Hello From Birmingham need some types and paint info

[retrolama]

Hi there names Tom been in to motors since i can remember. had 106's classic minis and recently another classic off which is proving a nightmare to resell (I.E lots off money down the drain) .:@

Decided to put classic car motoring to one side any get my self a nice reliable sporty hatch. my friends all recommend 182's and renult sport cars in general. as i do sprinting and track days every so often. :bounce:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131636121851?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

So i'm in the market for a nice 197 how ever i would really like on in a unique color found this on the bay it would be much appreciated if some one could let me know what color it is? love a baby blue 197

advertised as french blue however i though FB would be a lot darker looks more Racing blue to me or could just be the light ? i could be wrong .

also if i could get some advise on what needs checking and maintain n these i would be much appreciated.
also how do i change my profile pic? cheers

Nice to meet you Tom

 

[Chinny375]

To me that looks like Racing blue (baby blue as you say)
I don't think there is such a thing as French blue for Mk3, the deeper 197 blue is called Albi blue

 

[The ANT]

It's called french racing blue (as we have British racing green, german racing white, Italian racing red, etc.)Depends on how the car has been treated, as mine wasn't happy. Lots of owners is a bad sign with these, have a good look through the service history, check the cambelt has been changed and make sure all maintenance has been with good quality parts. Be careful as a good one is spot on, a bad one is a ba$7@rd. As I found out. Remember if in doubt, get out. I spent a fortune on mine and it was forever going wrong, but I work with a lad who hasn't had any bother at all with his.Only ever use genuine or superior parts, cheap stuff is a ticking time bomb. Don't buy one because it has the toys like recaros, buy one that's good, stuff like recaros is a bonus. check the tyres, who made them, good tyres (Michelin, pirelli, goodyear, etc) is a good sign that money has been spent keeping the car healthy.

 

[CallorFold]

Looks fairly tidy. I went for a Racing Blue Clio myself back in Feb.

Few things to check -
Heater Controls - make sure the fan works on all speeds
Keyless Entry - make sure this works on both doors and the boot, including the lock button on the door handle
Service History - Annual or every 12K miles
Cam Belt - Should have been done by now 6 years/72K miles whichever comes first

Also, in those ebay pics, the close up of the alloy wheel, to me it looks like there's a wheel bolt missing? (bottom left one)

Cant see it very clearly, but the steering wheel also looks like it's bubbling/peeling quite a bit - fairly normal thing in these though unfortunately, but maybe a bargaining chip for you to knock some money off.

Also be aware it doesn't have Xennons or Climate Control - not sure if these are things you'd want/need?

 

[Pav]

welcome and check this guide.
and as above..It is probably racing blue based on the lighting..
i personaly think its overpriced..you should be able to get a cheaper example..try autotrader..
good luck choosing

 

[retrolama]

Wow nice one thank you very much for the info i will defiantly check its had a cam belt change as its done 62,000 miles know its a pricy job on 182'a :/ and i didn't even notice the wheel nut so will check that out too.
sweet thought it might be the light and photos quite like the racing blue color! so happy with that will check over the other areas mentioned if i view it. Much appreciated!

 

[retrolama]

back again thanks for the above advise quite dificult to find a good examples with good history, taking my time looking for decent examples. could some one be so kind to tell me if 197 came standard with locking wheel nuts on each side and if the Cabasse” stereo or standard 197 stereo has a jack socket or blue tooth function?

Many thanks!