New member | Essex | 197 tbc

Gam

Gam

Good morning all first post here but won't be my last.

Have my eyes on a 197 atm but have a few questions need answering before I commit to buying it.

The car is on 51,000 currently and has not had a cambelt change as of yet. The dealer selling the car said he would be able to do this for £220.

Is this about right?

Secondly the car had a gearbox problem. He has told me that it was stripped down and rebuilt with a new 4th gear (wasn't sliding into gear flush he said) and that the syncro-rings and seals we're replaced.

Is this a problem with many 197's?

Any feedback would be welcome and if I have posted in the wrong section then I apologize in advance

- Gam
 
Hi Gam.

That service won't be with genuine Renault parts. Normally you'll look at circa £500+ with genuine parts. Does that include the water pump?

Yes the gearbox is a common issue (not if you ask Renault haha) good if its been done. I'd get the best and longest warranty out of the dealer.

Where in Essex you based? I'll happily come look at the car with you if you're unsure.
 
Rogue I will need to find out from dealer, would you recommend having that all done in one go?

I will be asking for a longer warranty on the gearbox as advised from a friend.

I'm in Basildon, the car is in brentwood.
 
Thanks Rogue I will let you know when I'm next seeing it and PM you?

Is there anywhere around the area you recommend to get the work done?

I have a friend who could carry the work out for me but always like to know of new places based on recommendations.
 
No where local. If it was me, I'd buy the parts and let them fit them foc.

You'll get good deals from twingogeekeo on here for parts as well.
 
Make sure they have experience with Renaultsport engines, they will need a special locking tool to ensure that the timing stays how it should be when they swap the belts. This tool is ~£300 and if they haven't got it DO NOT let them do it. Typically you're looking at £450-500 for a Cambelt change from a specialist or nearer to £800 from Renault main dealers including Aux Belt and Water Pump.
 
Willis said:
Make sure they have experience with Renaultsport engines, they will need a special locking tool to ensure that the timing stays how it should be when they swap the belts. This tool is ~£300 and if they haven't got it DO NOT let them do it. Typically you're looking at £450-500 for a Cambelt change from a specialist or nearer to £800 from Renault main dealers including Aux Belt and Water Pump.
Click to expand...

I will ask them if they have and if they haven't I will have to start looking for someone who has I guess.

Have no problem travelling to get bits done if need be.
 
Gam,

For the cam-belt. There is not many Renault Dealers around here that are any good..

Renault orpington = sh*t
Renault Romford = Sh*t

Take it to - Two techs in Dartford or Ren7oaks in Sevenoaks kent.

Or further a field.. K-tec racing / 519 Auto
 
Last edited:
Discount tdf after thetlir last post.

Danny @519 and Carl chambers are other options as well.
 
That's the one! Just found their site also.

Spending money before I've even got the car! :zomg:
 
How many Essex guys/gals are the knocking about on here? Would be great when I get a 197 sorted to meet everyone and learn some more about the cars.
 
We're having a local-ish photo shoot on the 4th November at Graffiti tunnel.

More than welcome to come down, there's 13 of us on the list to attend at the moment.
 
Righto if its all sorted by then I will try my hardest to get over there to meet everyone.
 
Hiya mate I'm from Basildon aswell, a few new members popping up here now. From previous posts I've always found Renault Romford about as decent as dealers get. Toomeys are well worth avoiding though.

As for meets most local members attend the monthly Ace cafe French nights ( every 3rd Monday ) and your more than welcome to follow me up one evening if you dont know the way. There's also a Christmas meal taking place over at pipps hill this year, that'll be a great opportunity to get introduced to the club.
 
Hello mate,

I live in woodford so am local too.

if you get the car try and come to the photo shoot and ace cafe nights

RV
 
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