clio with high mileage????

[keiran]

i am looking to buy a clio 1.*2 grande and have found one in my price range of £*3300 it is fully kitted out with electrics etc and is an '*R plate.* The only problem is the 71,*000 miles on the clock,* is it worth buying the car,* i need it to last me for a good few years,* or is this a bad buy and will i encounter problems with a high mileage clio?* does anyone know what clio'*s are like and will they last?*

[WhipLash]

I cannot comment directly on whether that actual car would be a good buy or not. However, if you want to ensure that it'll be trouble free for a number of years then you'd be best advised to get a mechanic to check her over before parting with your money. Remember, if its going to be unreliable over a number of years then it'll end up costing you more to run.

An alternative to think about would be a Corolla (or most other Japanese cars). One of the most reliable cars in its class, and certain to be more reliable in the long run. Again get a mechanic to check out any specific models.

I remember reading last year that a study should that a 3-year-old Corolla was on average more reliable than a new Renault Megane (not the new current model). Take what you want from that!

HTH.

[Beetlejuice]

R plate - Is that 1997/98 ?

If you are looking for a car that you want to keep for several years - don't buy the Clio.
I worked on Renault cars for many years and they are just not well built enough for high mileage.
The cooling system is especially prone to giving trouble at high mileage.

In my opinion, if you want a car that can take high mileage and give you good service, go for a well maintained German car e.g. VW Golf.


Happy hunting,
Beetlejuice.

[ClubAndrew]

I was very interested in Beetlejuice's reply (I know it is six months old, but I have one of these Clios and am getting desperate). Do you possibly know anything about immobilisers that completely cut out and refuse to let the engine restart for no apparent reason?

[WhipLash]

Hi Andrew,

Does this happen while driving or when you try to start up the car?

Not sure either way :rolleyes: , but it might be worthwhile posing the same question on the Online Mechanic forum (http://forums.eforecourt.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=11) where I'm sure Rivolette could help you out with some suggestions.