Kyle T
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Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
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Subaru went a few weeks ago, sold much quicker than expected and my plan for those not aware is to now get a "sensible" daily driver and also a dedicated track car, rather than trying to do both at once.
Stuck without a car, I needed to buy something quickly - so a couple of saturdays ago I set off with the missus to go view a racing blue Clio 182, with Gordini stripes and a pretty good write-up on paper... all for £2250 which seemed low end cost for a RB car.
As it turned out, the car was a dog. It sounded rough as fuck when warm, despite having a receipt (pretty much written on toilet paper) for a recent cambelt/dephaser/etc, the 5k "lift" didn't feel anywhere near as aggressive as it should - and the gears crunched into third and fourth. This was all on top of "known" niggles that I'd spotted before driving it, which I planned to negotiate with such as no disks/pads all round, tyres knackered and exhaust drooping.
We left annoyed, as we travelled much further than I wanted for a £2k car - and found a local coffee shop. Once parked up, I hit ebay and gumtree and quickly found another contender 10mins away - this time in black.
Rang the dude up, he was at the garage with it getting it MOT'd (he'd only just listed it) so we agreed to meet at his house in 30mins.
Upon meeting him, the car looked (much) tidier than the old one - it sounded fine (obviously it was up to temp) so we quickly took it for a test drive, at this point he reeled off the list of faults:
Traction Control and SERV light comes on when the car is started, but only after the steering wheel is moved
There's only one key
Wipers squeeked like crazy, it's not the blades but they needed changing anyway
No washer jets ("it's out of fluid")... MOT was passed with flying colours... 
General condition of the car was fine, but far from mint. I didn't check tyres, should have done as it's got four different variations of linglong - but treads are fine.
Only mods to note are a BMC(?) carbon fibre induction kit and some lowering springs, which are terrible. Oh also some JDM bumper quick releases that are equally terrible. Exhaust seems to be a powerflow full system, and it sits straight - rare for a 182...
It drove fine, lack of traction control plus crap tyres is interesting - but no undue sounds/smells and pulls fine through the revs.
Car is on 83k miles, cambelt/dephaser done at a specialist 3k miles ago in May 2015.
Ended up buying for £1800, then hit the road.
Problems I've found since:
Washer Jets wasn't just a fluid issue (now "fixed", swapped pumps with the headlight washer pump - I can do without those)
Cruise Control didn't work (fixed, changed wiring in steering wheel)
Horn doesn't work (fixed, wiring in steering wheel)
Fog Lamp logo flickers on dash when using brakes or indicators (fixed, repaired rear cluster wiring and swapped a brake light bulb)
Slight knocking when at high revs/gear changes between 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd. Suspected mounts somewhere, might change dogbone mount.
Suspension is terrible, needs standard springs ASAP.
Foglight not working (fixed, it wasn't plugged in...)
Bonnet opening is a two man job, suspected spring in mechanism
Wiring for the rear clusters was a bit of a mess, earth was almost severed and had just been screwed through to the body... rather than chopping it, soldering and heatshrinking...
 IMAG0233 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
I bought a new (second hand, ebay) squib/clockspring to try and rule out the steering angle sensor for the SERV/traction warning lights. No joy yet, but potentially needs Renault diagnostics to reset/calibrate(?). The new squib was also handy because the cruise control wiring had been bodged up big time. I also bought replacement Cruise Control switches to complete the renewed wiring.
 IMAG0254 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
 IMAG0256 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
So my immediate list is as follows:
- Renault Diagnostics to hopefully fix traction control
- Swap springs to OEM (Simon_16v still has his, hoping to nick them)
- Give car a proper clean and DA polish to see what I'm working with. No massive scratches, few dings - so might try some DIY paintless dent removal on it for a laugh.
- 4 new tyres, maybe DIY refurb on one of the wheels as the other three are mint
- fit new bonnet spring/latch mechanism (en route from eBay)
I also found a loose plug dangling in the bay, Simon_16v has the same in his and could never identify it...
 IMAG0260 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
Then I need to run it, have it cost me as little as possible - because every penny spent is a penny that should be spent on my track car. I'm only planning to run the Clio for 2-3 months until I can sort out a long term daily, thinking of going the leasing route. (sorry 3CM)
So far it's cost me about £120 to cover the squib replacement, bonnet latch and bulb. If I can keep total spend below £450 that keeps me below the price of the RB one I went to look at, so that's my target 
Will get some decent pictures sorted tomorrow, hopefully will give it a quick wash too.
