knowledge of 2003 renault clio sport?

sneaky · 23-10-2013, 04:30 PM

Hello people in ford land, I thought I would try my luck here.

Does anyone have and experience or knowledge of Renault clio sports? I have been thinking about upgrading my daily for something a bit more fun but still cheap. The current car is a 2001 Hyundai accent in not good condition. I stumbled upon the Clio sports and on paper the specs look good and price is right, but I am concerned with Euro servicing costs and having no knowledge of the brand or model.

Are the prone to problems, breakdowns, expensive to maintain or insure.

Any help would be great, thanks.

Tim

93EB_SXR6 · 23-10-2013, 04:49 PM

Don't know which model of Clio you're referring to but a friend of mine owned a 2003 Clio (not sports) and it was constantly breaking down, requiring expensive parts and special tools to be repaired.
Having said that, it was quite pleasant to drive. Interiors are basic but comfortable enough for short trips, probably not the best for roadtripping though.

sneaky · 23-10-2013, 05:22 PM

was referring to the 2003 Renault Clio Sports as per thread topic.

it is the 2L 130kw Sports version, not the 1.6L or 1.4L.

might not matter as the wife has said no to a Renault because of perceived expenses of a euro car... bah, would have been a bit more fun for my drive to work for a few grand outlay.

Bossxr8 · 23-10-2013, 05:25 PM

Renaults have never really had much of a reputation for reliability. They might be better now but not real great in the past.

93EB_SXR6 · 23-10-2013, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneaky

was referring to the 2003 Renault Clio Sports as per thread topic.

it is the 2L 130kw Sports version, not the 1.6L or 1.4L.

might not matter as the wife has said no to a Renault because of perceived expenses of a euro car... bah, would have been a bit more fun for my drive to work for a few grand outlay.

My bad, didn't see the model year in the thread for some reason... but obviously knew you were talking about the sports model.

Spammy · 23-10-2013, 07:10 PM

They go like stink handle really well - make sure the timing belt and idler pulleys have been done. Will probabably have some minor issues and the interiors can look shabby after 10 years. They are cheap and there a plenty around so drive a few and bargain hard with the sellers.

RG · 23-10-2013, 07:16 PM

Buy a 206 GTi instead. Nearly as quick, handle a bit better and are more reliable.

That's why I bought mine over the Renault. Coincidentally my gti is for sale. Buy it!

Sent from my GT-I9305T using Tapatalk

Danny · 23-10-2013, 07:20 PM

^^^ RG that's a bit of a clash of interests isnt it?

You're definitely the first person I've ever heard to say that the 206 GTi is a better handler.. The 205 GTi however is a wonderful car, Most motoring journos worldwide are of the opinion that it's the Ph2 Clio Sport and 205GTi that were and are the top of the tree when it comes to the best hot hatches of all time

Sneaky Sneaky Sneaky, you've come to the right place for a balanced unbiased and well educated opinion - AFF!

I've been a member of www.ozrenaultsport.com since 2005. They're the RS community in Australia and all the info you could ever need is there.

I bought into the Renaultsport brand in 2006 when I bought my first RS - a Clio Renaultsport 182 Cup.

Absolute cracker of a car, I ended up getting a Clio cup Competition carbon air intake set up and stainless steel milltek pipes, and it absolutely flew. For a little car with close to 140kW and only weighing in at a tonne, it could keep up with BFXR8's and VE SS's, and then absolutely nail them around corners. The handling was sublime, what you'd expect from the guys who tune the Renault F1 cars.

Interior appointments and equipment were pretty good too. Xenon Headlights, leather/Alcantara bolstered seats, Climate control, Cruise/Speed limiter, Electronic Stability Program, Auto headlights/Wipers, wine bottle/baguette holders, and a AC Cooled Glovebox. 172's had a 6 stacker CD player, and earlier models had ESP as an option only.

