Renaultsport’s potent reworkings of the Clio have won legions of fans, however, used examples aren’t without difficulty
The Greeks referred to as them Sirens: legendary creatures that lured sailors to their deaths on rocks by warbling to them. sadly there’s nothing legendary regarding the Renault Sports Clio 197 whose charms, not least the promise of 194bhp combined with an outstanding chassis, have diode drivers if to not the rocks then a minimum of to the bank.
The Greeks referred to as them Sirens: legendary creatures that lured sailors to their deaths on rocks by warbling to them. sadly there’s nothing legendary regarding the Renault Sports Clio 197 whose charms, not least the promise of 194bhp combined with an outstanding chassis, have diode drivers if to not the rocks then a minimum of to the bank.
The problem lies with the TL4 six-speed shell – specifically its raunchy synchros. dynamical all the way down to third, up from third to fourth… It’s a well-documented downside and much from isolated, as we tend to found once hair care the classifieds. This chap, for instance, commerces his eighty-two,000-mile 2007 197: “Intermittent crunch third and fourth presumably synchros.”
Another owner shared his frustration on the renaultsport.co.uk forum: “My 197 Cup has been excellent aside from the well-known selsyn problems. selsyn in second unsuccessful, new ’box fitted. Box variety 2 lasted twelve,000 miles, selsyn failure in second inflicting another replacement. selsyn in fourth has currently unsuccessful.”
Another owner shared his frustration on the renaultsport.co.uk forum: “My 197 Cup has been excellent aside from the well-known selsyn problems. selsyn in second unsuccessful, new ’box fitted. Box variety 2 lasted twelve,000 miles, selsyn failure in second inflicting another replacement. selsyn in fourth has currently unsuccessful.”
At least most sellers return clean regarding the problem and you’ll be able to perpetually check the ’box’s operation on the check drive. presumptuous it’s okay, the remainder of the automotive may be a treat. Did we tend to mention the suspension? which will be a bit flaky too, that may be a shame given however crucial to Clio’s charm it’s. It’s general wear and tear issue, though, and to be expected at this age.
Now the great news. At launch in 2006 the Clio 197 price simply £15,995, thus it’s no surprise that costs of used examples are thus engaging nowadays. within the wake of its good precursor, the 182, expectations were high. The 197 didn’t let down. It used an additional powerful version of a similar eager a pair of.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, that has since proven reliable with regular coupling. commonplace kit enclosed Brembo brakes, a rear diffuser and dedicated Continental tires.
In 2007 it had been joined by the additional centered, cheaper and stripped-out 197 Cup, with crisper steering, a lowered chassis, and stiffer springs. that very same year this set-up conjointly found its method into the F1 Team R27, a limited-edition model that celebrated Renault’s 2006 F1 success. In 2008 the TL4 shell got revised ratios, together with a taller sixth gear.
In 2007 it had been joined by the additional centered, cheaper and stripped-out 197 Cup, with crisper steering, a lowered chassis, and stiffer springs. that very same year this set-up conjointly found its method into the F1 Team R27, a limited-edition model that celebrated Renault’s 2006 F1 success. In 2008 the TL4 shell got revised ratios, together with a taller sixth gear.
A facelift came on in 2009, providing a lift and improved interior, much further power unit and a brand new name: two hundred (the metric power output). It conjointly gained a bit additional force, up pick-up. The suspension was improved additional and force steer almost eliminated, whereas Cup variants got an excellent faster rack. More power, even grifter suspension? No prizes for guess the two hundred is that the one to own.
The Raider special edition, with 18in wheels and animal skin Recaros, diode the farewell parade (2011 with 40k miles prices £11,000). Production resulted in 2012 with the arrival of the all-new Clio RS one.6 turbo motor vehicle, a humid firework that has solely stiffened the values these days 200s.
An owner’s read
An owner’s read
Jane Harris: “My 197 may be a 2007/07 automotive with seventy-six,000 miles. It’s been fun though it’s purchasable currently, for £2995. It’s not precisely snug over bumps however it’s extremely nimble. The shell had to be refurbished – it had eaten the selector ring – and that I got very little modification out of £900. the electrical windows packed up too. It’s a standard fault caused by blocked windshield drain holes. Otherwise the automotive is incredibly reliable, though it’s terribly thirsty – high-20s generally.”
Buyer watch
Engine: Cambelt (and water pump) should be modified every 5 years or seventy-two,000 miles. Oil changes are each twelve,000. Engines are sturdy thus go forth from any that leak or rattle. Expect a 197 into ‘kangaroo’ from cold (a remap might type it). Super-unleaded fuel is best.
Gearbox: Early 197s suffered speedy selsyn go down third and fourth gears; second also can be a drag. It’ll feel notchy once cold, however, might ease up because of the temperature rises.
Gearbox: Early 197s suffered speedy selsyn go down third and fourth gears; second also can be a drag. It’ll feel notchy once cold, however, might ease up because of the temperature rises.
Brakes and suspension: confirm the calipers are clean and in the smart nick (neglect causes projecting pistons and pins). Front swivel hub ball joints fail. Check by turning the wheel from lock to lock listening for creaking, and at throughway speeds pity pull left or right. Steel and metallic element corrosion cause suspensions components to seize. Wire brush them and apply silicone polymer spray. Worn steering arms cause imprecise steering; listen for front shocks sound.
Chassis and body: examine the rear subframe and, at the front, the radiator support, each for serious erosion. Scrutinize panel gaps for signs of panel replacement and paint for overspray. Check the headlights work – exchange a bulb may be a bumper-off job.
Interior: Expect the driver’s seat bolsters to be worn, the gearlever to own light and therefore the wheel to be peeling. Rattling trim is commonplace, a minimum of on 197s; 200s feel higher engineered.
Also, price knowing
The 197 and 200 played the special edition card many times. In addition to the runout Raider, there’s the 197 Lux of 2008 (special alloys, leather seats) and the later Gordini (includes special blue paint) and Silverstone (silver with a black roof – 2011 with 60k miles is £6500). All are nice but in every case, a healthy gearbox comes first.
How much to spend
£2000-£2995: Tidy, mainly 06 and 07-reg cars with up to 110k miles and good service histories. Includes a 2009 Cup with 94,000 miles.
£3000-£4495: Brighter 07 and 08 cars under 100k miles. Includes a 07 F1 Team with 82k for £3100.
£4500-£5995: Plenty of mid-mileage 2009 and 10-reg facelift cars, including a 09 Cup with 74k miles for £5100.
£6000-£7495: Wide choice of 2010 to 12-reg 200s with around 60k miles.
£7500-£8995: The best late and low-mileage cars, with last-of-the-line Raider special editions from £10-12k.
One we found
Renaultsport Clio 197, 2008/58, 65K miles, £3990: A strong color, a fat workshop file, and water pump and timing belt changed at 43,000 miles are standout features here. However, there are plenty of 197s at this money, so check out and try as many as you can before committing.