 IMAG0230 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
 IMAG0232 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
Lotus Elise 111R
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AndyCorsaSport
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Registered: 12th Feb 06
Location: Horsforth, West Yorkshire
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Looks good Kyle. Get a track day done in it. You'll be surprised. Mine was ace on track.
Also change as much as you can bonnet wise, and preferably new parts rather than second hand. These had a common problem of the bonnet opening its self. Which isn't what you want
My old one
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pow
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
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There is a Renault recall for the bonnet, pop into your local dealer and see if it's been done
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oJNAo
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Registered: 30th Sep 14
Location: Gloucestershire
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Looks nice in black
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FlaFFy_91
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Registered: 30th Sep 08
Location: Formby, Merseyside
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Looks good mate.
Don't forget the plastic panels are a pain to work with when it comes down to polishing. Very thin and unreadable paint.
As for the squib issue. If it's a second hand squib, aslong as it came off the same car type it should just need the codes clearing or the squib resetting in the upc modual. If you were any closer I'd say pop into work and I'll do it.
If your ever around liverpool pop in and I'll sort it out.
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Kyle T
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by AndyCorsaSport
Get a track day done in it. You'll be surprised. Mine was ace on track.
I'm well exposed to these cars on track, but yeah I plan to get it on at least once before moving it on!
Also well read on the bonnet recall/issues. I think this has had the recall, it's just seized - but it's seized in the "good" direction, ie - it won't open
quote:
Originally posted by FlaFFy_91
Looks good mate.
Don't forget the plastic panels are a pain to work with when it comes down to polishing. Very thin and unreadable paint.
As for the squib issue. If it's a second hand squib, aslong as it came off the same car type it should just need the codes clearing or the squib resetting in the upc modual. If you were any closer I'd say pop into work and I'll do it.
If your ever around liverpool pop in and I'll sort it out.
Appreciate that Flaffy. I'm not sure it's a code that needs clearing, as the error is cleared whenever I start the car - it only pops up if I move the wheel, so I'd say the latter (reset) is more likely... or I've bought an also broken squib
Hopefully can get it sorted soon.
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
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I adored my one of these, genuinely great to drive, so so much fun.
I am sure you will enjoy it, if you can find some get the Recaro Trendlines as it lowers the driving position and they are great. Not cheap mind, but there could be some second hand bargains around..
If you want one I have an Alpine stereo adapter that makes it work with steering controls etc... Only want buttons for it.
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Kyle T
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Jambo
I adored my one of these, genuinely great to drive, so so much fun.
I am sure you will enjoy it, if you can find some get the Recaro Trendlines as it lowers the driving position and they are great. Not cheap mind, but there could be some second hand bargains around..
If you want one I have an Alpine stereo adapter that makes it work with steering controls etc... Only want buttons for it.
With no traction control, crap lowering springs and linglongs - it's a fucking deathtrap to drive to be honest
Still, all relatively cheap/easy fixes - so looking forward to getting on top of it.
Gonna stick a standard head unit in, but thanks dude 
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
User status: Offline
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Linglongs
We'll be good to look forward to it when it's all sorted
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Ash5
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Registered: 26th May 08
Location: hull
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great choice of car I absolutely love mine so much fun
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Kyle T
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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Few jobs this weekend:
1) Fitted some mates-rates standard cup springs supplied by Simon_16v.
The lowering springs on the car looked very new, but they're unbranded and drove like crap. Will probably keep them and include them in the sale of the car when I shift it on.
 IMAG0268 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
Ride height difference is probably over an inch all around, car no longer scrapes centre section when entering/exiting my garage - and car drives SO much better. Unlike the Subaru, there's no slotted holes or any obvious way to mess up the alignment when swapping springs over, so won't bother getting it done anywhere.
2) Fitted a new bonnet spring/catch. Was about £12 from eBay and has fixed my bonnet, it's now only a single person job to open it 
 IMAG0269 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
3) Cleaned it for the first time! Only chucked a bucket over it and a quick wipe down with AutoGlym Ultra Deep Shine and the pictures do it a bit too much justice tbh 
 IMAG0274 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
 IMAG0273 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
 IMAG0272 by Kyle Townend, on Flickr
I'm now really conflicted with regards to tyres. I'm only going to keep this car for maybe 3 months while I sort a lease car out, and in that time it needs to cost me as little as possible - so that all my spare cash can go into the Lotus fund.
