Mini Cooper S or Megane Renaultsport?

[theador]

I'm going to downsize from my 335i e91 M-Sport for a year to free up some money for house renovations.

Question is, what do I buy in the meantime?

I've set a budget of up to £3500.

I've narrowed it down to a battle between
Mini Cooper S or JCW (if a good one comes in budget)
Renault Megane RenaultSport (or cup of in budget)

Out of those two which would you go for? And what else would you look at? I've ruled out Clio RS as at some point I'm sure I'll want to have a tinker with tuning, so generally looking at turbos and supercharge.

[theador]

It's worth saying I've not driven either. I've got a couple to test after Christmas so I'm really just looking for opinions and anything else interesting to consider.

Requirements are nothing more than it needs to be relatively quick, fun to drive and have some tuning potential

[PlayFair]

I've had a R53 and now have a R56.

The R53 engine is a lot nicer to drive - but not as easy to get power out of.

The R56 is more refined - and can get better numbers. - Just look out for the N14 engine as they have problems.

If I was you - ild go R53.

Edited by PlayFair on Friday 23 December 09:49

[theador]

PlayFair said:

I've had a R53 and now have a R56.

The R53 engine is a lot nicer to drive - but not as easy to get power out of.

The R56 is more refined - and can get better numbers. - Just look out for the N14 engine as they have problems.

If I was you - ild go R53.

Edited by PlayFair on Friday 23 December 09:49

Thanks yeah I read about the N14. Any thoughts on tuning/suspension? Like I say not driven one yet but the last two cars I've had, one fwd one rwd I've put a Quiaffe LSD into and it's made massive difference to the handling and getting power down.

[Quickmoose]

I'm in the market for something similar come the Spring.
And these two are also on my radar along with the Punto Abarth.
For me whilst the Renault was widely regarded as a superb driver's car...I just find that the interior might just have the strength to send me to sleep and over rule the drive...it's just so bland...plus I'm not 100% convinced they are as reliable as you'd want...nothing to back that up with though.

The R53 is both interesting inside and out, compromised rear space, wonderfully over engineered...and has a supercharger!
It's not a small car, but it comes across as the condensed compact nugget of fun.

I like the looks of the Punto...a left field choice..rare, I like that.

But the Mini will probably take it.

[culpz]

I'm not gonna recommend any other alternatives as they're either not as good as the others or you've probably ruled them out anyway under consideration. These are 2 very good cars to pick from.

As you've already said, get a test of both as opinions can differ. I'd almost always advise to go for the Renaultsport product but i think here i'd got for the R53.

Cheap Megane 225's are usually cheap for a reason. They're more expensive to run than you might expect and some prices of parts are eye-catering. They're also a bit of a pig to work on, which can result in expensive labor costs if you don't wanna give it a go yourself. Things like the cambelt, water pump and tensioners would really need to be done at a specialist ideally. They're fantastic cars but probably not at your price bracket.

I don't know a huge amount about the R53's but i have looked into them a few times. All i'll say is that you'll probably get a much better example for the money compared to the Meg. Depending on the mileage they may need their supercharger rebuilding at some point and i know clutches can be a nightmare of a job and can cost around 1k to be replaced. Looks at the buyers guide for both cars on here for more info.

Good luck on your purchase!

[theador]

culpz said:

I'm not gonna recommend any other alternatives as they're either not as good as the others or you've probably ruled them out anyway under consideration. These are 2 very good cars to pick from.

As you've already said, get a test of both as opinions can differ. I'd almost always advise to go for the Renaultsport product but i think here i'd got for the R53.

Cheap Megane 225's are usually cheap for a reason. They're more expensive to run than you might expect and some prices of parts are eye-catering. They're also a bit of a pig to work on, which can result in expensive labor costs if you don't wanna give it a go yourself. Things like the cambelt, water pump and tensioners would really need to be done at a specialist ideally. They're fantastic cars but probably not at your price bracket.

I don't know a huge amount about the R53's but i have looked into them a few times. All i'll say is that you'll probably get a much better example for the money compared to the Meg. Depending on the mileage they may need their supercharger rebuilding at some point and i know clutches can be a nightmare of a job and can cost around 1k to be replaced. Looks at the buyers guide for both cars on here for more info.

Good luck on your purchase!

Thanks Culpz. That's a very insightful reply. Also one thing I've realised is there's a lot of choice in my budget with the Minis so I can afford to look around for a good one. Hadn't thought about the supercharger needing a rebuild so thanks for the heads up. Although that might be a good bargaining point and a good excuse to upgrade it. Clutches seem to be listed as being replaced on quite a few I've found in my price range so that's good news.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Meganes are a good choice both cars can be eye watering spares wise it's close but the extra space & the slightly sweeter chassis would tip it in the Renault.

