Jimmy's Deep Black R27 no.243 - Goodbye kid, it's been a blast.
- Thread starter Jimmy
- Start date
As a former biker myself I have to know what you're after! Not much up on the latest bikes sadly. Gave up the bike when dating the lassie who became my wife. Flights from London to Aberdeen every fortnight meant a car was the cheaper option & she doesn't like bikes! Fancy something traditional like a BMW R nine T myself. But then I'm 58 years old!FINAL UPDATE - this might be a long one....
So nearly a year after the last updateit's time to wrap things up and say goodbye to R27 #243.
She actually went three weeks ago now, but I have only just got round to making this post. It's fair to say this progress thread wasn't ever the busiest, or most frequently updated, however that's no reflection on the love I had for the car overall. The fact that the update prior to this was nearly 12 months ago, does tell a little story though...
Truth is, over the last year I fell out of love with the car. I loved her, but I wasn't in love with her anymore. I hope that most of you will know what I'm on about when I say that, because I'm sure so many of you love your baby to bits! I can't really put my finger on why it is I started to fall out of love, however it was significant enough to contribute to me finally making the decision to sell her.
These are such special cars and they demand a LOT of attention and time. They aren't run-of-the-mill by any stretch, and unless you can devote that time and attention to them and also really exploit the qualities that make them a special car, for me they aren't really a viable option. Personally, over the last year my R27 was essentially only used as a commuter and for relatively short trips: not ideal fodder for a car of this calibre, and as such I lost that buzz of excitement that I constantly got when I first bought her.
Another reason is that over the last few months I have had a very persistent, two-wheel sized itch that needs to be scratched, badly. I'm currently in the process of going through my DAS for a full bike licence and I'm pretty much obsessed with that at the moment. That didn't leave much room for an R27 and was another reason I took the hard decision to sell.
The selling process wasn't a great experience tbh - I think at the moment it is very much a buyers' market and it probably couldn't have been a worse time to sell mine. She was sold though, to a trader from near Silverstone, who apparently specialised in hot hatches and 'hand-picked' the finest from the private market.... I'll take that as a compliment. I hope she finds a good home and that the eventual new owner will enjoy her as much as I did.
Do I miss her? Honestly, at the moment no. Reading the progress threads on here, I do get the occasional little pang and I remember the good times, however it's not nearly enough to think that I made the wrong decision. As I said above, it's all about motorcycles at the minute, so that's the hot topic in my head and therefore a fast car doesn't float my current boat.
I had an incredible 4 years behind the wheel of her and there are some truly memorable times that I will never forget - the Scotland North Coast 500 with @Pav and @Chris was probably the most fun and favourite time I had in the car. Plus, owning the car introduced me to this forum, which I am very proud to be a part of. On that subject, I'm not going anywhere and I will be staying on as Admin
Thanks for reading, I'll finish with my favourite photo of her:
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Yiannis197
Paid Member
Jimmy, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm in total sync with you mate. These cars in order to be appreciated - and therefore for the love levels to stay - are only meant to be driven the right way. Using them as commute cars is far from ideal and to be honest I'm really surprised you kept it so long. Credit to you for maintaining such a great example, someone will get a nice car. I disagree with you for one thing though, buyer's market. There are only a few 197s for sale at the moment in the country (let alone R27) and even less tidy examples. Finding a good one is extremely tricky and if you are selling one it only takes one buyer. It depends how long someone is willing to wait I suppose? Either way, yours is gone so good luck for any future endeavors!
I've always said that if you don't look back after parking your car then the love is gone. I still look back and admire its looks, that's not to say however that selling has not crossed my mind on a more than one occasion. It has but from different reasons, simply because running 3 cars in central London is very steep so if I wanted another performance car the Clio would have to go (as the shed would have to stay for commuting purposes). Possible future regrets have stopped me thus far but if i carry on this way I'd never own another car (simply because I'll never leave central London). In two minds at the moment but I might be following your example at some point in the imminent future.
Glad you are staying around though mate, what a top bloke!
I'm in total sync with you mate. These cars in order to be appreciated - and therefore for the love levels to stay - are only meant to be driven the right way. Using them as commute cars is far from ideal and to be honest I'm really surprised you kept it so long. Credit to you for maintaining such a great example, someone will get a nice car. I disagree with you for one thing though, buyer's market. There are only a few 197s for sale at the moment in the country (let alone R27) and even less tidy examples. Finding a good one is extremely tricky and if you are selling one it only takes one buyer. It depends how long someone is willing to wait I suppose? Either way, yours is gone so good luck for any future endeavors!
I've always said that if you don't look back after parking your car then the love is gone. I still look back and admire its looks, that's not to say however that selling has not crossed my mind on a more than one occasion. It has but from different reasons, simply because running 3 cars in central London is very steep so if I wanted another performance car the Clio would have to go (as the shed would have to stay for commuting purposes). Possible future regrets have stopped me thus far but if i carry on this way I'd never own another car (simply because I'll never leave central London). In two minds at the moment but I might be following your example at some point in the imminent future.
