Any new Megane RS 280/300 owners?

[pjdj]

resolve10 said:

Are people using their cars on track? I give my Trophy what I would consider a fair amount of spirited road driving, and after 3.5 years & 27k miles I'm still on the original rear tyres and all discs/pads are in good shape, so I'm at a loss as to why so many are needing brakes doing at 3-4 years old??

I am halfway through my third set of front tyres though, it really has an appetite for those.

My car is on about 10500 miles and almost through its 2nd set of tyres (Goodyear Supersport) - which I rotated as I prefer to replace all my tyres at once. Front disc/pads are very thin and potentially would be picked up on an MOT.

Never tracked but I do live in Milton Keynes which is a killer for brakes/tyres if you have a bit of fun with it (which the car eggs you to do)

[nickfrog]

resolve10 said:

Are people using their cars on track? I give my Trophy what I would consider a fair amount of spirited road driving, and after 3.5 years & 27k miles I'm still on the original rear tyres and all discs/pads are in good shape, so I'm at a loss as to why so many are needing brakes doing at 3-4 years old??

I am halfway through my third set of front tyres though, it really has an appetite for those.

Yes, a lot , at least while I owned it...

OE pads wouldn't have lasted a day though so it really depends on how hard one drives. But still I share your surprise for road use, even spirited.

[resolve10]

nickfrog said:

Yes, a lot , at least while I owned it...

OE pads wouldn't have lasted a day though so it really depends on how hard one drives. But still I share your surprise for road use, even spirited.

Love those photos!

[RS_MAN_CHILD]

Wonderman said:

Rear glass replaced, no obvious cause but fell apart properly. So if ever trapped in your car that the exit to go for.

Glass is real weak, thin as possible & scratches too easily...not surprised it failed. It seems a small strike can leave it compromised then it can break without warning...my front screen got a noticeable spiders web type crack appear on an empty road at low speed with no other vehicles anywhere near! Most likely a previous stone strike developed after road vibrations I have been told by screen experts!

[RS_MAN_CHILD]

Zarco said:

That's great. He's talking about the rear brakes though

Has the car been driven on track with the stability control on? This can cook the rear brakes on lots of cars as it uses them to settle the car in the turns.

Got around 30k out of the rear brakes on my MK3 Megane RS. I never turn the driver aids off, but it's never been on track either.

That's so cool as I overshared so anyone who needs fronts knows the approx cost now LOL

[RS_MAN_CHILD]

danm1985 said:

Thanks for the reply Man Child, but I was talking about the rears.

Never driven on track, but it does get the the odd spirited drive on a country road. Quite a few thinking about the first 5k when I got it. Looking at the discs again today they do look pretty corroded as well. Will get the rear discs and pads done, just a little annoying when it goes back soon. Should be able to get it done for half what Renault wanted.

Anyone noticed the price these are going for now a couple of years old? I had been thinking about buying one, but with the Recaros and uprated stereo, but can't justify it!

You should be able to get a decent Phase 2 (different Turbo, Cylinder Head, LED mega bright lighting, different rear light clusters & a few other uprated components so 20BHP + 30NM more power with a 162MPH top speed) for just under 25K now which is a bargain! But prices are dropping a little as the Ultime RS (not available in UK but can be imported for £70-75K!!!!...yes prices for new have gone up drastically!).

So give it a few years I think the used ones will double in price but nothing you can replace it with not sure its ever worth selling ...the nearest non Renault RS is an Audi RS3 Fastback...£63-68K new if you can even order one (they limit orders!)...that's not worth anywhere near the asking price BTW

[danm1985]

Everyone's definition of spirited driving will be different, based on where you live. I live in the country on quiet roads. I have found since changing from S001s to Potenza Sports...the replacements, I am getting better wear and grip in both dry/wet. I went through my first set of fronts in 5/6K, and rears in 12k, maybe why I need new discs/pads.

