Jimmy
Good cop
Just for fun.
Finding a new 'model' for your next ride can be a process that is full of pitfalls and can cause many a headache, especially with so much choice out there. So to make the whole thing much easier, welcome to the Clio197.net Gentleman's Buyers Guide.
BRAND NEW
The temptation is always to go for brand new - fresh, untouched, a supple interior and the reassurance that you will be the first to take control. What the new models lack in mileage, they make up for in enthusiasm and a willingness to be 'run-in'. Going for something too 'new' though, can very often result in an overabundance of enthusiasm on your part and can lead to a loss of licence and a spell behind bars....
USED
So going Used is by far the best choice for the discerning gentleman, and using the following pointers, you will be sure to make the best decision when picking a new model.
AGE
Age is paramount, with each end of the scale offering both pros and cons. For younger models, please refer to the 'Brand New' section for a rough guide of what to expect. With increased age, comes increased mileage, however do be aware that age is not always relative to the associated mileage - some will have had significantly more owners than others, and as a result the mileage may be unusually high, despite the young age.
Higher age is not always something to avoid - indeed, older models can give you many miles of fun and excitement, as they will have plenty of experience under their bonnets. Go too old though, and things may not be as tight and rigid as they once were... Parts of the bodywork may begin to sag and extra lubricants will be an essential part of ownership and it may take a while until they are warmed up.
BODYWORK
As a general rule that is always applicable, checking for accident damage is the first thing to do on taking an inspection. NEVER do this at night. Wonky panels and shoddy repair work can indicate a lack of care over the years. Frequent, cheap re-sprays can often leave a nasty brown residue, that may look good in the summer months, can look over the top come winter.
-Corrosion will be an inevitable problem on older models - excessive use of filler can cover up cracks and stress lines, so careful examination of these areas is essential.
-Also be wary of a very well polished fascia - this can very easily distract you from the true condition of what lies underneath. It's what's known in the trade as 'mutton dressed as lamb'.
-Check for a good colour match - if the trim on the undercarriage doesn't match the rest, then you could be looking at a non-standard re-spray.
-Rear-end damage is something that may well be to an individual's taste. Some damage to the back end may not be an issue to some, especially if they intend to do some work on it themselves. Some discerning buyers may prefer an untouched rear end however.
LOAD SPACE
Perhaps one of the most important areas to check. A tightest fit possible for your luggage is preferable - excessive bagginess may suggest multiple owners, or a history of carrying children. This may not always be apparent on an initial test drive...
SERVICING
A regular servicing will keep your model running satisfactorily and will ensure many a month of pleasurable ownership for you. There are some things to be careful of however. Some models are very sensitive to the timing of these services - make sure you keep to the schedule as set out in the instructions that will be given to you at the time of taking ownership. Insistence on a service outside of the advised schedule can lead to unpleasant grumbling noises and possibly even a misfire.
The service must be done using the correct tools and within a timescale that keeps everyone happy. Certain times of the month MUST be avoided...
DO NOT take your model to a specialist for servicing - insist on doing it all DIY.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Double front airbags are a very desirable optional extra - if you do fancy a model with these, then finding one with them already installed will save you a lot of money, as they are a very expensive upgrade. Beware of cheap installation jobs though, they just don't look right...
GENERAL OWNERSHIP ADVICE
Some of the more exotic, European models do like a drink, and it's usually the expensive stuff. You can put lower grade fluids in, however they may not run very well and the aforementioned grumbling can occur.
-Some models need a lot of money spending on them, indeed they may even insist on it, especially prior to a service. Neglecting to do this may result in them simply not starting up and causing you serious headaches.
-Fault-finding - Often a model will flag up that there is a fault, however despite repeated attempts at diagnosing the fault, the ECU will simply refuse to tell you the issue - you may well have to just work it out for yourself. And even then, you will probably still be wrong. You may be tempted to take your model to a specialist, however as mentioned above, this can lead to a lot of trouble and your model becoming reliant on the attentions of said-specialist. Avoid.
-After a few weeks of ownership, your model may well develop a blow from the exhaust pipe, leading to unpleasant smells. Initially, the blow will be discreet and go unnoticed, however it will become more frequent and louder, the longer the ownership. This cannot be fixed.
-Unwanted attention - If you go for a sportier model, then you will attract attention from passers-by, especially if you have installed the optional extras outlined above. Skirts that only just cover the bodywork will also make this problem worse. Never leave your pride and joy unattended, especially around owners of less desirable models. Theft can and will occur if you aren't careful with your security. A topless model will be the most stared at of them all. Keep the top on, even in extremely hot weather.
-Winter - the colder months will see an insistence on additional covers, that will almost certainly dampen your enthusiasm. DO NOT allow a 'onesie' to be used - just no.
-NEVER take another model for a test drive while you have ownership of your current one. You might be tempted and so beware of the old adage: 'you are only as faithful as your options'. Test driving an alternative, younger model will usually result in your model being driven off by a specialist, never to be seen again.
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of advice and information when choosing your new model. Here on the forum, none of us proclaim to be experts in this field - be very dubious of anyone who says they are and that they 'know all about this stuff'...these people simply do not exist. No one, in the history of ownership, has ever understood what it takes to keep their models truly happy. Best of luck.