The linglongs all have fine tread, so aren't going to get me fined or anything but I think I'll kick myself if I own a 182 without actually being able to enjoy it properly for a few months. It would also be nice to get it on track once before shifting it on.
I'm not talking a set of AD08's or anything, but maybe some midrange Rainsports or something.
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Ian W
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Registered: 8th Nov 03
Location: Wirral, Merseyside
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Car is looking pretty cool! Personally I think you would be nuts buying tyres if you are keeping it three months and the linglangs have tread. Granted they are shit but you'll never see that money back when you sell it.
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ShEp
Member
Registered: 9th Aug 05
Location: Dingwall, Highland
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Looks good, go for some toyo's they're grippy, but don't last long, so perfect for what you need.
Keep the linglongs and chuck them in with the sale
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BeetleGav
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Registered: 27th Jun 10
Location: lancashire, nelson
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Maybe buy some part worn decent brand tyres to stick on it, you'd probably be able to shift the cheap tyres on also to lessen the cost
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Ben J
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Registered: 31st Jan 05
Location: Cheshire
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I'd definitely buy some decent tyres, run them then put the ditch finders back on for the sale. Then sell the other decent ones separately. You'll easy shift them in that size.
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AndyCorsaSport
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Registered: 12th Feb 06
Location: Horsforth, West Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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Definitely get some decent tyres on it!
I had the proper Michelin Pilot Exaltos on mine. Rediculously grippy. All be it they were just over £400 for the set.
You could get Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 2 for around £320 fitted.
If the springs have made that much difference, the tyres will too. Ditch the linglongs
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
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Had same tyres as above and can agree they were fantastic
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CORSA NUT
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Registered: 3rd Aug 01
Location: Wirral
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I'll 3rd that 
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Ben G
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Registered: 12th Jan 07
Location: Essex
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I had eagle's and they were ok but not amazing. Pilot super sports are meant to be the dogs danglies.
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Kyle T
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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Ordered a new daily, but won't be here till' end of April.
Gone for a leased Seat Leon Cupra 290, 3door in Monsoon Grey.
Will tidy up a few more jobs on the Clio between now and then, then will shift it on. Hopefully!
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Jambo
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Registered: 8th Sep 01
Location: Maidenhead, Drives: VXR Arctic
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Bloody love those!!
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AndyCorsaSport
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Registered: 12th Feb 06
Location: Horsforth, West Yorkshire
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Decent cars them. Dsg or manual? One I drove was dsg and it didn't like heavy foot/launch control in first. Nearly smashed the diff out of it
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Kyle T
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
User status: Offline
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I was initially looking at diesel barges, went to Merc, BMW, Audi, Jag and nothing for what I considered reasonable money was interesting me. The R-Sport XE Jags were fairly nice, and had me considering them at over 400/month.
I then did some man maths, and realised that there were some pretty nice hot hatches for the <300 bracket and their reduction in MPG would pay for itself each month because of the cheaper lease price of the car.
I test drove a white 280, 5 door with manual gearbox.
Absolutely loved it, it was a non-Recaro spec car and in the comfort modes it drove really well. In Cupra mode it would have kept my Subaru honest tbh. The test drive car was specced with adaptive cruise control which is seriously cool My biggest issue with CC is that you're constantly cancelling it and re-engaging it during realistic motorway driving, but this takes care of it all nicely.
I decided I wanted DSG because the internet said it's THAT good, despite not being able to try it myself - but then when going through quotes it added a significant amount to the price. As a result, I've specced manual.
Only other option I took was the adaptive CC as per the test drive, and had to pay for a non-red colour.
3door looks loads better, so gone 3 door 
The 290 is only 10ps more powerful than the one I drove, but apparently the mapping has been altered to improve the torque delivery.
For the same money I could have had a Golf R, 320D/A4 and for a little bit more money could have had an M135i so there's a very good choice at around this bracket, but this is the only car that appealed to me tbh.
Still on the hunt for my track car, so the daily had to be the perfect balance of sensible, fun and be boring enough to encourage me out into the track car on a weekend (when I get it) The Leon is probably one of the dullest looking hot hatches ever released, but I need to be a grown up eventually
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whitter45
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Registered: 15th Nov 02
Location: Norton
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sounds great - considered one but we opted for the M135I as the deals are ridiculous and on PCP not lease
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Andrew
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Registered: 5th May 04
Location: Skoda Octavia Estate, Ford Puma
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What's your plans for the Clio and what you looking for once you are done with it?
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