 182. !82 is standard but still great for the 7 mile commute down country roads. Got cruise control, climate, leather interior etc. Having said that its not a 3 series so don’t expect it to be built like one! Cost me £1500 is on 123k and pulls like a train. The 172 has been modded a bit (coilovers, polybushed, loud exhaust) was going to break it but miss it too much … so it being fixed for a track toy!

Cliosport forum is a gold mine. Bits break as with any car. You fix them ….

plenty of bits about. Spent bugger all on mine really considering their age, millage and how i drive them. Cambelt is the biggy as with any car but plenty of people who do them well for resonable money.

If these cars are so bad why are there so many about still?
And anyone thinking you can get a Civic type-r for 2K now a days is dreaming.
I love my 200, it’s gets loads of smiles per gallon, id love to pick up a 17-18 at some point.

Just got a mk phase 1 off the back of this thread. Quick ganders on autotrader turned up two or three low milers locally. Pick her up Saturday morning

mk3 even

This is one car that ‘got away’ for me, I fancied one ten (?) years back after having a Saxo VTR. I really liked the Trophy but ended up following my WRC interest and have had Imprezas since. I still fancy a 182 though!

Renton, when you say you want it as a ‘little project’ what do you mean?

Vulgar/tasteless/loud i.e. Chav summed up

I can think of many, many Porsches (mostly 911 but their 4×4 counts as well) that look a lot more vulgar that that Clio. And quite a few BMWs as well (X6 is just one).

joff – Member
Just got a mk 3 phase 1 off the back of this thread. Quick ganders on autotrader turned up two or three low milers locally. Pick her up Saturday morning

a 197 then? How well do you know the folk at your local petrol station? 😉

Not very well I ride to work mostly, in fact owning this one will make me ride more I reckon.

Any new car pics?

They’re ace. An unmolested one looks pretty good still.

I love them – come close to buying one a couple of times. We’ve had a few in the family over the years (friend worked for Renault so we got them dirt cheap). My unlce liked cars and swapped his A8 for a 172 and bought a full fat 182 after his S3. He did quite a few miles and loved them.

They were both really reliable, fast and fun. Never had an issue fitting in them – I’m six foot or so and managed to get comfy in the ones that I’ve driven. I had the same shape Clio (none RS) and used to get two DH bikes in the back with the wheels off (Demo 9 and a Demo 8).

I don’t think they’re all that terrible on the mororway – my 61 plate Fiesta Zetec S was far worse for nVH levels etc. I put up with that thing for 84k…I was so close to taking the car allowance and buying a 182. Wish I had.

If you can stretch the budget, I’d try and get a Trophy.

Wouldn’t recommend a trophy unless you’re happy with doing constant front damper refurbs.

iirc the service interval on the Sachs dampers is 40,000 miles isn’t it? Not exactly constant

I don’t think there is a declared ‘service interval’ for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I’m out.

Loving mine so far, interior is like new on it and she goes like a missile when you give it some legs. Doesn’t fit in the garage though without some serious mirror tucking and three doors is a royal pain in the ass once in the garage, previous motor was an mg zs and she just rolled in, no problems. That aside the smile it puts on your face makes up for all that.
Anyone had to replace one of these key less fobs?

I don’t think there is a declared ‘service interval’ for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I’m out.

But that can be applied to pretty much most car parts if you’re unlucky / hamfisted.

Look at the E46 M3 – some people will tell you that the sub frame will 100% crcak, but there’ll be loads that are fine.

Biscuit Powered – Member

I don’t think there is a declared ‘service interval’ for them? Some people have had them last less than 15,000 miles. Around £600 to refurb. I’m out.

Had another look into this last night, cant figure out where i got 40k from. What I did see is that they seem to last anywhere between 15k and 45k. Suppose you’d just send them off to Loco with your mtb shocks every year!