New User, New (to me) car

[Hubris 0]

Hey guys,

I know there's a new user forum, however most of the folks in there are dedicated BMW aficionados, and I thought I might have better luck in here. Let me know if this should go over there instead.

I picked up a silver 2005 Renault Clio 182 a few months back, and it's a blast to drive. Certainly a step up from the Focus I had before, and a different kind of fun than the auto-x prepped Z28 I used to own.

I don't really see a FAQ. Are there recommended places around Auckland for servicing European cars (Newmarket would be ideal) - obviously I don't want to take it to just any panel beater for maintenance.

Maybe I'll have a chance to drop by a user meet sometime. I used to do driving schools and lapping sessions with a BMW club, and they were a fun bunch of guys.

Cheers!

[NZ BMW 368]

I live in Newmarket and I use Parnell Motors, they are excellent. They're across from the Mobil station just out of Newmarket:

http://parnellmotors.co.nz/

[Hubris 0]

Good to know - I used them for my WoF.

I live in Newmarket and I use Parnell Motors, they are excellent. They're across from the Mobil station just out of Newmarket:

http://parnellmotors.co.nz/

[Apex 693]

Only pace I would take mine is Archibald and Shorter in Green Lane.

The service is crap and they charge $120.00 an hour but they do have factory trained tecknitions and Renault specific tooling including the proper diagnostic equipment and only they can maintain your car properly, they will do most jobs in one third the time any other mechanic will take and they will not damage your car like most other mechanics will so the hourly rate and appalling customer service is worth enduring.

I warn you, ignore proper dealer maintenance at your own peril, the RS cars are like BMW M cars or Porsche's, they are built from scratch in a special factory, they are nothing like other Renault cars and without proper expert servicing and preventative maintenance they will lose their RS magic very quickly and end up a soggy pile of sh*t worth essentially nothing. The car is going to cost you money to maintain, if you are not prepared to spend upto a few thousand each year you may want to consider something less hard core.

I have tried saving money and taking the car to other “specialists†and every time it has cost me more in the long run as they are essentially learning as they work and often damage clips, mounts etc as they do not have the workshop manuals showing them how to properly remove and refit parts on the the cars, Renault have their own way of doing things and even a very good non Renault mechanic will struggle to do even a simple job like bleeding the brakes. I have a workshop manual for my cars and if you do a bit of digging you may find one for your car online, these are worth their weight in gold, I now service my older car myself with the help of friends but have it through to A&S for a check-up at least once a year, they pick up on things I wont.

Unfortunately parts cost a big bucks locally, especially the RS specific ones so you may want to look at get major service parts from England or a parallel NZ importer if you can’t stomach the dealer’s prices, from England they are often one third the price and normally arrive within a week.

I get a lot of stuff from Ktec, they sell all genuine parts if you request them, just send them your chassis number and be specific as to what it is you want, there are a few variations if the Clio II RS so make sure you give them your chassis nunber:

http://www.k-tecracing.com/

These guys seem to have the best pricing in NZ if you don’t like using a credit card or importing yourself, they obviously make a cut on parts but it less hassle and stress at times. http://www.speed.co.nz/

Final tip is to join http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/ if you have a problem just do a search there or as a question, they will know how to resolve it much better than any local non-Renault Technician and I find the Australian forums have more approachable hands on members, lots of Clio owners!

Edited January 9, 2013 by apex

[philwalter 30]

I also own a Clio 182.

I have also had good success with AutoFrance in Sth Auckland, and I know a few other owners in Auckland with Clio Sports also use them. Haven't had or heard of any complaints and they have courtsey cars to use which is handy as they are a bit further out.

[Apex 693]

Out of curiosity what have you had done by them Phil? Interested to learn what they can do, last time I spoke with them a few years ago they said they did not do much more than basic servicing on newer Renault as did not have the tooling, manuals or specific Renault software required to do proper maintenance?

I would be keen to know what they can do as they are only around the corner from my wife's work and it would be handy to have them do services on cars!

[philwalter 30]

Out of curiosity what have you had done by them Phil? Interested to learn what they can do, last time I spoke with them a few years ago they said they did not do much more than basic servicing on newer Renault as did not have the tooling, manuals or specific Renault software required to do proper maintenance?

I would be keen to know what they can do as they are only around the corner from my wife's work and it would be handy to have them do services on cars!

Pretty basic stuff really, nothing engine management based anyway. Oil changes, waterpump replaced. Its been pretty trouble free since I have owned it. Nearly 170,000kms and still going strong. Its got a cambelt coming up, so that going to be a bit more $$$. I suspect you are probably correct re them having the software etc. They certainly do seem to concentrate more on the older stuff. But they are friendly, professional and well priced. Maybe for something more specalised I would go back to Archibalds where it has most of its service history from previous owners.

I also recomend joining Cliosport.net and paying the extra for membership. Gives access to loads of guides that have been very helpful for me. And the keyring with beer opener they send you is awesome !

I also use KTec for some parts, might get the cambelt kit from them.

Or maybe trade up to the RS265

[Apex 693]

Good to hear you are having a problem free run, they are a fun little car!

Should have done the cam belt with the water pump!! Haha

I did call Auto France a call to ask what a service would cost for the RS250, they are only $20 cheaper than A&S. Their hourly rate is much better at $80.00 but they still do not have the Renault Clip Diagnostics system or workshop program.

[Hubris 0]

Thanks for the suggestions - I signed up on OzRenaultSport, bookmarked Ktec.

It's been 5K since I bought the car, so right now just need basic lube and checkup - so I'll probably get that done at Parnell - but I'll look at the others to have a more thorough check done, and see where the car is in the wider scheme of maintenance (I'm 3rd owner, so don't have all the maintenance records).

Thanks all, and nice to meet you.