I refuse to pay for the prices being asked now, especially with what I pay for my ALD lease. I remember back in 2018 being offered a friends lease golf R for 18k 3 years old.... only turned it down as it had zero options and was 5 door. What a mistake that was, but as you guys will know, zero fun.

I think someone said it previously, the Renault Megane 300 Trophy will go down as the best they did IMO non R, just so few bought them they are so unknown!

Edited by danm1985 on Saturday 20th May 21:43

[danm1985]

pjdj said:

danm1985 said:

Trophy 300 EDC owner. Any members had to replace the rear pads and discs after 18k, flagged up red at the latest service. I think they quoted £800 for discs and pads plus labour! Pads do look very worn, I was thinking just replace the pads.... car is on lease, goes back in 5 months so don't want to spend money on it. My first 3 year lease, will only do 2 years in future. Can get OEM pads for £68 and discs for £280 online. Just find it hard to believe the discs need doing, but they do look pretty bad, maybe the calipers been binding?

I also have a Trophy on a 3 year lease and going to give it back early as it needs new tyres all round, front disks/pads (rears seem okay to be fair), major service & MOT - that's probably £2k I don't want to spend.

Who is you lease with? Was it through gateway2lease? How can you give it back early? With no penalty, I'd be tempted to do the same, will need a new set of fronts soon too.

[pjdj]

danm1985 said:

pjdj said:

danm1985 said:

Trophy 300 EDC owner. Any members had to replace the rear pads and discs after 18k, flagged up red at the latest service. I think they quoted £800 for discs and pads plus labour! Pads do look very worn, I was thinking just replace the pads.... car is on lease, goes back in 5 months so don't want to spend money on it. My first 3 year lease, will only do 2 years in future. Can get OEM pads for £68 and discs for £280 online. Just find it hard to believe the discs need doing, but they do look pretty bad, maybe the calipers been binding?

I also have a Trophy on a 3 year lease and going to give it back early as it needs new tyres all round, front disks/pads (rears seem okay to be fair), major service & MOT - that's probably £2k I don't want to spend.

Who is you lease with? Was it through gateway2lease? How can you give it back early? With no penalty, I'd be tempted to do the same, will need a new set of fronts soon too.

Yes G2L. Haven't checked the paperwork but belief that you can hand back and pay 50% on the remaining lease which will be massively cheaper than getting all that work done. Bit of a shame as I adore the car but I am not going to put the best part of £2k into it and then have to hand it back.

[Wonderman]

Thread bump- anyone replaced front pads? If so what distance?
Thanks

[RS_MAN_CHILD]

Wonderman said:

Thread bump- anyone replaced front pads? If so what distance?
Thanks

Yep twice in just over a year! First pads change was after 24K miles 11months...I accepted what the dealer said they were were worn to 5%...

Then in May 2023 they told me they needed changing ASAP as did the rears pads & front discs...so off I went forked out big money on pads & discs (£1200 worth as the discs have gone up a lot recently!) ....went to do the fronts myself this time as do not trust main dealers at all...found mine still had another 40-45% wear left in them compared to the new pads so did not bother changing but have all the parts ready to DIY in a few months when its actually required!

These are all OEM Bremo parts as well BTW.

So double check you actually need to do them as rears should last around 2 years & fronts depending on mileage at least 1.5-2 years but for me I did a lot of miles & some big stops so mine wore out faster!

[justin220]

Hello all, I'm possibly going to be joining the Megane owners fold soon, in fact I'm going to see a 280 model tomorrow night.

Is there anything particular I should look out for? The car itself seems very well spec'd but missing the Recaro options which I would have preferred. Any problem areas I should be looking out for? Or anything I should be aware of when driving?

Thanks

[resolve10]

Hi Justin, is it the Cup version? I personally wouldn't bother with a non-Cup 280. Reason being, as harsh as this sounds I think the base Megane 4 is a pretty rubbish car. It's amazing Renault sold any non-Renaultsport variants.

