R9UKE's French Car Blog...

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 18 Mar 2011, 23:07

What, the Xm that's had a half dozen owners in the same number of months?

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 18 Mar 2011, 23:22

I know what you mean about the 1007 Luke, it has a similar reputation in our family too. I hope it sells soon!

I don't think ive seen a 03 style Clio with full leather, I can imagine that is very rare, yep.

Ive had a little drive of a Megane Coupe, R reg i think it was. Quite a dull thing to drive and i was amased it wasn't a hatchback, as it looks like one. The boot is almost useless. Those cabrios do look quite good though.

robert_e_smart wrote:Luke, "Ragger" is selling a 2.0 16V auto Xm, buy that for her.

Chris will recognise the car I hope!

I can't quite believe its for sale AGAIN!

I think we sold it around a year ago, its onto its second owner since then and is now for sale again.

Im quite tempted to get it back, as i was quite attached to that car, but that would defeat the object of selling it.

R9UKE · Unread post by **R9UKE** » 18 Mar 2011, 23:30

Robert you said nothing about it being passed around like a bad disease on the phone!!

Don't think she'd appreciate all an XM has to offer! She'll see it as an older, unnecessarily bigger car with double the mileage she has on hers. A shame as it would be a lot nicer to "borrow" for the weekend than a 1.1 206.

Citroenmad wrote:Im quite tempted to get it back, as i was quite attached to that car, but that would defeat the object of selling it.

Exactly my thoughts on my Y reg C5 V6 which I'm pretty sure is still for sale. I want it back, but at the same time there's little logic in it.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 19 Mar 2011, 00:07

We had that Xm 8 years, so I know it better than anyone and its a good car. Just a shame its being passed around a bit but hopefully it will settle down eventually

It was always 100% reliable for us and was a pleasure to drive. The only reason we sold it was we had two Xms and as we only use an Xm infrequently it seemed silly having two and the estate we have is such a nice find with its low mileage. I do prefer this Xm estate to the white auto but there is no reason why it should be passed around, its a great car.

I can't imagine there is much point in borrowing a 1.1 206 for the weekend

My mum used to use that Xm a bit, as its an auto. She has driven a manual Xm years ago but didnt like the 4 pedals. She refuses to drive our current manual Xm estate as its huge and has the 4 pedals. Mind, she wont even drive a C5! My mum is very age conscious with cars, anything too old and its dismissed.

Is your mum not tempted by a MeganeII auto? Or a C4 auto? What about a 207?

R9UKE · Unread post by **R9UKE** » 19 Mar 2011, 12:41

The 206 is actually quite a quick little car. It was much faster than my 1.2 Clio anyway, but now that I have a 2.0 you're right, there's no point at all!

That's a shame about your XM being passed around, it does look a nice car but it's the wrong spec for me I'm afraid

That C5 V6 I had has changed hands about 4 times in the past year. I suppose I didn't live with it for that long but I can't see why it's happening... perhaps it's the running costs.

Mum is reluctant to buy anything too new, as she may be getting a company car this summer if she decides to change jobs. If we're buying something around 2003, then there's less chance of losing money on something that may not be sticking around too long. It's just the Comms 2000 that's really p*ssing her off with the 206 - and i suppose I'm reluctant to change it for her as there's an opportunity to get another Renault

So that kind of rules out the C4 and 207. She really loves my Mégane... but then we have two of the same car. Yes... I am more or less deciding the car for her!! Although if she takes that job she's already picked a company car. A white Alfa Romeo Giulietta

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 19 Mar 2011, 13:36

A white XM automatic, the perfect car for her to use until the summer, then you use it there after!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 19 Mar 2011, 18:55

We had a Saxo 1.1 from new which uses the same engine, it was reasonably lively. They only have 60bhp I think. If your Clio was a 1.2 8v and not a 16v then it would have had the same power.

Yes, I can imagine a C5 V6 being something which does get passed around. Its something which would be nice to own for a short time and then sell on I guess. With the spiraling fuel costs they will be shifting owners faster than ever

C5 V6 with LPG, now that would be a keeper!