I don't think you'll find a Cup model, but a good Megane Trophy is viable.

2005 Trophy 80k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...


2007 Megane 58k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[theador]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Meganes are a good choice both cars can be eye watering spares wise it's close but the extra space & the slightly sweeter chassis would tip it in the Renault.

I don't think you'll find a Cup model, but a good Megane Trophy is viable.

2005 Trophy 80k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...


2007 Megane 58k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Were there any tasty options in the Megane that I should look for?

I must admit I do like the classic look and the interior of the Mini, coming from the 335 they do feel a bit more high end. I also like the history of Renaultsport though so it's a tough one.

Test drives will tell I guess.

[theador]

Quickmoose said:

I'm in the market for something similar come the Spring.
And these two are also on my radar along with the Punto Abarth.
For me whilst the Renault was widely regarded as a superb driver's car...I just find that the interior might just have the strength to send me to sleep and over rule the drive...it's just so bland...plus I'm not 100% convinced they are as reliable as you'd want...nothing to back that up with though.

The R53 is both interesting inside and out, compromised rear space, wonderfully over engineered...and has a supercharger!
It's not a small car, but it comes across as the condensed compact nugget of fun.

I like the looks of the Punto...a left field choice..rare, I like that.

But the Mini will probably take it.

Just looking at those Puntos, they look great! Slightly outside my budget but look pretty interesting.

[ZX10R NIN]

theador said:

Were there any tasty options in the Megane that I should look for?

I must admit I do like the classic look and the interior of the Mini, coming from the 335 they do feel a bit more high end. I also like the history of Renaultsport though so it's a tough one.

Test drives will tell I guess.

Obviously the Cup comes with the LSD & chassis mods whereas the Trophy just had the Chassis work carried out.

Cup 94k

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Megane-2-0T-225-...

As you say a test drive will tell you what onr you like best, as for them being more high end remember this gen of Mini used the same materials as an MG ZT, make of that what you will.

A change of headunit in both will bring you bang up to date with DAB/Buetooth Streaming etc

Hate to throw a spanner in the works but:

2006 Focus ST-2 82k FSH 225bhp (just over but haggling will get you bang on budget) I can heartedly recommend one of these although the standard intercooler is to samll so these can suffer heat soak on a hot day but there are plenty of companies that sell uprated ones & then there's the engine which is a peach (if a bit thirsty) Liner failings only happen on cars running big boost & they handle well.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[theador]

ZX10R NIN said:

Obviously the Cup comes with the LSD & chassis mods whereas the Trophy just had the Chassis work carried out.

Cup 94k

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Megane-2-0T-225-...

As you say a test drive will tell you what onr you like best, as for them being more high end remember this gen of Mini used the same materials as an MG ZT, make of that what you will.

A change of headunit in both will bring you bang up to date with DAB/Buetooth Streaming etc

Hate to throw a spanner in the works but:

2006 Focus ST-2 82k FSH 225bhp (just over but haggling will get you bang on budget) I can heartedly recommend one of these although the standard intercooler is to samll so these can suffer heat soak on a hot day but there are plenty of companies that sell uprated ones & then there's the engine which is a peach (if a bit thirsty) Liner failings only happen on cars running big boost & they handle well.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Heheh, I was wondering how long it would be before the ST was mentioned lol. They are amazing cars, I shouldn't rule it out. I've never been a Ford man, but I have driven the ST-2 and yes, they are very nicely balanced cars. The Intercooler in my 335i was also too small once I'd remapped it so had the same problem after a minute or two of spirited driving. IATs would be through the roof and timing being pulled all over the place. Wasn't a difficult job on the BM to put a bigger intercooler in, though it's made a massive difference.

Cheers dude on the info, those links didn't work but I think I found the cars. So I could potentially get a CUP which is good. I'll mull over the Focus over some, er, mulled wine this eve lol. Happy Christmas all. Thanks for your help, keep the opinions coming.

[DukeDickson]

ZX10R NIN said:

theador said:

Were there any tasty options in the Megane that I should look for?

I must admit I do like the classic look and the interior of the Mini, coming from the 335 they do feel a bit more high end. I also like the history of Renaultsport though so it's a tough one.

Test drives will tell I guess.

Obviously the Cup comes with the LSD & chassis mods whereas the Trophy just had the Chassis work carried out.

Cup 94k

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Megane-2-0T-225-...

As you say a test drive will tell you what onr you like best, as for them being more high end remember this gen of Mini used the same materials as an MG ZT, make of that what you will.