Issues with ergonomics (forget changing gear if you've got a large coffee in the cup holder), Infotainment is sluggish and the temperature controls infuriating, plastics feel like a car from 10 years ago. I could go on, but despite all that I'd still say mine was one of the best cars I ever owned.

You're buying the car for the driving abilities, and they certainly don't disappoint, but I'd want the LSD and sportier setup if I was putting up with all of the above.

In terms of issues, there was a recall on the fuel pump so check that's been done if your potential car was affected, and if you end up looking at a Trophy yes the batteries are crap but don't necessarily listen to all the horror stories - once you learn to live with it (shut off the engine and open the door straight away to kill the infotainment, don't leave doors open when cleaning etc) they are fine. I even left mine for a week at a time and it started no issues.

[Wonderman]

RS_MAN_CHILD said:

Wonderman said:

Thread bump- anyone replaced front pads? If so what distance?
Thanks

Yep twice in just over a year! First pads change was after 24K miles 11months...I accepted what the dealer said they were were worn to 5%...

Then in May 2023 they told me they needed changing ASAP as did the rears pads & front discs...so off I went forked out big money on pads & discs (£1200 worth as the discs have gone up a lot recently!) ....went to do the fronts myself this time as do not trust main dealers at all...found mine still had another 40-45% wear left in them compared to the new pads so did not bother changing but have all the parts ready to DIY in a few months when its actually required!

These are all OEM Bremo parts as well BTW.

So double check you actually need to do them as rears should last around 2 years & fronts depending on mileage at least 1.5-2 years but for me I did a lot of miles & some big stops so mine wore out faster!

Thanks for this. Missed it at the time. It's fully maintained under the lease, just the front left looks a little thin/ pedal feels a little long and wondered what others had done (just over 18k but alot of motorway miles, mixed with a little spirited road driving). Going for MOT/ service soon so all nice and fresh for it to go back to the company.

[justin220]

resolve10 said:

Hi Justin, is it the Cup version? I personally wouldn't bother with a non-Cup 280. Reason being, as harsh as this sounds I think the base Megane 4 is a pretty rubbish car. It's amazing Renault sold any non-Renaultsport variants.

Issues with ergonomics (forget changing gear if you've got a large coffee in the cup holder), Infotainment is sluggish and the temperature controls infuriating, plastics feel like a car from 10 years ago. I could go on, but despite all that I'd still say mine was one of the best cars I ever owned.

You're buying the car for the driving abilities, and they certainly don't disappoint, but I'd want the LSD and sportier setup if I was putting up with all of the above.

In terms of issues, there was a recall on the fuel pump so check that's been done if your potential car was affected, and if you end up looking at a Trophy yes the batteries are crap but don't necessarily listen to all the horror stories - once you learn to live with it (shut off the engine and open the door straight away to kill the infotainment, don't leave doors open when cleaning etc) they are fine. I even left mine for a week at a time and it started no issues.

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I'm actually not sure if it's a Cup model or not. The advert doesn't say. It's a 2018 registration, low miles at 18k, automatic and alcantara seats, with sunroof. I'm looking for something useable, for the family. It'll never see a track with me. Maybe the odd road trip, or North Coast500

I've had a few Renaultsports previously, 182 cup, 172 FF, and an R26 Mégane so know the basics.. but not alot about this model of Megane.

I've seen a few trophies, but not convinced I can justify the additional cost.

Edited by justin220 on Monday 21st August 16:26

[resolve10]

justin220 said:

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I'm actually not sure if it's a Cup model or not. The advert doesn't say. It's a 2018 registration, low miles at 18k, automatic and alcantara seats, with sunroof. I'm looking for something useable, for the family. It'll never see a track with me. Maybe the odd road trip, or North Coast500

I've had a few Renaultsports previously, 182 cup, 172 FF, and an R26 Mégane so know the basics.. but not alot about this model of Megane.

I've seen a few trophies, but not convinced I can justify the additional cost.

