Clio 197/200 common issues.

[FatRS]

I'm in the market for a 200 with limited mechanical knowledge.

I'm aware these would have been covered numerous times in part but to have in one place to answer my questions, what are the issues that "dog" the 197/200?

I'm aware of the 3rd and 4th gear syncro and flexi manifold.
Something about hub bearings?

How can you determine the problem in the first instance when viewing a car?
What is the fix for each of these?
What cost to repair?
Any aftermarket parts to rectify in the future?
Any specialists that would be advised to do these? (Thinking more gearbox syncros-ideally down South)

@Northloopcup Where are you located and what do you charge?

Would buying a car needing the syncros be a good idea as they tend to be so common that by repairing it to start with you are starting from new and having more time before future failure?

 

[Beany]

I suggest reading this, if you’ve not already done so.

http://www.clio197.net/threads/clio-197-buyers-guide.19788/

 

[FatRS]

Didn’t see that. Thanks.

Could do with info on costs and remedies and specialists for the main bits. Gearbox is I suppose the main thing along with flexi manifold.

 

[Beany]

Didn’t see that. Thanks.

Could do with info on costs and remedies and specialists for the main bits. Gearbox is I suppose the main thing along with flexi manifold.

Depends where your based?
As we could point you to various RS garages people have used / experience with and also they’re costs

I believe most gearbox charges are around £500-750?

 

[FatRS]

I’m on the south coast. Littlehampton.

 

[Jimmy]

The buyers guide will give you a lot of the information you're after, but if you need to know anything about specifics, please do ask away.

There are some horror stories on the web about owning these cars and the 'problems' they suffer, however take them with something of a pinch of salt. You're absolutely in the right place for a realistic view of what ownership is like.

 

[Beany]

I’m on the south coast. Littlehampton.

Ktec Racing
Engine Dynamics
TwoTechs

Are reputable RS specialists around your neck of the woods

 

[FatRS]

A specialist did normal work is covered but more concerned by the gearbox issue and who could do the rebuild. What sort of cost and fir the other things, what sort of alternative parts can be used.
Such as seen a user on here refer to a Predator manifold.

 

[LOCKE]

Blocked scuttle drains, seized brake pins

 

[HyperSquiZ]

A specialist did normal work is covered but more concerned by the gearbox issue and who could do the rebuild. What sort of cost and fir the other things, what sort of alternative parts can be used.
Such as seen a user on here refer to a Predator manifold.

The predator manifold can be bought over at Kamracing: https://www.kamracing.co.uk/car-tun...tor-styling-exhaust-manifold-rs197-rs200.html

A lot of people (myself included) go with the Toyosport manifold as a replacement due to the cost: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAINLES...IO-III-MK3-RS-SPORT-197-200-2-0L/190734792388

 

[Beany]

the cars are getting that old now that either the gearboxes have been done under warranty or are fine. Mines done 80k and still smooth!

Toyo sport & predator are aftermarket manifolds they remove the flexi’s as there prone to blow on standard ones.

They’re not cheap to run and require maintaining

 

[FatRS]

Cost of maintenance and running isn’t so much the issue once I know it’s in fine fettle once it’s been bought.

I had a 56 plate 197 at 2 years old but wasn’t aware of these issues then and none were apparent.

I’m looking at the cheaper end of the market to make it viable to change from my Meg 250 and therefore I’m open to the dogs on the market but I believe there are decent ones to be had. I missed one yesterday that seemed ideal and sacked another off today due to gearbox issue.

I don’t mind doing repairs so long as I know what to look for and to budget if they materialise.

 

[Jimmy]

I honestly wouldn't worry too much about the gearbox issues. As @Beany says, although many have had their box changed, there are also countless other cars on their original boxes that have done plenty of miles.

As long as you are thorough on checking for no crunches on a test drive, there is no sense in spending a lot of money replacing parts that you don't necessarily need to. It would be wise to keep in mind the potential of it going wrong down the line, but no point being hasty in the first instance. You seem to have their mentality already, which is great.

As for ones on the market, there are some very well-kept examples for sale at competitive prices at the moment and nowhere near being classed as dogs, despite their relatively cheap prices. Also, choosing one that has a well-documented history will show that some of the common problems may have been dealt with at some point in the past already.

I hope that helps.

 

[FatRS]

Of course. My intention is to buy hopefully a straight example and hope it remains that way but the original questions were relating to what costs and remedies if they do go or even with one that is advertised with third synchro already gone, what costs I should allow.
In same vein as the belts needed doing. If due, buy at a price allowing these to be done.

 

[Beany]

Belts are around £600ish

 

[Pav]

Belts are around £600ish

Depends on where you have it done..can be done around a £300 mark..genuine parts too..

 

[Steve Murr]

Just a couple of bits

Buying a cheap 'dog' may start out good however costs can build up
When doing a box its not just about the box (6-700) a new clutch is a must as well as a new slave cylinder
so budget £1000.
Belts £600
Ball joints £175 a side.

Exhaust manifold & so on....

 

[Andy1max]

Hi, this is my first post on here, thought I’d chip in on the buying a cheap one.
Bought my 197 November last year as a “cheap” toy. However didn’t really do all the right research. Thought the cam belt was fine going by mileage stupidly didn’t think about age and hadn’t been done for 7 years, so booked it straight in for belt and full service which is when it got expensive
Cam belt and service
Rocker gasket leak
Thermostat
Reversing light switch faulty

Few months later radiator went.
About 2 weeks after that faulty coil pack
Interior heater wiring loom burnt out

Went back in for inner steering arms which were an advisory on the last MOT, garage found a broken coil spring (replaced all 4 springs with cooksport springs)
Also had a window motor put in the passenger door as it was being held up by a piece of wood!!

It’s been an experience in my first year of owning my 197, love the car however I’ve bought it twice over now! So yeah, don’t do what I did and take your time to find a good one!

 

[FatRS]

Unlucky buddy. If I get one it’ll be at the expense of a fully kitted and perfectly maintained Megane 250. No issues need sorting now and it looks like a 200 could be more expense.

I don’t mind this so much sibling as it’s a good base and not paying top dollar in the first place and then have to do these bits.

Now, thanks to replies here and Cliosport I now have a rough handle on costs. If the right one comes up then I’m good to go now.

So miffed I missed what appeared to be a peach last weeek.

 

[Andy1max]

I think mine had a few years of abuse and not much in the way of servicing etc so is hopefully an extreme example, I’d imagine a better looked after one would hopefully be a lot better