Why not just replace the comms2000 Luke? They are not 'that' expensive and are easy to fit. Plus if your planning on selling the car you would have trouble with a malfunctioning indicator.

If its a car which is only going to be owned, or might be, until the summer, I'd probably think of something a little unusual, something you might not want to live with for that long but you might want to experience. What about an Avantime ...

Or a MeganeII CC? Do they come with an auto box?

Something French, smallish and with a proper auto box, not many cars fit that description!

Just had a look on autotrader there and Clio Initiales don't look that rare, though I can't say I remember noticing one. Quite a few to choose from, they actually look really nice! Are they xenon headlights they have? Or just the fake projector ones? Headlight washers nonetheless. Cruise control, climate control ... very nice! I like the seats and quite a few have auto boxes too.

This 1.6 Initiale Auto with Sat Nav looks really nice. Pricey though.

Or this one looks just as good but without sat nav, more appealing price.

or there is this, nice and low mileage.

Hmm, they do look very nice, I didn't even know such a thing existed. If your after a small auto, that looks great!

New shape Clio Initiale

Or, if your mum likes Alfas, what about a nice 147 2.0 Lusso Auto

R9UKE · Unread post by **R9UKE** » 19 Mar 2011, 21:09

Yep, my Clio was the 8v, but with 97000 miles and a non-existant service record. Nothing beats your first car though!

Honestly I think the 206 will just be put through my car auction, so the Comms won't have a chance to be tested. But if we decide to sell privately, maybe I should consider changing it. really can't be bothered fiddling around with steering wheels and the likes.

I showed mum the red Avantime I was on the verge of buying and she said it looked ridiculous... plus they're HUGE!! AND... I have to have one first

You came up with some beautiful Initiales. Glad to hear I've added to your Clio knowledge, the Initiale badge always means a lot of luxury and it's nice to see such a luxurious version of a common-as-muck supermini. Never seen one with sat nav before, that's a first for me! Yep, they are proper Xenon headlights which is good.

That 147 looks absolutely beautiful. I didn't know they came with an auto box. Such a terrifying car to buy second hand though, they have even more problems than Renaults. Lots of stories of leaks and huge electrical problems, and any we have in work are always dying.

Meanwhile, too old for Mum but I'm very tempted to buy this for myself.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Perhaps you could share the secret to this URL word linkage thing?

Just back from an afternoon over at the home of the Renault 25 V6 that's coming my way soon. Got to see his latest addition which was very impressive indeed. A 1995 Renault Laguna 3.0 V6 Auto. Executive. He spotted it on Gumtree being advertised as spares or repair due to the failing auto box. It has 65,000 miles, full service history and an amazing unmarked grey leather interior. It was delivered for £300 and will soon have a fully working replacement gearbox.

He also stuck a battery in the 25 V6 which gave me an opportunity to play with all the gadgets. Only a few non-essential things have ceased to operate, and a man's voice shouts that the fuel level is low! It's going to be a lengthy project, but I'm looking forward to it.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 19 Mar 2011, 23:37

My first car was never supposed to be my first car, it was a little project I had going when I was 16 and then after borrowing my sisters Saxo for a few months thought id insure my AX. I replaced just about everything on it and then got a very nice Christmas present so it was only my road car for 3 months, luckily! Though I agree, first cars are hard to top! So many good memories .... and iffy ones

Is your mums 206 not a good one? Id have thought it would sell fine private and for much more money. Honestly, it took me 20 minutes to change the comms on my previous C5 and about 10 minutes to swap the steering wheels on my old 2.0 206. Give it a go!

Yes, an Avantime is a little big maybe, still, its interesting and its a Renault.

I used to like Clios, when we had them as loan cars every other week when the Scenic was at the dealers we generally got Clios. Not bad cars to drive but too cramped for my liking. Proper Xenons, im very impressed!

Yes, Alfas are often considered hugely problematic. The 147 is just a Fiat Stilo under the skin is it not? Another car which has a less than glowing reliability record. You can get some really very nice interiors in the 147 though, hmmm, red leather!

