Clio 182 advice

[Atan]

Hi

The recent hailstorm in Melb has destroyed my Pug 406 and I am looking for another car. I am contemplating a 2005 onwards Clio Sport 182 as the replacement. Can anyone offer advice on this particular model as regards overall desirabilty and reliabilty etc.

Thanks

[Simon]

To me it seems pretty obvious, but just make sure that you want a small busy hatchback to replace what is likely a soft, cruisy and quiet car.

As far as desirability goes, I'm biased, but I like my car a lot. It is a tiny jewel of a car with tremendous ability, way in excess of my fairly feeble abilities. However, if you are thinking of future desirability, I doubt if it will end up being a BMC Cooper S of the future in terms of being all three of rare, desirable and valuable. In terms of model desirability, the 182 has cruise control, 16" wheels and switchable traction control (traction control also on late 172s), as features over the earlier 172s. The earlier 172s have a CD stacker (182 single CD, no stacker) and a full size spare wheel, the 182 has no spare tyre, having two tins of tyre sealant in its place.

182's were released in Australia in late 2004, and the last available in Australia were complianced in December 2005, selling through 2006 or later. There are two main types, non-Cup suspension and Cup suspension option.

Reliability seems to be determined firstly by how the car is treated, and secondly by how the car is serviced. It isn't too hard for uncaring cretins with no idea to create a problem child in what is essentially a reliable car. What is desirable is a car that has had a caring owner, with a decent service history. My tip as to a potential future problem is the gearbox, in essence the gearbox is a 25 year old design, upgraded over the years with subsequent increases in power and torque. Renault themselves rate the gearbox as having a torque limit of 200Nm, and possibly by coincidence, the 182 puts out 200Nm of torque. So in addition to normal scheduled servicing, it would be nice to see that the gearbox oil has been changed at some stage, as it is a "sealed for life" unit with no scheduled change interval, but does have fill and drain plugs. My suggestion for a hopeful preventative maintenance interval would be every 12-18 months, or every 20K km.

The timing belt is a critical item, due at 100K km or four years. Invariably the water pump also goes at the same time. For a full change, including belt/tensioners/water pump and a scheduled service the cost is circa $2.2K from a franchised dealer. Hopefully they do it right first time, otherwise expensive damage will result. A specialist may be cheaper, but check what is included, and check that the tensioners have been changed. Also check the harmonic balancer.

Interior wise, the sun can do nasty things to the headlights and rubberised interior trim, as well as the rubberised trim and steering wheel leather being sensitive to normal everyday things people may have on their skin causing the surfaces to deteriorate.

Do all the usual checks for engine mounts, also check for leaks from the gearbox and driveshafts, if a leak is from the selector shaft underneath the 'box, a gearbox rebuild is required to replace the seals and support bushes properly. Check the power steering isn't leaking, same with the coolant. Noisy rear wheel bearings aren't unknown either.

In summary, the Clio 182 really is a great car, but is also the last model designed prior to the alliance with Nissan which can be considered good or bad. Compared with a Clio 197, you can really see the Nissan influence (for the better), but somehow, and probably my personal bias, the 182 has a certain intangible something that says it is the more fun car.

Probably something to consider as well is that there are a lot of unsold Clio 197's in dealers about to celebrate their second birthday. There are a lot of good deals going on, which may also extend to the Clio 197 R27 (a later model with firmer Cup suspension, and Special Edition numbered status) with the impending release of the RS Clio 200.

[Atan]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for your helpful advice and informed tips re 182 ownership. I will be checking out a few Clio to see if I enjoy their driving qualities etc. I will also get a PPI from a Renault specialist should I find a prospective car to buy as well.