Hi there, another potential rs200 owner

Ok I'm going to confuse the situation. They calipers look painted to match the disc mounts IMO, the car looks like it's sitting too high for Cup chassis plus no Brembo decal on front calipers. Also the wheels have been painted. If I was looking for a 200 it wouldn't be this one.

Was thinking that myself!
 
Standard chassis will be fine, like yourself I'm in my 40s (quite a few oldies on here TBH). As calipers can be painted there are different markings on springs but less easy to see. Biggest issue is gearboxes, not sure if it's been blown out of preportion but a few gearboxes have failed at varing mileages. Make sure you go up and down all the gears thoroughly, if anything crunches walk away. FSH wether dealer/specialist/DIY is a must and an invoice for belt change is essential.
 
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Yes I was going to ask about the cambelt. It says 5 years on the guide so basically anything I look at should've had it done. I'm thinking around 6-7k budget for a 2009-2011 car with sensible miles and full history.

It does seem that if you're happy with the standard seats and chassis there is a good deal of choice. At the moment my preferred combo is white with black wheels. I love the spoiler too. Blue looks great too.

I'm looking forward to doing some searching and testing!
 
The gearbox on my Honda is not good so I hope I'll be able to tell if there's a problem!

In fact I can definitely say that Honda reliability is not all it's cracked up to be. A few years ago I would have worried about buying a Renault but nowadays I do think they are all pretty much alike in terms of quality and even the most reputable cars can throw up expensive problems. I'm not far from Mick at diamond motors who I hear is the man to see for service and maintenance.
 
Welcome along Chris!
A lot of knowledgeable people on here, so post anything you like - even pictures of your dinner (in the correct section, of course!)
Advice will echo amongst us but we all like to chime in. Locke is right about that black 200, but to add my two pennies worth, I bought mine (non-Cup) based on mileage, condition and price. I was looking for a racing/albi blue, or white cup packed 200 and ended up buying what I have now, as there was nothing close to it on the market at the time, and the fact it came with a 12m Renault warranty. I'd say that one near you doesn't have the cup chassis as the arch gap is too big, but try and view a car as a blank canvas - the aesthetics are terrible but it can be quickly put right, funds permitting - just take a look at my progress thread here and you'll see for yourself!
Secondly, the belts should be changed at 6 years on the 200, so that one is well overdue if it hasn't been done already.
 
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Welcome along Chris! Good to see that everyone has been helpful so far with their advice!

All I'd add is take your time and test drive/view a few, to get a good idea of what constitutes a good and bad example! If you're not overly fussed for Recaros and Cup chassis, then there should be a healthy choice out there! Also, you will have more than enough fun without the Cup chassis - they are by no means night and day different, so you wouldn't be missing out!
 
Right, paid up now!

The white one is lovely, it's what I had in mind externally and perhaps the yellow inserts and seat belts would grow on me. It's top end of my budget and also private sale means no part ex for the Honda. Bit early yet and it's in Scotland!
 
Those recaro seats....

They do look great and I'm sure they're comfy. Do they present any issues with access to the rear of the car as I do need to be able to carry baby from time to time? I know that large sports seats can sometimes make that a bit harder.
 
They're not too bad, but I'd reckon they'll make getting baby into the back a bit more challenging--especially once you reach toddler stage. Cup suspension might not be totally child friendly, either...
 
That's what I thought. It will be my daily but fortunately not the family car, Sam hasn't been in my car since before Christmas. We use the wife's car for family duties because it's just easier. As long as the Clio could be used if necessary then it's fine.

I should be looking at the gordini this weekend. The price is pure fantasy and I can't say that I'm even that blown away by the way it looks but it's at a local car supermarket which also happens to have a type r and a newish Fiesta st for comparison.
 
Just remember too that the Gordini holds a higher price bracket simply because it is quite rare (although says 500 limited run, I've learnt from this site that it's believed there was nowhere near that number sold in U.K.) and therefore (I'm hoping as I have one lol) will retain a higher value in future, not that I plan to get rid of mine at all....just worth noting.

I think they look so much nicer in the flesh but I'm biased lol. Mines standard looking and have a few pics on here but also may be worth taking a look at @Gordini 's project thread on here for inspiration as what can be done.
 
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Hi sneydster, certainly no offence against you car intended. These cars are very personal and I've noticed that hardly any two are exactly the same!

I can see why the price is high but will let you experts be the judge...
http://www.availablecar.com/used-renault/clio_2.0-gordini-200-3dr-[nav][panroof]/336867

Very low miles and it is lavishly equipped. I don't know how much of that kit was standard or optional but I'm guessing that someone spent an awful lot of money on that car when new. I like the seats, haven't seen any like that before. Sat Nav, pan roof are nice features. Those parking sensors are hideous and surely must be aftermarket? I can't imagine why anyone need them on a Clio anyway but they do just need painting to blend in a bit so not a problem. Oh and no red calipers along with higher ride height means non cup chassis? See, I'm learning!

It's far beyond my original budget but will be nice to have a poke round. I did wonder if it used to be on this forum? Anyway if anyone would like me to take pics of anything in particular I'm happy to.