Finding a new 'model' for your next ride can be a process that is full of pitfalls and can cause many a headache, especially with so much choice out there. So to make the whole thing much easier, welcome to the Clio197.net Gentleman's Buyers Guide.
BRAND NEW
The temptation is always to go for brand new - fresh, untouched, a supple interior and the reassurance that you will be the first to take control. What the new models lack in mileage, they make up for in enthusiasm and a willingness to be 'run-in'. Going for something too 'new' though, can very often result in an overabundance of enthusiasm on your part and can lead to a loss of licence and a spell behind bars....
USED
So going Used is by far the best choice for the discerning gentleman, and using the following pointers, you will be sure to make the best decision when picking a new model.
AGE
Age is paramount, with each end of the scale offering both pros and cons. For younger models, please refer to the 'Brand New' section for a rough guide of what to expect. With increased age, comes increased mileage, however do be aware that age is not always relative to the associated mileage - some will have had significantly more owners than others, and as a result the mileage may be unusually high, despite the young age.
Higher age is not always something to avoid - indeed, older models can give you many miles of fun and excitement, as they will have plenty of experience under their bonnets. Go too old though, and things may not be as tight and rigid as they once were... Parts of the bodywork may begin to sag and extra lubricants will be an essential part of ownership and it may take a while until they are warmed up.
BODYWORK
As a general rule that is always applicable, checking for accident damage is the first thing to do on taking an inspection. NEVER do this at night. Wonky panels and shoddy repair work can indicate a lack of care over the years. Frequent, cheap re-sprays can often leave a nasty brown residue, that may look good in the summer months, can look over the top come winter.
-Corrosion will be an inevitable problem on older models - excessive use of filler can cover up cracks and stress lines, so careful examination of these areas is essential.
-Also be wary of a very well polished fascia - this can very easily distract you from the true condition of what lies underneath. It's what's known in the trade as 'mutton dressed as lamb'.
-Check for a good colour match - if the trim on the undercarriage doesn't match the rest, then you could be looking at a non-standard re-spray.
-Rear-end damage is something that may well be to an individual's taste. Some damage to the back end may not be an issue to some, especially if they intend to do some work on it themselves. Some discerning buyers may prefer an untouched rear end however.
LOAD SPACE
Perhaps one of the most important areas to check. A tightest fit possible for your luggage is preferable - excessive bagginess may suggest multiple owners, or a history of carrying children. This may not always be apparent on an initial test drive...
SERVICING
A regular servicing will keep your model running satisfactorily and will ensure many a month of pleasurable ownership for you. There are some things to be careful of however. Some models are very sensitive to the timing of these services - make sure you keep to the schedule as set out in the instructions that will be given to you at the time of taking ownership. Insistence on a service outside of the advised schedule can lead to unpleasant grumbling noises and possibly even a misfire.
The service must be done using the correct tools and within a timescale that keeps everyone happy. Certain times of the month MUST be avoided...
DO NOT take your model to a specialist for servicing - insist on doing it all DIY.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Double front airbags are a very desirable optional extra - if you do fancy a model with these, then finding one with them already installed will save you a lot of money, as they are a very expensive upgrade. Beware of cheap installation jobs though, they just don't look right...
GENERAL OWNERSHIP ADVICE
Some of the more exotic, European models do like a drink, and it's usually the expensive stuff. You can put lower grade fluids in, however they may not run very well and the aforementioned grumbling can occur.
-Some models need a lot of money spending on them, indeed they may even insist on it, especially prior to a service. Neglecting to do this may result in them simply not starting up and causing you serious headaches.
-Fault-finding - Often a model will flag up that there is a fault, however despite repeated attempts at diagnosing the fault, the ECU will simply refuse to tell you the issue - you may well have to just work it out for yourself. And even then, you will probably still be wrong. You may be tempted to take your model to a specialist, however as mentioned above, this can lead to a lot of trouble and your model becoming reliant on the attentions of said-specialist. Avoid.
-After a few weeks of ownership, your model may well develop a blow from the exhaust pipe, leading to unpleasant smells. Initially, the blow will be discreet and go unnoticed, however it will become more frequent and louder, the longer the ownership. This cannot be fixed.
-Unwanted attention - If you go for a sportier model, then you will attract attention from passers-by, especially if you have installed the optional extras outlined above. Skirts that only just cover the bodywork will also make this problem worse. Never leave your pride and joy unattended, especially around owners of less desirable models. Theft can and will occur if you aren't careful with your security. A topless model will be the most stared at of them all. Keep the top on, even in extremely hot weather.
-Winter - the colder months will see an insistence on additional covers, that will almost certainly dampen your enthusiasm. DO NOT allow a 'onesie' to be used - just no.
-NEVER take another model for a test drive while you have ownership of your current one. You might be tempted and so beware of the old adage: 'you are only as faithful as your options'. Test driving an alternative, younger model will usually result in your model being driven off by a specialist, never to be seen again.
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of advice and information when choosing your new model. Here on the forum, none of us proclaim to be experts in this field - be very dubious of anyone who says they are and that they 'know all about this stuff'...these people simply do not exist. No one, in the history of ownership, has ever understood what it takes to keep their models truly happy. Best of luck.
