Discussion
wifes car due for change
she's considering a leon or a 147
not decided on either 1.6 or 2.0 or a 120 or 150 diesel depends what the contract hire figures are
tested the leon and liked it due to arrange a test of the 147
just wanted an idea of running costs/little problems/people's general experience of owning one
thanks
ian
I've got an 02, 2.0 litre Lusso Twinspark and it's turned me into a petrolhead. I absolutely love it to bits. I got mine second hand in early Jan this year and I've had no problems. I do know that the cam belt needs changing before 36000 miles as opposed to the 60000 they originally recommended.
It is quality. It's performance at lower revs is not particularly astounding, but at higher revs it goes like stink. You have to drive it hard. It holds the road like the proverbial stuff on a blanket and will do exactly as it is told. The steering is very responsive and gives excellent feedback. On the downside is the suspension which is hard as nails and you'll be aware of some pretty minor bumps in the road - but it's not a major issue for me. The interior is superior to anything in it's class - mines got red leather seats which look fantastic against the black I've just spent the whole day cleaning it and conditioning the leather. It's just stunning. I'll never go back to Fords or Vauxhall, I wouldn't even lower myself to a BMW - which should tell you all you need to know.
It is quality. It's performance at lower revs is not particularly astounding, but at higher revs it goes like stink. You have to drive it hard. It holds the road like the proverbial stuff on a blanket and will do exactly as it is told. The steering is very responsive and gives excellent feedback. On the downside is the suspension which is hard as nails and you'll be aware of some pretty minor bumps in the road - but it's not a major issue for me. The interior is superior to anything in it's class - mines got red leather seats which look fantastic against the black I've just spent the whole day cleaning it and conditioning the leather. It's just stunning. I'll never go back to Fords or Vauxhall, I wouldn't even lower myself to a BMW - which should tell you all you need to know.
We've got a 147 1.6 - it's just turned a year old and 13,000 miles or thereabouts and we've had no issues with it at all, other than a slight rattle from the hatch which turned out to be a badly adjusted 'bung'. Easy fix, and something the dealer should have picked it up at the PDI.
The 1.6 is nippy enough once it's going, but you have to rev it to make much progress and it's geared fairly short at about 20mph / 1000rpm in fifth.
Ours is the TI which is Lusso with some extra bits including 17" wheels and 'sports' suspension, and the ride is OK, but I've read that putting 17" on with the standard suspension ruins it.
It rolls a bit, but once you get your head round that it actually hangs on quite well. The only sort of reference point I have is the Megane that preceded it, and there's much less understeer with the 147.
I think the 150bhp diesel might be the pick of them - the current Collezione looks like a good buy, but only has the 120bhp diesel.
The 1.6 is nippy enough once it's going, but you have to rev it to make much progress and it's geared fairly short at about 20mph / 1000rpm in fifth.
Ours is the TI which is Lusso with some extra bits including 17" wheels and 'sports' suspension, and the ride is OK, but I've read that putting 17" on with the standard suspension ruins it.
It rolls a bit, but once you get your head round that it actually hangs on quite well. The only sort of reference point I have is the Megane that preceded it, and there's much less understeer with the 147.
I think the 150bhp diesel might be the pick of them - the current Collezione looks like a good buy, but only has the 120bhp diesel.
Echo all the above, the wife loves her 2 litre Lusso after 6 months. You just can't go back to
grey porridge motors afterwards. I don't reckon the 2 litre is pokey enough to justify the extra fuel/tax etc (unless you really cane it as stated), having had a JTD 150 I reckon that is the way to go. Oh yes shoot for the TI pack too for the dreamy black leather interior with red stitching mmmmmmmmmmm
grey porridge motors afterwards. I don't reckon the 2 litre is pokey enough to justify the extra fuel/tax etc (unless you really cane it as stated), having had a JTD 150 I reckon that is the way to go. Oh yes shoot for the TI pack too for the dreamy black leather interior with red stitching mmmmmmmmmmm
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