Reasonable service intervals?

[CaptainCaveman]

Hi all,

Been on the lookout for a last off the line Clio 200 with low miles, and have come across a few, however not been sure what to think about the generally scant service intervals. Most 2012/2013 cars available with low miles seem to have only been serviced every 2 years, with the general excuse being that they have followed the service indicator on the dash. Am I safe buying a car that only been serviced 3-4 times in 6-7 years, or is that a bad sign?

It's tough for me, as I tend to err on the side of caution, and have always religiously serviced my cars every 6 months, even if it's just an oil and filter change. For the extra peace of mind and mechanical sympathy it gives, it's always been worth it for the minimal cost.

As long as the car runs ok, and everything else checks out, do we think that I'm ok stumping for a car with this level of history - or should I expect to find one with a more meticulous history?

Any opinions or advice gratefully received.

Mart.

 

[Steve Murr]

The 200 Service is actually 2 years so thats why they appear 'scant'

The belts are 6 years which again needs to be checked as 12/13 cars are all overdue now...

 

[CaptainCaveman]

The 200 Service is actually 2 years so thats why they appear 'scant'

The belts are 6 years which again needs to be checked as 12/13 cars are all overdue now...

Many thanks Steve

 

[petercronin]

Personally I’d only be concerned if they’d been used hard a lot in that time. Renault must have known 2 years was fine or they would have kept it at 1.

 

[CaptainCaveman]

Personally I’d only be concerned if they’d been used hard a lot in that time. Renault must have known 2 years was fine or they would have kept it at 1.

Thanks Peter - problem is, how do you know how it's been driven - no real way to know. Equally though, anyone who buys a Cup spec car will only do that for one reason right; to drive the thing hard!

 

[petercronin]

Thanks Peter - problem is, how do you know how it's been driven - no real way to know. Equally though, anyone who buys a Cup spec car will only do that for one reason right; to drive the thing hard!

Well that’s the question that you need to ask buying any car. All you can do is ask the current owner and make a judgement call based off the answer and the condition of the car. But these cars are generally pretty strong engine wise. It might be possible to track down more previous owners though since a lot of people who own these cars know other owners.

If you’re not happy with them intervals though it might be worth thinking about waiting to find another car with a more thorough history. If it’s something you’re not happy about it’s going to play on your mind and maybe take the shine of your new toy.