Help! Leon FR or Renaultsport Megane DCI 175

[zredarb]

Hey,

So I have been thinking about my next car for a while now and think I have finally narrowed it down to 2.

I am looking at a Leon FR similar to: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Or a Renaultsport Megane DCI 175 like: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

I'm stuck between the two, I really am.

I would really appreciate your thoughts on this along with reasons, so I can see how relevant they are for me.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Brad

[Splats]

I'm looking to make a similar purchase within the next week. I've debated for months over what to go for and have decided on the Leon.

[zredarb]

Cheers for the feedback - what made you choose the Leon?

[Splats]

Better looking IMHO and I expect generally better build quality and reliability over the Renault which is notoriously 'French'. That said, I am looking at the common-rail Leon which is regarded as being a more efficient and reliable engine than the pre-2009 PD 2.0 engine. Judging by the links you posted, you are probably in PD engine territory and that is known for DPF woes as well as some sort of camshaft and injector issues. That might be enough to put you off and it would certainly be worthy of further research.

[BFG TERRANO]

In my exerience both are cr@p. A 57 Laguna fell apart around me from new at the same time as her Clio Cup 182 was doing just the same thing (the laguna was company) so only the clio was eating my account.

I now have a Ibiza sport on an 11 plate and 35k- New gearbox, headlight switch caugh alight, boot leaks, 2 wheel bearings, N/S/R rattle cant be traced, DPF light usually on, boot fills with rain then discharges into boot when opened, boot handle fell off, passenger footwell fills with water when driven in heavy rain, A/C failed twice, cruise control gains speed.

Sure there will be many views but Id never have another car from Seat or Renault ever again.

[eltawater]

The age of FR TDI you are looking at there is getting a bit too close to the expected lifespan of the DPF, so you might want to consider the £700 to de-DPF/remap it on top as a cost to consider.

Pre-facelift FRs also have very very firm suspension, and that one linked to is missing the very handy bluetooth option (no central screen between the dials).

You might be better off with a petrol version, a cupra or stretching to a facelift common rail diesel instead.

[zredarb]

Thanks for all your help so far guys.

The reason I'm looking at these two models is because I need a car that gives me a minimum of 40mpg. I don't want some boring 1.4 tdi hatchback however, I wanted to try and stick with something reasonably fun and sporty.

I am aware that the pre 09 FR's do have DPF issues but I would map either of the cars anyway and DPF the leon.

If there is anything I have missed - please let me know.

Thanks again.

[MrDecadent]

I have a cr FR tdi - happy with the car.

Aside from the DPF issue with the older PD unit (well any modern diesel tbh!), I understand there are injector issues as well.

I think the cr unit it a lot better than the PD personally, maybe wait a little bit until the new leon is released - perhaps an 09 CR FR will be within Budget?

[zredarb]

So once again I am coming back for advice!

Been and had a look at both cars today. I actually really liked the Megane.

I think the reason for this is it is pretty much a 225 but with a diesel engine popped in. Granted there is some loss in performance from this but for 7k I am still getting a good chassis and just over 8 to 60 but i keep over 40mpg.

It just felt a bit 'different' to the Leon, which I just didn't fall for in the same way.

Is there anything I have missed in anyones eyes? Don't want to plague everyone with another 'what car' thread yet I am planning on possibly buying this Megane tomorrow.

Am I missing anything relatively quick and fun for less than 9K?

Thanks again.

[welshdiesel]

Hands down it would be the Megane for me anyday - not the boring run of the mill bland uninteresting Seat from the Volkswagen group.

Now I know before anyone says - yes French cars are notorious for being difficult to work on & they don't have the build quality of a BMW or Audi but the fun you get from a French hot hatch never fails to impress! Plus the megane is a sexy car & stands out in the crowd & as you said its practically a 225 without the running costs or price tag

I've had 4 meganes & never suffered any major faults with them. The only issue I encountered was new coils on one & having the throttle body cleaned.

I say go for the Megane