Models · Renault
Renaultsport Clio 197 / 200 buying guide
The Clio 3 Renaultsport, launched in 2006 as the 197 and facelifted as the 200 in 2009, with a high-revving 2.0 naturally aspirated engine and a six-speed gearbox. Cup chassis versions are lower and stiffer. The checks centre on the gearbox, the cambelt and the front end.
The versions
- 2.0 naturally aspirated four-cylinder: 194bhp in the 197, 197bhp in the 200
- Six-speed manual (TL4), with revised ratios and a taller sixth from 2008
- Cup chassis: 7mm lower with stiffer springs, standard on Cup models and optional on others; the 200 Cup has a quicker steering rack
- Special editions include the F1 Team R27, Gordini, Silverstone and Raider
What to check on a Clio 197 / 200
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Gearbox synchros
What to look for: On the drive, change down into third and up into fourth at normal speed, and once or twice skipping a gear. Note any crunch or baulking, particularly into third. Expect it to feel a little awkward from cold and smooth once warm.
Why it matters: Premature synchro wear is the known weakness of these gearboxes, felt mostly going into third and sometimes fourth or second. Notchiness from cold that eases as it warms is normal. Crunching when warm means the gearbox needs refurbishing or replacing.
Cambelt and water pump
What to look for: Look in the history for a cambelt and water pump change within the last five years or 72,000 miles, and for oil services every 12,000 miles or yearly. At idle, listen for rattles and look for oil leaks around the engine.
Why it matters: The cambelt and water pump must be changed every five years or 72,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the job is very important on this engine. A car with patchy history or missed services is one to treat with caution.
Steering clunks and creaks
What to look for: With the car stationary, turn the steering slowly from lock to lock and listen for creaking or clunking. On the drive, feel for vague steering, knocking from the front over bumps, and the car pulling to one side at motorway speed.
Why it matters: A clunk can indicate a failing steering rack, though failed power steering motors in the upper steering column have also been suggested. The steering link rods wear over time, and the swivel hub ball joints can fail, which shows as creaking on lock. A replacement rack can be upgraded to the Cup rack at the same time.
Also in the full guide
- Is it a genuine Cup chassis
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Clio 197 / 200
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Renaultsport Clio 172 / 182 · Renaultsport Clio 200 / 220 Trophy
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Renault.