Cheap hatch thrills

[aaaaron98]

After a considerate amount of time lurking on pistonheads, I've decided to make an account. I've done this as I'm finally in a fortunate enough position to be able to buy something that is a bit more of a 'drivers car'.

Now, only being 19, my options are somewhat limited to something around the 200bhp mark it seems, due to extortionate insurance prices.

I've had a hankering for an EP3 Type R for some years, so obviously this is my go-to car.

Although after many hours of researching and trawling eBay etc. I've started to look at the likes of the Clio 182 cup, which has also been on my radar for some time.

Bearing in mind I'm buying the car to enjoy as a driving experience, has anyone got any experience or advice on either car? Taking into account reliability as well as out and out fun? Or am I thinking into this too deep and just go with my gut and buy the EP3?

Cheers,
Aaron

[CallorFold]

Everyone is going to have a favourite, or argue one way or the other. Go for whichever one YOU want

Sorting yourself a test drive in both might be a good idea.

[Shiv_P]

Have you run any insurance quotes? At our age this basically decides what car we drive! EP3/FN2 type R come out particularly pricey for me compared to renaultsport clio 200 and focus ST etc

[Salamura]

You can get a decent 172/182 for less money than a decent EP3. Reliability-wise, the Renaults are really not bad. Look for one which has had the belts changed, and you're already onto a winner. All other issues are well known, and tend to be minor, usually cheap to mend, gremlins. If you're looking to compare the 1*2 with the EP3, go and drive them. The 1*2s have the better chassis with sweeter handling and much much better steering feel, the EP3 has a better, or at least more characterful, engine. This is at least my experience. I went for a 172 (non-cup).

If you go into 1*2 ownership, my advice would be to avoid the 182 cup, and either get a 182FF with all the toys, or a 172 cup if you want a more raw driving experience.

[aaaaron98]

I think the reliability is what seems to be drawing me more towards the ep3 in all honesty. As based on reviews etc. the 182 seems to fall short in this department.

And yes insurance is quite pricey but it's a hit I'm willing to take. Although the ep3 is slightly more to insure than the 182.

[MFR_TT]

172 Cup or 182 FF if your only concern is driving, this is £ for £ better than the Type R and from my experience very reliable as long as you get the belts done at the right points.

That said I'm looking at a Type R right now, just because I have kids and anything other than 5 door is a ball ache.

[SkodaIan]

It may have only half the power you want, but have you had a look at / drive of a 100hp Panda?

Their light weight makes up for much of the lack of power, are really fun to drive and are much cheaper on the insurance side than Type Rs, Focus ST etc

[s m]

SkodaIan said:

It may have only half the power you want, but have you had a look at / drive of a 100hp Panda?

Their light weight makes up for much of the lack of power, are really fun to drive and are much cheaper on the insurance side than Type Rs, Focus ST etc

Or if you're looking for something small and fun, look at a last of the line 106 GTI/Saxo VTS - ran the above 2 very close in tests for fun/ability

[aaaaron98]

Nanook said:

I had a 182FF, and my little sister had an EP3, and personally, I'd deal with the crap steering in the Civic, because it's better in every other way IMO.

Yeah I've heard the steering isn't much to write home about. Thanks for the comparison though, it's helpful from someone who's experienced both cars

[aaaaron98]

Ended up buying the Type R. Not one bit disappointed.