EO the Clio

[Gruber]

The 2023-4 winter runabout has arrived!  Christened "EO the Clio", it's a last-of-the-line Mk2 parts bin run-out Campus model complete with the 1.2 8v petrol lump.  Barely enough power to pull the skin off a custard, but it drives nicely and has been well looked after.  Interior immaculate and seems to have been well maintained.

Better photos to follow...  maybe.

What's wrong with it...?  Well it's due a service, the clutch bite feels a bit high to me and the the MoT runs out in early Feb.  It'll be doing a 500 mile round trip to Blackpool in a week or so, so that'll be a good opportunity to see what else shakes out as we get better acquainted.  Might treat it to oil, plugs and air filter before I go.

 

[Supernaut]

Clutch feels high?

Supposedly it's a case of "they all do that, sir" with mk2 Clios.

[reb]

The 1.4 16v I had was the same. As were the two 1.2s I've driven.

[mk2_craig]

Are these the ones with the reworked back end, different tailgate and bumper?

[Gruber]

1 hour ago, mk2_craig said:

Are these the ones with the reworked back end, different tailgate and bumper?

Yep - that's right.  Renault pushed the boat right out to make sure those Mk2s kept selling.  

[Gruber]

3 hours ago, Supernaut said:

Clutch feels high?

Supposedly it's a case of "they all do that, sir" with mk2 Clios.

Useful to hear.  Maybe its fine.  Hard to tell whether it is slipping when there's so little power available.  

[Supernaut]

16 minutes ago, Gruber said:

Useful to hear.  Maybe its fine.  Hard to tell whether it is slipping when there's so little power available.  

Well mine is an RSi, which has 110hp.

I don't drive it gently either and it seems healthy enough. I've seen plenty of forum posts saying that the clutch on mk2 Clios always just feels high even when it's good.

[jon.k]

If you squint those hubcaps look a bit like the Renaultsport alloys. Maybe?

[Gruber]

2 hours ago, jon.k said:

If you squint those hubcaps look a bit like the Renaultsport alloys. Maybe?

Yes! Especially if you look in the opposite direction while squinting. 

[Gruber]

I’m enjoying this little car. It feels about as simple as cars have been in the last 20 years. No air con, no parking sensors, no touchscreen, no remote mirror controls, nor any other fripperies of the modern age. Lightweight, utilitarian, billy-basic motoring with just a hint of Gallic something or other. 

[Six-cylinder]

I enjoyed my Clio 2  very much.

I love the way the rear window rolls into the roof.

[Supernaut]

22 minutes ago, Six-cylinder said:

I enjoyed my Clio 2  very much.

I love the way the rear window rolls into the roof.

I love the colour of that.

I got a lift from the station in that very car to collect my currently slumbering E36 from you, and now I have my own mk2 Clio. It must have left its mark on me!

[reb]

Mine was the most fun car I've owned. Until it caught a little bit on fire. Then I poured red bull on it, let it cool down, then it continued to be lots of fun. Unfortunately "drive it like you stole it" only works until enough bits fall off that it won't pass an MOT, so it went to the scrapyard in the sky because I didn't have anywhere to fix it at that point. Sounded filthy on the way to the scrapyard with no exhaust!

[ProgRocker]

Nice Clio. I greater appreciate Renaults these days for their reputation of excellent ride comfort. 

My Hyundai reg also begins EO. Essex registration I believe. 

[Gruber]

This week, EO the Clio went to Blackpool.  And came back again.  Entirely under its own (limited) power.  Approx 460 miles round trip, mostly at 70ish / 3,500rpm-ish.  Returned approx 42mpg and never missed a beat.

Remarkably comfortable car to spend 4+ hours in.  

Blackpool was grey and grim.   Apologies to anyone who lives there...  it must be tough.  Here's a quick snap of the Tower as we rolled into town.

Before the trip, it had oil, filter, an air filter and some new brake fluid.  Plugs all seemed clean and everything else got a broadly clean bill of health.  Clutch remains high and slip-free.  TADTS.

It's a pleasing little car for the money.  I might put it up for sale.  

 

[beko1987]

On 26/10/2023 at 08:36, Six-cylinder said:

I enjoyed my Clio 2  very much.

I love the way the rear window rolls into the roof.

Wow a memory for me too! The first mk2 clio I ever saw was a 3 door in that colour on an S when they'd just come out! A friend's dad got one and he took us for a drive in it! Felt amazingly wonderful to 11 year old me! 

Then later my stepmum had a V plate in dark green in 2001/2 and that was less fun when dad lost his job and the Mondeo and it was the only get for 5 of us for a spell... 😂