RenaultSport Megane 225 - Bargain for a reason?

[RobCrezz]

Been browsing the classifieds as usual. I have noticed that these seem to be real bargains... 05 models from 6-8k.

I am a big Jap car fan, but I also love a bargain. Am I going to be disappointed by reliability and build quality? Never bought French before...

Any owners want to give their opinions?

I currently have a EP3 Civic Type R, so comparisons with this would be good.

[CampDavid]

The standard 225 isn't actually that good, the car started out a bit pap, then got the cup chassis packs, then the R26 had different suspension and a diff before the R26R improved it to perfection.

Build isn't great and reliability with a Renault isn't all that good. Running costs will be high too.

[DaveL86]

Don't know but I also noticed something similar that might be of interest you... Mazda 3 MPS's (260Bhp, AWD, 2.3T) 56/07 plates are around that price range also, seems very tempting and are Jap .

Edited by DaveL86 on Friday 8th October 13:53

[RobCrezz]

DaveL86 said:

Don't know but I also noticed something similar that might be of interest you... Mazda 3 MPS's (260Bhp, AWD, 2.3T) 56 plates are around that price range also, seems very tempting and are Jap .

MPS's 3 are FWD, but good point.

Edited by RobCrezz on Friday 8th October 13:54

[rb5230]

£8k would get you a nice impreza, much better in every way.

[CampDavid]

rb5230 said:

£8k would get you a nice impreza, much better in every way.

£11k will get you an M5, again, much better in every way.

[rb5230]

CampDavid said:

rb5230 said:

£8k would get you a nice impreza, much better in every way.

£11k will get you an M5, again, much better in every way.

well thats not the price range the op was talking about is it. so thats a bit of a random comment by you.

(and not better in every way.)

[RobCrezz]

rb5230 said:

£8k would get you a nice impreza, much better in every way.

Dont like bugeyes and cant be bothered with classic shape - looking too old now IMO.

[rb5230]

RobCrezz said:

Dont like bugeyes and cant be bothered with classic shape - looking too old now IMO.

blobeyes are in that price range.

[Alfa numeric]

I test drove a standard 225 before I bought my R26 and it didn't sparkle. I'd say that if you can get the extra cash an R26 is well worth it. The R26 has the Cup suspension- it was the R26R that had a slightly different (softer) set up due to its lighter weight.

CampDavid said:

Build isn't great and reliability with a Renault isn't all that good. Running costs will be high too.

Mine had a duff battery shortly after I got it but that aside mine's been faultless in 2 1/2 years and 30k miles. Servicing is comparable to the Alfa 146 & MX5 that preceded it.

I'd suggest you try one- it's a different animal to a Type R as the turbo gives it more low down grunt. Personally I preferred it to the CTR I tried, but different people have different tastes.

[ManOpener]

DaveL86 said:

Don't know but I also noticed something similar that might be of interest you... Mazda 3 MPS's (260Bhp, AWD, 2.3T) 56 plates are around that price range also, seems very tempting and are Jap .

Aren't the 3 MPS 2wd?

EDIT

As above.

Edited by ManOpener on Friday 8th October 14:05

[croyde]

11K might get you into an early E46 M3.

I have always liked the idea of a sporty Renault but having had a normal Megane in the 90s, the thought of all that plastic and bits falling off, have dissuaded me.

Am I wrong?

[_Batty_]

copied from a few months ago:

i have an '04 plate 225 Lux.

good points:
silly quick on boost
tons of room for people and luggage
decent MPG (mid 30's)
well spec'd (keyless entry and go, climate, heated leather etc)
decent ride
decent brakes
looks

bad points
souless engine (no noise either)
Renualt dealers
pricey to service at Renault dealer(basic oil and filter = £300)
poor feedback
utterly, utterly ste gearchange
looks.

