Ekona Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) With the Mini gone, it was time to buy a replacement. Needed to be cheap, economical, practical, and reliable with good MPG. So we went and bought this: ... which is none of those things! Well, it was cheap at least. It's a full fat Clio 182, which means it has both cup packs & the external spoilers (although this is missing the front chin spoiler as they usually get ripped off) and the suspension goodies (lower springs, better dampers, wider track). It's had the cambelt and dephaser done, the interior is very good for a Clio that's done 100K miles, with just the steering wheel grip needing a replacement. It's got a Milltek exhaust on it already which is quite nice, and the brakes have been done recently. Service history is patchy at best (well, it actually stops at 37K...) but it was so cheap, it was worth a gamble. My brother used to have one of these when they first came out, and I loved it. Massive character, lovely engine, sublime handling. I always wondered though if that was a bit of rose tinting, but it's actually better than I remember. So much grip and poise through corners, pulls beautifully, and the feedback from the chassis is amazing. Best hot hatch ever? Yeah, I reckon so. After the Mini and the abysmal torque steer - I don't get why people rave about those cars so much, they're a bloody nuisance when trying to get the power down - it's an absolute pleasure to hoon this thing around. Fun cars are fun, regardless of any preconceptions. Maybe we've bought a time bomb, or maybe we have a bargain, but it'll be a hoot finding out! Edited September 20, 2015 by Ekona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grundy Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Chav 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Says the man with the BGW 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nice Clio but what the hell is that in the background Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grundy Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Says the man who was growing fond and asking daring question about wheels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Ssssshhhhh secret squirrel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nice Clio but what the hell is that in the background That's my house. Or my truck, depending on what you're looking at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humpy Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Loved my 182, just great handling and fun. Did not miss a heart beat and took an absolute ton of abuse and punishment from me. Think it will do you Proud Dan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nice Clio but what the hell is that in the background That's my house. Or my truck, depending on what you're looking at. The red, yellow, blue, black squidges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/98450-the-official-im-going-to-le-mans-24hr-2015-thread/#entry1487276 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Ahh I see....Its very colourful I'll give you that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimboy2 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Good choice. Massive fan of the whole Renault sport range. I know there are a few fans of them on here too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevoD Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nice Micra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Looks like mixed rubber to me... better keep that death trap off the road until that's sorted! Love a 182FF and black is the best colour after FRB and LY. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Like the sound of the Clio. I drove my niece's Cooper S and found it quite disappointing (mainly lacking in feel for my tastes) but I know many people love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeybrain1234 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) See you at Le mans in a Clio then Dan!! Edited August 20, 2015 by monkeybrain1234 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nicole? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHEZZA Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nicole? Your showing your age Papa. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nicole? Your showing your age Papa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsexr Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Why not I say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The G Man Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Man, that's three butt ugly cars in the one household!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 Pot, meet kettle I don't think the Clio is a bad looking hatch at all. Certainly it's not exactly masculine in looks, but it has purpose and character which is important I think. Besides, it's Jo's car to use on her commute so it didn't really have to be anything special, but given the choice of this or a diesel Focus or 1.6 Astra, I know which I'd rather have on the drive. Hopefully I'll get a chance tomorrow to clean it up properly, as although the paint looks good in that photo in the flesh it's as dull as ditchwater. I don't think it's ever seen a clean sponge in its life, much less a clay bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeezeebaba Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Nothing wrong with a 182, proper wheel cocking buffoonery to be had there and good fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Just out of interest how long do you usually keep a car Dan? You seem to change them a lot - that's not a dig in anyway - you do as you feel fit (I'm sure you will anyway ) Just wondered if it was a recent thing and you just happened to need to change all your cars or have you always changed them in a short space of time???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.