Glad you are staying around though mate, what a top bloke!
Please don't tell me you're considering selling. Yours is a lovely car, so well sorted. I get that folk move on though & seeing as you hang around with Lotus guys the temptation must be strong!
Jimmy
Good cop
Thanks for all the kind comments guys, I didn't really expect that seeing as this progress thread has cobwebs all over it 
@-Eddie- thank you Eddie, very kind of you to say. It is hard to face that reality, where you start to think that a car like this doesn't make sense anymore. I hated it, but when you've got other responsibilities to consider, it must make it even harder!
@Big Ben thank you buddy, I appreciate that. I love the forum and even though the car has gone, it doesn't mean I feel any less enthusiasm for this place. The people are great and I genuinely believe this is the best website for mk3/4 Clio RSs. Proud to be a big part of it.
@Josh Hill Thanks mate, yes it was definitely the right choice - I'd thought about it most of this year, but it all came to a head in the summer.
As for a first bike, well I'm kinda 'kid in a sweet shop' at the moment! I change my mind more than I change my tighty whiteys, however I think I'm settled on an Adventure/Tourer. Sports bikes seem a natural progression from a 'fast' car, but the riding position would do my brittle back/posture no favours whatsoever!!
@Beany the irony is that it's come at a time when you have properly fallen in love with yours; taking her on track, upgrading seats etc. It is a shame I went the opposite way, but that's life and I had to face up to the reality!
@Johnny 99 It's the opposite for me right now - I'm not currently married or have kids, so I want to take the opportunity to get into biking while I have some degree of freedom! As above, I think an adventure/tourer bike would fit what I'd like - upright riding position; versatility; option for comfortable, long rides. Models-wise, I've only been window shopping, so it's just what I've seen online really. I don't want to try any for size until I've got my licence. But perhaps, Honda CB500X, Honda NC750 X, BMW GS650 - but as I say, I'm a noob, so these might not be the best choices in the end.... Early days yet.
@Yiannis197 thank you for your kind words mate, I really appreciate that! I did always look back at the 197, but there was always 'something' that ate away at me and never sat quite right, but only in the last 12 months. I hated to admit it, and it took a huge amount of time spent contemplating it, but I had to be honest with myself.
As for buyers' market, I guess I saw that prices weren't too hot at all - values seem to be getting lower recently and that is what I was getting at I suppose. I don't know though, I didn't look into it too deeply.
I am surprised to see you're contemplating selling yours, as you seem to be the epitome of someone who really uses it to the max! But we do all have changes of heart in our lives and we have to be realistic.
@-Eddie- thank you Eddie, very kind of you to say. It is hard to face that reality, where you start to think that a car like this doesn't make sense anymore. I hated it, but when you've got other responsibilities to consider, it must make it even harder!
@Big Ben thank you buddy, I appreciate that. I love the forum and even though the car has gone, it doesn't mean I feel any less enthusiasm for this place. The people are great and I genuinely believe this is the best website for mk3/4 Clio RSs. Proud to be a big part of it.
@Josh Hill Thanks mate, yes it was definitely the right choice - I'd thought about it most of this year, but it all came to a head in the summer.
As for a first bike, well I'm kinda 'kid in a sweet shop' at the moment! I change my mind more than I change my tighty whiteys, however I think I'm settled on an Adventure/Tourer. Sports bikes seem a natural progression from a 'fast' car, but the riding position would do my brittle back/posture no favours whatsoever!!
@Beany the irony is that it's come at a time when you have properly fallen in love with yours; taking her on track, upgrading seats etc. It is a shame I went the opposite way, but that's life and I had to face up to the reality!
@Johnny 99 It's the opposite for me right now - I'm not currently married or have kids, so I want to take the opportunity to get into biking while I have some degree of freedom! As above, I think an adventure/tourer bike would fit what I'd like - upright riding position; versatility; option for comfortable, long rides. Models-wise, I've only been window shopping, so it's just what I've seen online really. I don't want to try any for size until I've got my licence. But perhaps, Honda CB500X, Honda NC750 X, BMW GS650 - but as I say, I'm a noob, so these might not be the best choices in the end.... Early days yet.
@Yiannis197 thank you for your kind words mate, I really appreciate that! I did always look back at the 197, but there was always 'something' that ate away at me and never sat quite right, but only in the last 12 months. I hated to admit it, and it took a huge amount of time spent contemplating it, but I had to be honest with myself.
As for buyers' market, I guess I saw that prices weren't too hot at all - values seem to be getting lower recently and that is what I was getting at I suppose. I don't know though, I didn't look into it too deeply.
I am surprised to see you're contemplating selling yours, as you seem to be the epitome of someone who really uses it to the max! But we do all have changes of heart in our lives and we have to be realistic.
petercronin
Paid Member
It’s always sad to see someone sell up but by the sounds of it it was the right decision for you. You have to love these cars because if you don’t you’ll never put up with them. Ive thought about doing the bike thing a few times too but I just don’t know if I could sell the Clio. As others have mentioned it’s great that your planning on sticking around.
