Clio 182.. What next?

[gweaver]

The 1st gen Swift Sport might be raw enough for you, but they're way under budget and you'd probably miss the extra 50 bhp of the Clio. VX220 sounds like a great alternative for the budget.

[JoeMarano]

podgeorge said:

Your new GTI sounds lovely! Although I think we have different views on this one, I think the reason I enjoy the 182 so much is the fact you have to really drive it to get the best out of it! For me it's quirks are what makes it special for me - I would like to try something turbocharged but I think for me the the race to the redline always bests low down torque! A Megane Mk3 sounds like the best option I just need to rob a bank first! lol

Enjoy the new motor!

On the track that may be true but on the road I found it a full on pain in the ass! If you like the 172 then to me the 200 probably sounds like a good bet (just seen the budget) or the R26

Just be aware tuning can't really be done on the 200 as it's NA so will cost big bucks unless you go turbo route and then the gearbox will likely st itself!

R26's are getting rarer so now would be a good time to buy although they aren't really the most reliable Renault going!

Can you not just spread the cost monthly and up the budget for a new vehicle? Something like a Fiesta ST sounds right up your street if you like the 182

[HJMS123]

grenpayne said:

I went from my Clio 172 to a Honda Civic Type R (FN2)....then swiftly back to a Clio 182 But that's another story

I'd say, based on your want for raw and involvement and a budget up to £8k, you'd need to look at:

Honda Civic Type R EP3
Honda Integra Type R DC5
Honda S2000
Clio 200
Megane II RS230

How did you find the overall packageof the FN2 for a daily?

[grenpayne]

HJMS123 said:

grenpayne said:

I went from my Clio 172 to a Honda Civic Type R (FN2)....then swiftly back to a Clio 182 But that's another story

I'd say, based on your want for raw and involvement and a budget up to £8k, you'd need to look at:

Honda Civic Type R EP3
Honda Integra Type R DC5
Honda S2000
Clio 200
Megane II RS230

How did you find the overall package of the FN2 for a daily?

Really good and despite the negativity the FN2 sometimes attracts, I loved it as a daily. Mine was a 2010 model with factory LSD and it was well built, quick and had a great interior. The engine and gearbox were superb and the boot was huge. Even the hard ride wasn't as bad as everyone makes out and I drive on Oxfordshire's finest blacktop It even did 33mpg on my commute although a couple of applications of VTEC saw that reduce somewhat!

I only sold it as soon I'll be going from a 13 mile commute to a much, much longer one and will need a motorway car. I bought the 182 as a stop-gap and to free up some cash, however the one I've bought is so nice I may end up keeping it!

I didn't suggest the FN2 to the OP though as it's not the most involving car at slow speed, you really have to flying along for it to come alive.

[HJMS123]

grenpayne said:

Really good and despite the negativity the FN2 sometimes attracts, I loved it as a daily. Mine was a 2010 model with factory LSD and it was well built, quick and had a great interior. The engine and gearbox were superb and the boot was huge. Even the hard ride wasn't as bad as everyone makes out and I drive on Oxfordshire's finest blacktop It even did 33mpg on my commute although a couple of applications of VTEC saw that reduce somewhat!

I only sold it as soon I'll be going from a 13 mile commute to a much, much longer one and will need a motorway car. I bought the 182 as a stop-gap and to free up some cash, however the one I've bought is so nice I may end up keeping it!

I didn't suggest the FN2 to the OP though as it's not the most involving car at slow speed, you really have to flying along for it to come alive.

Thanks for your detailed response . Coming from a MK7 Fiesta ST I'll be used to a hard ride but it's the last part that worries me. All my driving is city driving with a lot of traffic and I just don't think I'll ever get a chance the use any of it's power due to the revs/speed needed

[R8Steve]

I would highly recommend considering putting a turbo on the 182. I have a turbo'd one and it is amazing fun, if you do track days not much will beat it.

It doesn't take away from the character of the car as much as you would think.