Edited by justin220 on Monday 21st August 16:26

That sounds like a nicely specced car. Sunroofs are rare (I'd have liked one!). Mine was the only Trophy I've ever seen with the bog standard cloth seats, they were fine in terms of comfort so I'd have no issues with the Alcantara ones.

I also test drove an auto and it's a really nice box. If it has the Cup chassis it sounds like a good buy.

[Wonderman]

justin220 said:

Hello all, I'm possibly going to be joining the Megane owners fold soon, in fact I'm going to see a 280 model tomorrow night.

Is there anything particular I should look out for? The car itself seems very well spec'd but missing the Recaro options which I would have preferred. Any problem areas I should be looking out for? Or anything I should be aware of when driving?

Thanks

Mileage?
Was it a lease, you may have a pussy cat like me or a tiger who ragged it more
Manual- having a short left leg as biting point is high- "they all do that sir"
Manual- can be a little grumpy from cold but still needs a firm hand when warm (pfner)
Brakes- as can see not the cheapest if need replacing so check when done
Tyres- the lease ones are like Fred flintstone on later ones (ask me how I know) Michelins much better for comfort and grip.
Tyres-check on inside as camber / tracking on our roads can get uneven wear
Apple play only by sticking cable in USB is a little archeic and can drop out but other than than the inbuilt nav isn't bad and has dials for climate control so all good from my day to day use
Wheels- from my usage smaller the better for our pox ridden roads
Tracking with the rear steer I'd getting tracking done as can be a bit of a camber hugger (the lease Bedrock Bridgestone may exaggerate that)
Paint- is a little thin, but aren't they all these days
Red-is definitely the fastest colour

I came to my RS280 Cup from DSG Golf-R 7.0 (did ~24k miles from new) and loved the Megane more in 200m than all the mileage in the Golf which I thought was dull and the haldex a little clumsy and was glad to see the back of it. The RS goes in a couple months and I know I'll miss it.

[Wonderman]

justin220 said:

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I'm actually not sure if it's a Cup model or not. The advert doesn't say. It's a 2018 registration, low miles at 18k, automatic and alcantara seats, with sunroof. I'm looking for something useable, for the family. It'll never see a track with me. Maybe the odd road trip, or North Coast500

I've had a few Renaultsports previously, 182 cup, 172 FF, and an R26 Mégane so know the basics.. but not alot about this model of Megane.

I've seen a few trophies, but not convinced I can justify the additional cost.

Edited by justin220 on Monday 21st August 16:26

Around same mileage as mine

I had an RS197 ff cup (Nimbus no silly spoilers) that I had for 8 years from new.

I have the alcantara and no problems with the seats compared to the Golf, just make sure you spray some protection on them from crumbling kids!

What size family, as can be a little snug in the back (although 2 teens didn't grumble on the ~500 miles to W Coast Scotland last couple of summers and boot takes 2 suitcases (standing up) with room for couple ruck sacks/ camera bag,

MPG is pretty good if stick in comfort, infinitely more efficient than my 197 even in sport/ race!

I'm a road man too, and it's more than enough power for our roads, and torquey enough for safe overtakes too

[Zarco]

justin220 said:

I've had a few Renaultsports previously, 182 cup, 172 FF, and an R26 Mégane so know the basics.. but not alot about this model of Megane.

Edited by justin220 on Monday 21st August 16:26

I still associate your username with Cliosport forum.

[justin220]

Ah yes, the good old Cliosport days been a while!

It's Volcano Orange. I do like Liquid Yellow, in fact I think I prefer it but not sure I could live with it.

Family size is 3 of us. 4 year old son, and a dog (will need some sort of boot buddy). We have a Cayenne for family duties, this is more for a second car for me.

Golf R is the other car I'm looking at, but I'm more drawn to the Megane. Rarity maybe, or that I'm still a Renault sport fan.

Thanks for all the input. I'll report back tomorrow evening.