Jimmy
Good cop
Thank you Peter, very kind words. That's exactly how I felt - when I weighed everything up, keeping a car like this in the hope that I'd get an itch again at some point in the future, it just wasn't an option. I hope that I don't regret it in the future, but focusing on getting into biking is what I need!
Yiannis197
Paid Member
It is strong indeed Johnny but the problem here is location rather than anything. I love the Clio as much as I loved it first day and in its current state is totally personalised to my driving style and needs. Also, the prices of these cars are now so low that you don't really get much back so I wouldn't really have to sell this in order to fund a purchase of another. With that said, it then comes the storage issue (main problem in where I live), maintaining 2 cars to tip top condition and pay insurance for the lot. I'm not the SORN kind of guy, when I feel like driving it I'd want to take the damn thing and drive it. Moving out of central option is not an option either as I massively value my social life. But as mentioned, this mindset would never allow me to own another performance car which is rather frustrating. But thoughts of me selling and then getting disappointed by the replacement are also very strong!
I know mate, as explained above, I tried to do the man maths and maintain 3 cars but it'd be crazy because I'd have to go and rent a garage for the third (already have one where I store the Clio). But it would have been my dream garage, on of the best FWD out there - especially in its current form - paired with one focused mid engined! Who knows, I might just work it out!!
Jimmy
Good cop
Thanks Colin, I really appreciate all your help so far, it's been invaluable! And trust me, I have plenty more questions to ask
Thanks mateThey certainly do! I remember when I had my GSXR and a naive "fast" car owner scoffed 'only a 600'. He was left eating his words and my dust!
Funnily enough K6 Gixxer 600 was my first bike!They certainly do! I remember when I had my GSXR and a naive "fast" car owner scoffed 'only a 600'. He was left eating his words and my dust!
I had a K7 so same bike. Started with a SV650S then the GSXR before moving on to litre bikes. Riding a R1 at the moment, what about yourself?
Just to throw my two pennies worth into this - know exactly how you feel mate, though I didn't have the itch to be a maniac on two wheels!
When the love is gone, it's gone. Was looking at a few pics of my 200 last night, and although it looked awesome, I didn't feel sick or upset when I watched it drive up the road. The 220 is everything I wanted in a car. Bearing in mind I was too afraid to track the 200, not sure why I do with a car that's £10k more?! Maybe it's all down to how it makes you feel behind the wheel?
Glad you're sticking around
When the love is gone, it's gone. Was looking at a few pics of my 200 last night, and although it looked awesome, I didn't feel sick or upset when I watched it drive up the road. The 220 is everything I wanted in a car. Bearing in mind I was too afraid to track the 200, not sure why I do with a car that's £10k more?! Maybe it's all down to how it makes you feel behind the wheel?
Glad you're sticking around
Hopped out of supersports onto an MT09 mate, far more usable on the road!
Jimmy
Good cop
Just to throw my two pennies worth into this - know exactly how you feel mate, though I didn't have the itch to be a maniac on two wheels!
When the love is gone, it's gone. Was looking at a few pics of my 200 last night, and although it looked awesome, I didn't feel sick or upset when I watched it drive up the road. The 220 is everything I wanted in a car. Bearing in mind I was too afraid to track the 200, not sure why I do with a car that's £10k more?! Maybe it's all down to how it makes you feel behind the wheel?
Glad you're sticking around
Thanks Micah. Yeah it was a strange feeling to not love it anymore, seeing as the previous 3 years had been a total love affair with the thing. It drifted away a bit and I never got it back, for some reason. They are such special cars and seeing people like yourself, Beany and Big Ben (and others of course) finding a new lease of life with them on track, perhaps that's what I was missing - I just never took it to the 'next level' as it were. But that's where the paranoia got a grip, I was never compelled to take it on a track because of the fear of something going wrong!
As for being a maniac on two wheels
definitely not my intention (though perhaps they all say that!), it's just something I really, really want to do and the passion for that superseded my love for the Clio by a long, long way unfortunately...I envy people who have second cars to use an alternative to one of these, whether it's another sports car, or just a daily. I imagine it does help to keep the love burning for them. At one point I did see myself keeping it for ever, but clearly it wasn't meant to be!
Funnily enough this my second car to keep the vxr good! Lol, I agree with you on the buyers market though, I’m lucky enough not to need to sell but I’d not take less than 5K! I’ve seen an absolute mint r27 in liquid yellow on eBay for quite a while now, the guy is looking offers below 9k and it been there quite a while and it was originally on at 10k!
Jimmy
Good cop
This is what I was getting at when I said it's a buyers' market - it seemed to me that even though there were some good ones out there, people were wanting them for as low as they could get them. The LY one is a good example - perhaps 9-10k is overpriced, but even if there are 'mint' ones, I don't think values are strong enough for people to justify paying that much, not when an average 197 can be had for ~£2k. IMO
