Im thinking about buying a Clio , but I'm starting to get worried about all these gearbox failures I'm reading about. What model year if any was it sorted and is it really as big a problem as some make out???
gearbox
- Thread starter Cejsmith
- Start date
Legend@wheels
Gold Member
First of all welcome the family!
Most of the gearboxes are fine and reliable ,yes this is a more sensitive gearbox from usuall .
Keep it well maintained ,oil change and with a good type not rubbish or any oil you Just come across,youll be fine .
Definitely not a reason to decide not to buy!
Lovely lovely cars
P.s looks like the later gearboxes models are less prone to fail but tbh? Its much up to luck and how you treat it and use it.
If youll decide to buy one Just check it well.
Buyer guide:http://www.clio197.net/index.php?threads/19788/
Good luck!
Most of the gearboxes are fine and reliable ,yes this is a more sensitive gearbox from usuall .
Keep it well maintained ,oil change and with a good type not rubbish or any oil you Just come across,youll be fine .
Definitely not a reason to decide not to buy!
Lovely lovely cars
P.s looks like the later gearboxes models are less prone to fail but tbh? Its much up to luck and how you treat it and use it.
If youll decide to buy one Just check it well.
Buyer guide:http://www.clio197.net/index.php?threads/19788/
Good luck!
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Don't think the problem was ever sorted unfortunately, so this issue could happen on any 197/200.
It seems to be very hit and miss though, people have had 10 year old 197s with plenty of miles on the clock and never had an issue, whereas my gearbox synchro failed on my 6 year old 200 at 25k miles.
Yes, it's a problem, but I wouldn't stress over it too much just make sure you turn the stereo off, wind the windows up and listen for any crunching changing gears when you test drive any!
Good luck with the search if you've got your heart set on a Clio!
It seems to be very hit and miss though, people have had 10 year old 197s with plenty of miles on the clock and never had an issue, whereas my gearbox synchro failed on my 6 year old 200 at 25k miles.
Yes, it's a problem, but I wouldn't stress over it too much just make sure you turn the stereo off, wind the windows up and listen for any crunching changing gears when you test drive any!
Good luck with the search if you've got your heart set on a Clio!
Ok will do , it's going to be either a clio , megane r26f1 or left field choice a MINI JCW cooper s
Also is there a good Renault specialist in or around milton keynes
Also is there a good Renault specialist in or around milton keynes
Jimmy
Good cop
There are a lot of horror stories about the mk3 gearboxes, and it's understandable that it could put someone off buying one. However, many many people have never had any trouble with their gearboxes, regardless of age and mileage.
Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule as to which ones are more prone to failure - it is just pot luck. But don't let it put you off buying one - just bear in mind that there is the possibility and perhaps budget it for it, worse case scenario.
Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule as to which ones are more prone to failure - it is just pot luck. But don't let it put you off buying one - just bear in mind that there is the possibility and perhaps budget it for it, worse case scenario.
Jimmy
Good cop
I'm not certain on costs to be honest, however someone else may be able to answer that question for you. I do know that a rebuild/refurb will cost significantly less than a full replacement, depending on the cost of the new/replacement 'box.
My gearbox rebuild was £660, not sure about cost of a new box though.
Mine never had any issues in January when I bought it but after 5000 miles it is developing a slight crunch in 3rd and 4th when downshifting at high revs. Mine has covered 88,000 miles though and has been driven spirited in these last few months
Having spoken to some specialists near me, changing the synchros on 3rd and 4th plus removing and refitting the gearbox will cost a minimum of £800 but more likely to be £1000. Add an additional £180 if you want a new clutch(no brainer).
Bottom line.... Not cheap!
Having spoken to some specialists near me, changing the synchros on 3rd and 4th plus removing and refitting the gearbox will cost a minimum of £800 but more likely to be £1000. Add an additional £180 if you want a new clutch(no brainer).
Bottom line.... Not cheap!