I picked mine up sub £4k from a family member, but would only buy one once i'd test driven it.
a 225 with the non 'Cup' spec chassis is a bit of a something of nothing car, and certainly not a 'drivers' car. But as a quick commuting family car, its perfect.

things to look for:
Coil packs:-misfire
top engine mount:-vibrations through the cabin and pedals
clutch/dual mass flywheel:slipping clutch
window regulators:-windows drop/won't go up/down
front bumper fitment:-cr@p mounts means they drop

HTH

Matt


compared to an EP3?
well ive only driven a pre-facelift about 30 miles, but the main points:
torque. You now actually have some. Makes it feel so much easier to drive.
Also alot more 'lifeless' but i've not driven an R26 etc. Gearchange in the Civic is sublime, in the Renault its appalling, devoid of any feel.
any other q's?

Edited by _Batty_ on Friday 8th October 14:09

Edited by _Batty_ on Friday 8th October 14:11

[RobCrezz]

rb5230 said:

RobCrezz said:

Dont like bugeyes and cant be bothered with classic shape - looking too old now IMO.

blobeyes are in that price range.

STI though?

I couldnt buy a WRX, as I would wish I had the STI.... er...

[_Batty_]

CampDavid said:

Build isn't great and reliability with a Renault isn't all that good. Running costs will be high too.

Bollards.
Service intervals are 18k and cost about £180 from K-tec.
MPG is between 32 and 34.
and other than a few electronic gremlins reliability isn't bad.

[RobCrezz]

_Batty_ said:

copied from a few months ago:

i have an '04 plate 225 Lux.

good points:
silly quick on boost
tons of room for people and luggage
decent MPG (mid 30's)
well spec'd (keyless entry and go, climate, heated leather etc)
decent ride
decent brakes
looks

bad points
souless engine (no noise either)
Renualt dealers
pricey to service (basic oil and filter = £300)
poor feedback
utterly, utterly ste gearchange
looks.

I picked mine up sub £4k from a family member, but would only buy one once i'd test driven it.
a 225 with the non 'Cup' spec chassis is a bit of a something of nothing car, and certainly not a 'drivers' car. But as a quick commuting family car, its perfect.

things to look for:
Coil packs:-misfire
top engine mount:-vibrations through the cabin and pedals
clutch/dual mass flywheel:slipping clutch
window regulators:-windows drop/won't go up/down
front bumper fitment:-cr@p mounts means they drop

HTH

Matt


compared to an EP3?
well ive only driven a pre-facelift about 30 miles, but the main points:
torque. You now actually have some. Makes it feel so much easier to drive.
Also alot more 'lifeless' but i've not driven an R26 etc. Gearchange in the Civic is sublime, in the Renault its appalling, devoid of any feel.
any other q's?

Thanks for the info. Not really dead set on one, far from it.

I am considering Spending up to £10k (assuming I can get a half decent amount for my CTR), but I would much rather spend around £7k (saving for a house and every little helps). Just really struggling what to buy. Quite fancy a turbocharged engine again.

[cmackay81]

suffer from being french.

[DaveL86]

RobCrezz said:

DaveL86 said:

Don't know but I also noticed something similar that might be of interest you... Mazda 3 MPS's (260Bhp, AWD, 2.3T) 56 plates are around that price range also, seems very tempting and are Jap .

MPS's 3 are FWD, but good point.

Edited by RobCrezz on Friday 8th October 13:54

I know nothing of Mazdas but I have seen quite a few auto trader adverts advertising them as AWD? is this not the case then?

[RobCrezz]

DaveL86 said:

RobCrezz said:

DaveL86 said:

Don't know but I also noticed something similar that might be of interest you... Mazda 3 MPS's (260Bhp, AWD, 2.3T) 56 plates are around that price range also, seems very tempting and are Jap .

MPS's 3 are FWD, but good point.

Edited by RobCrezz on Friday 8th October 13:54

I know nothing of Mazdas but I have seen quite a few auto trader adverts advertising them as AWD? is this not the case then?

Yeah its a mistake, the Mazda 6 MPS is AWD, but the 3 is FWD with a Limited Slip Diff.

[rb5230]

rb5230 said:

RobCrezz said:

rb5230 said:

RobCrezz said:

Dont like bugeyes and cant be bothered with classic shape - looking too old now IMO.

blobeyes are in that price range.

STI though?

I couldnt buy a WRX, as I would wish I had the STI.... er...

yep

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-03-Reg-Subaru-Impreza-W...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-STI-...

Edited by rb5230 on Friday 8th October 14:15