Very good value equation at the moment, I've convinced a couple of my mates to buy them, and they are extremely happy. When the price comes down enough, I'll buy myself another to pamper and keep undercover. I love them, and terribly miss my old one! I now have the new Megane RS250 as my weekender, which is great, but not as raw and balltearing as the ClioSport was.

Reliability wise, if you keep up the regular maitenance then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. There are Renault/Peugeot specialists around who do great work for cheap.
I only took Clio Sport to a specialist (not a dealer) from day dot, and I NEVER had an issue with the car, not one, it was reliable as all get out, and the bloke who bought it off me hasn't had an issue with it either. Servicing was cheap too. About $170-$200 depending on what needed to be done every interval, using the proper Elf Excellium oil so thats fine. Parts can be found readily on the internet or at french wreckers now as there is a few old ones round, or check out Renaultparts UK for prices.

Theres also a guy on OZRenaultsport Forums who imports Renault parts very cheaply for members, so I'd be checking out OZRS as your port of call.

All in all, I'd heavily advocate you at least take one for a test drive, they're such a rewarding car, wonderful to drive, and bursting with character. They make you feel great behind the wheel, such is the fun that can be had with them.

So there you go, hopefully a helpful post from someone who has ACTUAL experience with the brand. Good luck with your search! Hope to see you over at OZRS.

fte50 · 23-10-2013, 07:30 PM

Well firstly Renaults can be problematic and unreliable, however don't believe all the myths.
They do offer a lot of value for money and a point of difference to main stream traffic.
Wife has a Renault Laguna V6 purchased as a demo in 07, and has so far proved reliable. Parts from dealerships along with dealer servicing are insanely expensive, though specialist independent parts supplies/service mechanics make prices realistic. As an example on parts - http://www.eai.net.au/
A mate also had a Megane RS Cup Series that was a nimble weapon on rails that also proved reliable.
As an example, I was quoted $2300 by Renault to replace the cambelt & tensioners. I purchased the locking tools, SKF cambelt / tensioners kit, and water pump and hoses all for $710 and did the job myself. Mind you the original equipment was also SKF in Renault packaging.

As for the X65 2003 Clio, they provide a spirited drive and good economy but are fragile as a car if neglected and were the last of the older generation.
Make sure you get a car that's got a good substantiated service history.

Another couple of good frenchies that are a fun drive - Peugeot 306 S16 and GTI6

sneaky · 23-10-2013, 08:38 PM

thanks peeps

currently trying to convince finance minister to let me buy one, but with a bathroom reno kicking off this week and xmas just around the corner (and my pay has nearly halved in the last 12 months) it might take some work

i'll fire a message/call the person about the car tomorrow and see what they say about k's on it and service history (was it done/who buy) etc. rego is due in december so that is another $1000 almost straight up. car looks neat, headlights are very cloudy though.

i'll have a look at OZRS forums, thanks

-Tim

*edit*
the drive to work is about 45k's around the lake and highway, not very twisty/exciting at the speed limit, but better than the freeway.

Danny · 23-10-2013, 10:27 PM

If its the Flame Red 172 in Brisbane with the personalised plates then unfortunately I cant vouch for the history as the owner joined OZRS to sell the car only. That said it does look pretty tidy. The yellowing headlights are common, but are fixed extremely easily.

There are a few on the forum for sale, and many many pop up with complete histories from long time members, so do yourself a favour and check it out.

sneaky · 24-10-2013, 05:35 AM

the one that got me interested is just parked on the side of the road near me, not on the forum or carsales.

i have to find out k's and history, it has december rego and the asking price is $5k

stace650 · 24-10-2013, 11:14 AM

Slightly off the OP's topic, but we had a Renault as a family car years ago and it was the most relaible car we ever owned. And I hired one in France a decade ago and it was fantastic. No issues at all. I hired a lot of cars over two years in Europe and the Cleo was my favourite. The worst? Vauxhall Viva. Oh dear.

ThornyBob · 24-10-2013, 06:05 PM

G'day,

as well as renaultsport, check out http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/index.php for a mostly easy going lot with a lot of collective knowledge free for the asking.

