Megane RS 250 or MK6 GTI
Discussion
I'm torn between both of these as a next car, any advice would be appreciated. It'll be used as a daily, roughly 30-40 miles a day for work and back, plus whatever else on weekends, mostly b-roads, with a couple of s##t patches, at least until a bypass is open next year. Currently in an E90, which has been the most unreliable, unlucky car I've ever had and I want rid of it. No interest in diesel, interior goodies aren't of importance, only thing in that respect is radio controls on steering wheel and I'm happy, and both have that.
The Megane is really tempting, but I haven't driven a Renault since the 5 and that was back in the Max Power era, and my head says "no, it's French" What are they like in terms of reliability and what would be common to give trouble on them. It would have to be at least the cup pack.
I like the Golf but a bit of a bland German car. Not driven one but a few people I know had them and were happy while they had it.
The only other temptation would be a Focus ST.
I'd like to hear what past/present owners think and help make up my mind.
The Megane is really tempting, but I haven't driven a Renault since the 5 and that was back in the Max Power era, and my head says "no, it's French" What are they like in terms of reliability and what would be common to give trouble on them. It would have to be at least the cup pack.
I like the Golf but a bit of a bland German car. Not driven one but a few people I know had them and were happy while they had it.
The only other temptation would be a Focus ST.
I'd like to hear what past/present owners think and help make up my mind.
Until Feb this year we had a 2011 Mk6 GTI for just over 3 years. In the end I thought it was overpriced, unreliable and just a bit dull. It was too compromised for my liking and always had a warning light on. Also seating position made me feel like I was on a perch rather than in a car. Others here like them so worth trying just to say you have.
DoubleD said:
The megane is a reliable car, apart from some wear and tear items mainly around the front suspension. The Golf has a better interior and is a good cruiser, but the megane is way more fun to drive.
^^^ This ^^^ 
Neighbour has had a few Megane RS250's, never had any issues.
I'd have been more tempted but think the ride would have been too harsh for 50 B road miles a day. Golf was too dull, so went with a Mk3 Focus ST as the "in between" option.
Where's best to look for a cup model in UK? I'm in Ireland and pretty rare here, buying privately from UK won't work so it would have to come from a garage, looking on classifieds here, and a couple of other places, only seeing non cup models. Am I right in thinking cloth seats and red Brembo's are how you tell them from the normal sport model?
had a mk6 golf gti for 6yrs and circa 80k miles and it was a great car. Not the most engaging/ dynamic drive, but could hold its own and go fast enough when I wanted it to.
my car was pretty much base spec, cloth seats, basic cd/ radio no real toys. on a motorway run it’ll see you 450miles for £55/60 of petrol. anything spirited or town driving and you’ll be down to 300miles.
in my 6yrs I had one small electrical issue (ignition switch causing the radio to cut out) apart from that, regular servicing, consumables- brakes/tyres and one snapped rear suspension spring. was a very solid/ well put together car. no little niggles of issues. only sold on because i need more doors/ space with a baby.
to sum it up, it’s does everything well, it just doesn’t excel at anything.
my car was pretty much base spec, cloth seats, basic cd/ radio no real toys. on a motorway run it’ll see you 450miles for £55/60 of petrol. anything spirited or town driving and you’ll be down to 300miles.
in my 6yrs I had one small electrical issue (ignition switch causing the radio to cut out) apart from that, regular servicing, consumables- brakes/tyres and one snapped rear suspension spring. was a very solid/ well put together car. no little niggles of issues. only sold on because i need more doors/ space with a baby.
to sum it up, it’s does everything well, it just doesn’t excel at anything.
ZX10R NIN said:
Take a look at K Tec Racing's stock they're not the cheapest though, why can't you buy private?
Thanks I'll have a look. Buying privately would be more of a hassle, I'd have to go over and possibly end up looking at a dog. I've a few friends in sales, so if I find something I like, pass details on. Hopefully they'd get an honest report from the garage, so a little piece of mind it's in good condition, maybe knock out a better deal as there won't be any warranty with it coming to Ireland. They can also arrange transport and getting it registered here, I'm in the south so on Irish plates when it arrives. jonindorset said:
Had a very nice chap from the Republic buy my Fiesta ST. He asked a lot of questions, I provided a lot of evidence and he paid a mechanic to inspect the car. There are likely to be better cars at much better money buying something quite niche privately.
I'll keep that in mind, then again I got my e90 from a BMW garage and within a week the front left caliper seized, that was just the start of the problems. I'm not in a rush to change so maybe if I find something better specced privately I might take a chance like you suggested. I had the same decision to make in Jan. looked at numerous Megs and although they are the better drive, I simply couldn’t get past the interior difference and overall way the car looked. As my daily the Golf is just a nicer place to be.
Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
Evolved said:
I had the same decision to make in Jan. looked at numerous Megs and although they are the better drive, I simply couldn’t get past the interior difference and overall way the car looked. As my daily the Golf is just a nicer place to be.
Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
For me I'm not bothered about the interior too much, can/t be much worse than the Evo, not a dig in any way. The old Jap stuff was brilliant My old EK Civic was the only car I regret selling. Nice comfortable seats and steering wheel, for me it's more how the car drives, that's where my attention is when I'm in it. The Megane and even the Clio really appeals to me and have for a few years, despite me being cynical over it being French, the Golf was more about reliability but still enough fun to drive. My E90 is in constant need of work, injectors, coils, 2 so far and I can feel another on it's way out. All done in BMW so no secondhand or cheap parts, it was serviced by the garage I bought it from new. I was working there at the time so I know to trust them. Now I think it's the amp playing up, speakers come and go on one side. Last few days the solenoid for the drivers door lock has stopped working. It's been well taken care of but it's the stuff you can't do anything about. All easy enough to sort out but I'm sick of it and it's not even that great when it's working as it should. Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
Evolved said:
I had the same decision to make in Jan. looked at numerous Megs and although they are the better drive, I simply couldn’t get past the interior difference and overall way the car looked. As my daily the Golf is just a nicer place to be.
Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
You're talking about interiors & you have an Evo!?! Lol all jokes aside the OP is after one car at which point for me the Megane wins yes the dash materials aren't as nice as the Golf but the Golf is nowhere nears as good a steer.Ended up with a mint 10 plate car which has been a joy to own. The Evo takes care of the fun duties perfectly so a good mix.
It all depends on what you're priorities are.
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