A change of headunit in both will bring you bang up to date with DAB/Buetooth Streaming etc

Hate to throw a spanner in the works but:

2006 Focus ST-2 82k FSH 225bhp (just over but haggling will get you bang on budget) I can heartedly recommend one of these although the standard intercooler is to samll so these can suffer heat soak on a hot day but there are plenty of companies that sell uprated ones & then there's the engine which is a peach (if a bit thirsty) Liner failings only happen on cars running big boost & they handle well.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

That Focus looks a bit on the cheap side for the mileage IMHO .

However, providing you keep an eye out for certain issues & resist the temptation to wind them up to 12 rather than @ 10.something, they're pretty hardy things. Not a sea of soft touch plastic and actually a bit too soft and heavy on the handling front, but if you're partial to > 4 cylinders and don't mind the potential of less than stellar mpg, they can be a good used buy.

[mangos]

I have just bought a family friendly car due to impending arrival and agreed a trade in of my r53 against it at a shockingly low figure.

Metallic black, spot lamps, chill pack, LSD, split rim 17'' mini alloys with non run flat tyres. Feb 2006 and 73k on the clock.
Services and MOT'd August with no advisories. 2 keys.

If you're looking to buy before 4th Jan, come to me! 👍🏼

[theador]

mangos said:

I have just bought a family friendly car due to impending arrival and agreed a trade in of my r53 against it at a shockingly low figure.

Metallic black, spot lamps, chill pack, LSD, split rim 17'' mini alloys with non run flat tyres. Feb 2006 and 73k on the clock.
Services and MOT'd August with no advisories. 2 keys.

If you're looking to buy before 4th Jan, come to me! ????

Cool, just sent you a mail. Cheers

[theador]

There are a few Megane r26 F1s coming up in budget on eBay. I guess I'm going to be buying trouble though at that price?

Edited by theador on Monday 26th December 07:19

[fivepointnine]

I would pick a Megane any day of the week. I owned a R53 and the boot is non-existant (seriously, with the CD changer back there I could get 2 small backpacks) they do not feel like they have much power (supercharger whine is nice though) and they do have their issues. The Megane seems a little more "special" to me. You see much less of them, they have a largish boot and are reliable as long as you keep up on maintenance and are much faster.

[J1JPE]

Awful offset pedals in a Megane (french for handbag) whereas a MINI has the motorsport and modifying heritage, supercharger whine is addictive and plentiful forums(totalMINI), parts to do the pulley reduction, suspension upgrade to Eibachs etc.

Go for the go kart, roller skate and take the back seats out - boot is huge then :{}

[ZX10R NIN]

J1JPE said:

Awful offset pedals in a Megane (french for handbag) whereas a MINI has the motorsport and modifying heritage, supercharger whine is addictive and plentiful forums(totalMINI), parts to do the pulley reduction, suspension upgrade to Eibachs etc.

Go for the go kart, roller skate and take the back seats out - boot is huge then :{}

The new Mini doesn't have Motorsport Heritage does it?

Do you not think the Renault has modifying heritage it & the Clio are some of the most popular cars at a trackday, just take a look at KTec to see what's out there.

theador said:

There are a few Megane r26 F1s coming up in budget on eBay. I guess I'm going to be buying trouble though at that price?

For me I'd have chosen a regular or Trophy Megane over the Mini but if you can stretch to an F1 then it becomes a one car contest a lot of the niggly issues were addressed with the F1 so if you can afford it go for that, as I said earlier somewhere in the middle sits the Focus ST less issues than both & still a good steer with a stronger engine than the both but not as sweet a chassis as the Megane.

If it were me & it was my daily as well a bit of fun the Mini wouldn't get a look in (to small for me) then the Megane (only because of the reliabilty) then the ST but I could understand the Megane getting the nod as the issues are normally minor & easily fixable when the occur.

F1
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[caelite]

theador said:

Thanks yeah I read about the N14. Any thoughts on tuning/suspension? Like I say not driven one yet but the last two cars I've had, one fwd one rwd I've put a Quiaffe LSD into and it's made massive difference to the handling and getting power down.

Don't be put of the R56 by the N14 engine. Provided you are vaguely interested in cars and know how to look out for 1 or 2 warning signs it really is no more unreliable than any other engine. Other than the timing issue it is just as reliable as any other relatively highly strung engine, with occasional issues with valves clogging up at high miles and some wonky solenoids Otherwise it is a very nice torquey turbocharged motor which loves spirited b-road driving. They are fairly tunable as well, with the normal filter+exhaust+map combo netting you early 2XXs bhp and mid to late 2XXs possible with an uprated turbo.