I notice the early Clios like that and the new shapes have full leather, while the middle shape has half suede. Never was a fan of that shape Clio, very odd looking front styling.

Ill share my knowledge on here

though someone might have already PM'd you the info, it might help someone else.
To insert a link:
post link location in here]name of item here-this is the words which display in the post

Ill PM you the longer version which Steve sent me, but the above in bold is all you need to add.

Does the soon to be yours 25 not start? Sounds like its going to be a bit of a project, a project for the summer months sounds just great!

Unread post by **myglaren** » 19 Mar 2011, 23:53

My first car was an Hillman Minx, bought when I was only 30

I have not one single happy memory of that heap.
The R4 that followed it though, loads of fun.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 20 Mar 2011, 00:04

Almost since passing my test I was insured on our 1972 R4, really good fun to drive. It taught me a lot about driving in my first year. I used to do a few classic car rallies with it which were excellent fun. Certainly smiles per mile in that.

Going from that to my fairly new Seat was a huge change, it felt like it was glued to the road in comparison to the 4 which seemed to intensify everything about driving.

R9UKE · Unread post by **R9UKE** » 20 Mar 2011, 00:37

I had to google that one Steve. Not exactly worthy of the name "Minx".

Thanks for the help with the URL thing. I'll give it a go.... this is what I always wanted after I passed my test. Couldn't get insurance though. Oddly, three months later they insured my 2.0 Meg!?

It is a good one, I suppose. It has one or two ugly dings on the bodywork. One from some idiot swinging a door open at full force, and one on the wing that appeared after it was left in town overnight. Other than that it has FSH and is a desirable first car because of the engine. Perhaps I should tackle the Comms and try a private sale first. It's a 2002 1.1 LX 3 Door with 55,000 miles. How much do you reckon? £1295?

I actually prefer the driving position in the Clio to the 206. The pedals are in a horrible position in the 206 and are too close together. The quality of plastics is also much better in a Clio. But you're right, it is cramped.

Those 206 Roland Garros sometimes came with a bit of suede instead of full leather. Odd that, I'd much rather have the leather as the suede doesn't seem to wear very well and is harder to clean - especially the cream in the 206.

The 25 doesn't start. It doesn't even try. The starter motor is either stuck or done. He's tried beating it briefly before, but as it's under the car in an awkward position he gave up easily. It sure is a project... one that's likely to take the whole summer and test my patience to the max

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 20 Mar 2011, 01:08

A 206 Roland Garros, they certainly have a love or hate interior

Yep, id say you should easily get £1295 for the 206, you could always try advertising it and if it doesn't go then send it to auction. Something like that is more likely to sell locally through news paper or local mags as a first car.

The driving position in the 206 leaves a lot to be desired, mainly the pedal spacing. Just before selling mine i went for the clutch while doing about 40 but hit the brake as well, which was quite unexpected

I did quite like the rest of the seating position and the long dash with an invisible bonnet.

For some reason I don't like the steering wheel in the Clio, it seems too big and at an odd angle compared to most cars.

I seem to remember something about that 25 needing a replacement HG? Or am I thinking of something else? That will be a good and rare car to own once you have it road going. I think you need to post a picture of its mad interior

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 20 Mar 2011, 01:15

Im surprised your not after one of these Luke

Mind, that ones has enough miles on it

R9UKE · Unread post by **R9UKE** » 20 Mar 2011, 01:21

Citroenmad wrote:I did quite like the rest of the seating position and the long dash with an invisible bonnet.

One of the qualities that made her buy it in the first place. Makes it feel like a nice size of a car, and you don't feel as "exposed" as in the Clio.

The Roland Garros interior is mad. Green on cream... only the french would do it!

You're correct, that's the reason the 25 was retired in the first place. That's no biggy, I just hope the auto box is OK. If it isn't, I can't see me going any further with it and unfortunately it will end it's days. I just have visions of blasting down the motorway in this mad 2.9 V6 Renault, it would be such a fascinating and unusual car to run. I'm holding on to that vision and going in to this with optimism!

Here you go Chris - I still don't know what half of the buttons do