BTW, I've had froggies for the past twenty years and found them to be reliable honest transport, and comfort with the typical long travel suspension that they have [had ?]. No more expensive to service than others in my experience either.

cheers,
Bob

sneaky · 24-10-2013, 08:50 PM

cheers guys.

i called the owner today and it seems like an honest sale. the guy that owns it has just updated to a 2009 clio sport so he must have been happy with the car.

i have a few calls to make tomorrow to find out prices for service items/labour and tyres/insurance/etc for the car. then to try to convince the wife and sell my current car.

RG · 24-10-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneaky

cheers guys.

i called the owner today and it seems like an honest sale. the guy that owns it has just updated to a 2009 clio sport so he must have been happy with the car.

i have a few calls to make tomorrow to find out prices for service items/labour and tyres/insurance/etc for the car. then to try to convince the wife and sell my current car.

Check eBay for service items and parts. Imprint from the UK will save got bucket loads.

For instance a coil pack for my pug, $600 here compared to $250 landed oem from the UK. Best but was the UK part was actually here 3 days faster than the dealer said they could get it.

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sneaky · 26-10-2013, 03:40 PM

small update,

trying hard to be sensible and not rush out and spend the money as i want to at least see if i could get any interest in selling my car first. this sensible approach could blow out though, i asked the good old parents finance institute for a small cash loan (for the whole car

and i'm 31 so this borrowoing off parents doesn't stop) and dad came back later and offered me all the cash without having to repay. i still don't want to be stuck with 2 cars and unable to move mine, so i'll clean mine up and see if anyone is interested and if the renault sells before i get it then so be it. and now i'm thinking that the cash would be better spent on a family holiday with the 2 young kids as my there isn't anything wrong with my current car, it is just very boring but gets from A to B.

i did make a few calls concerning tyres/servicing/parts. tyres was good news at under $100 for cheapies, low $100's for decent tyres and only $150 for goodyear F1's.

service prices from 'the' place to go for renault servicing in newcastle was $300 for minor service, maybe $600-$700 for major service. $1400 for timing belt and water pump at the same time and it's an all day job so a large percent of that would be labour. the place i called has been servicing the car up until now but couldn't/wouldn't give out specific details of the car without current owners permission, i thought this would be the case but asked anyway.

as for insurance - AAMI wanted $200 for 3rd party, $350 for 3rd party + fire + theft, and $530 for comprehensive with $5600 covered. YOUI wanted $1100 for comp and $500 for 3rd party + fire + theft.

and finally renault couldn't give me prices on parts without the VIN

Yellow_Festiva · 26-10-2013, 05:53 PM

Lol at youi.... they came back almost double what budget direct quoted for a new car I'm buying. Oh, that was worked out even after limiting driving days... the 20 min phone call to get the price was a joke... perhaps that's how they 'get you' by boring you to death so you just agree to the premium to get them off the phone!

Personally, I wouldn't wait for your sale if you find something you like.

sneaky · 27-10-2013, 11:57 AM

saw the car out late yesterday arvo, called about a test drive today - the sellers are in brisbane, flew out this morning. when i got hold of them they said a young girl came to test drive it yesterday and her parents are coming to look next saturday, so i can call saturday morning and see what is happening.

i would have thought a seller would be happy to take money off who ever could hand it over first - the girl didn't leave a deposit. and i'm available any afternoon through the week (maybe they are in brisvegas all week though)

oh well, just wait and see if the chicks parents approve or fall into the euro is expensive category or an insurance quote scares them off..

at least my car got a bath and a detail last night/today

sneaky · 09-11-2013, 09:50 AM

Well I now have a 2005 Clio sport cup 182 parked in the driveway

Didn't buy the local car, found a better deal in Sydney

**Fordman1** · 09-11-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneaky

Well I now have a 2005 Clio sport cup 182 parked in the driveway

Didn't buy the local car, found a better deal in Sydney

We'll done a Sneaky !

We plan on getting a new Clio RS in the next 6 months.