Buying Guide

tubs1984 · Feb 19, 2011

Hello one and all,

Been looking into buying a Clio Trophy. Was just wondering what you guys recommend checking outside of the obvious when looking at Trophy's. I know the dampers may need refreshing. How do you know if they do? Are there any tell tale signs? Any help would be appreciated. Does anyone do a buying guide? Also if anyone has one up for sale, standard, low mileage and FRSH I would be interested. I am in Warwickshire but will travel.

Thanks in advance

Toby

blueseidboy · Feb 19, 2011

There arent always signs the dampers are gone, One of mine "went" properly and there was visible oil all over the outside. This could be cleaned up before you buy a car so my advice is assume the dampers need refurbing if no proof can be provided that they already have.
Also as i always say, do you want FRSH or FSH from a garage thats looked after it properly (i.e one of the many Renault specialists) ;o)

Claude · Feb 19, 2011

On a more general car-buying note, what advice would you suggest for someone with absolutely no mechanical experience whatsoever. I've read the masses of information on this site, which is very interesting but much of it is meaningless to me, it may as well be Greek. I've also read the various buying guides & things to check for, which is fine, but it's the more general things that could/would be missed, I'd probably only just spot if it had three wheels. So what's your advice?

a) Make friends with a mechanic, take him(/her) with me to viewings and compensate with lashings of curry/beer?
b) Are there reputable organisations who provide a service where they check over a potential purchase, and if approval is given do they provide any kind of guarantees if something major crops up?
c) Find the most knowledgable cliotrophy member, wine them, dine them, & ask them to check out the future purchase with me, although obviously no guarantees available. Any offers of assistance?
d) Research the car as best as is possible but at the end of the day go alone, take a risk and hope for the best?
e) Do I just give up on a used car and buy something new from a dealer? Boring!
f) Something else?

Thanks all

liam1610 · Feb 19, 2011

Claude said:
On a more general car-buying note, what advice would you suggest for someone with absolutely no mechanical experience whatsoever. I've read the masses of information on this site, which is very interesting but much of it is meaningless to me, it may as well be Greek. I've also read the various buying guides & things to check for, which is fine, but it's the more general things that could/would be missed, I'd probably only just spot if it had three wheels. So what's your advice?

a) Make friends with a mechanic, take him(/her) with me to viewings and compensate with lashings of curry/beer?
b) Are there reputable organisations who provide a service where they check over a potential purchase, and if approval is given do they provide any kind of guarantees if something major crops up?
c) Find the most knowledgable cliotrophy member, wine them, dine them, & ask them to check out the future purchase with me, although obviously no guarantees available. Any offers of assistance?
d) Research the car as best as is possible but at the end of the day go alone, take a risk and hope for the best?
e) Do I just give up on a used car and buy something new from a dealer? Boring!
f) Something else?

Thanks all

I just wanted to post to say if your ever confused or just need any help with technical information you only have to ask were all more than willing to lend a hand.

Just as 'blueseidboy' states your best off looking for a Trophy with FSH from some renault specialists not just FRSH.

As for things to look out for, with this age of 182 your best looking for something thats had its 5 year service that includes items such as timing belt, aux belt, spark plugs and full service items such as air, pollen and oil filter change.
The most expensive costs you will find is timing belt change its around the £400-500 mark, suspension rebuild's mine are needing doing and many others have had theres done quite recently,these i have searched on and can cost from the £380-500 mark on average all depends on what's replaced and who by, then there's tyre's being there 16" and a low profile im lucky enough to work in the motor industry and can get hold of pirelli pzero nero's for £40 a tyre but your be looking for a decent set of around the £90 mark each.

As long as all the above is done, the hpi is clear and the car looks straight and drives well i have no doubt your be investing in something you wont regret.

If you have a read on here and on cliosport you will get an idea of what to look for but if you need any more help you only have to ask.

Adam Trophy 37 · Feb 19, 2011

When you find one your interested in have a look on here to see if there's any history. Look at the previous mot's to see if there were any advisorys and if they were carried out. Take it for a spirited drive, listen for knocking when turning and excessive crashing when going over bumps or pit holes at slow speeds (around 30-40 mph). Could indicate ball joints need doing or dampers need a refurb. Check exhaust and mounts as they tend to rust out. If it's had a good owner that cares for it (like most do) then no expense would have been spared and this should show. If you push down on each front wing it should be firm with little movement if it's quite springy it could indicate a refurb is due. Most people say it's best to get them done every 40k, but it seems to vary quite alot as to when they need doing. If it was me I would prefer to see it had been looked after by a independent garage as all my experiences with reno are appalling, they are NOT to be trusted. Check basics like tyres, brakes, and that there not a major service due or Mot.

tubs1984 · Feb 20, 2011

Thanks guys. I think your right the best way is to find one that has had the dampers done. Typical as I have found a good one at a used dealer but it hasnt had the damper done and its done around 46000 so they will need doing and as its already at the expensive end I will have to shelve that one as it wouldnt leave me with any money to put it right.

Thanks for the tips epecially about the servicing not needing to be Renault.

liam1610 · Feb 20, 2011

If its at a high end price and without the dampers done then offer them £1k less than they have it up for or ask them to get the dampers done within the price bracket. See what they say if they say no then you know to just walk away and keep your eye out for another one.

Most of the well looked after examples are posted on this forum from what iv seen so keep an eye on here im sure one will turn up in no time.

Trophy#110 · Feb 20, 2011

I agree with liam1610, don't walk away from a 46k car just because the dampers aren't done. Request the dealer swallow the price of a refurb and if not then walk away.