Thoughts on R26R, Trophy R , trophy 300R

Thoughts on R26R, Trophy R , trophy 300R

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Discussion

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Friday 14th January 2022
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So after my last thread got cancelled and I was banned for a week as it’s a big no no on PH for putting a wanted thread up! I am after peoples thoughts on these cars. I have owned number 81 R26.R and thinking of getting one of the above. I am looking for peoples thoughts and opinions and any contacts that can point me in the right direction.

Many thanks.

M3Gane-Fan

231 posts

269 months

Saturday 15th January 2022
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Unless your going to use as a track car not much point buying one as less comfort than the equivalent non R model(s). Then if you want as a road car high miles will mean low resale value later on....what do you actually need the car for is your answer?!

On UK roads I doubt you would notice much difference between R & non R its not like you can actually use the extra performance legally is it!

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Saturday 15th January 2022
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Thanks for your reply. For me it needs to be special and either of these three are special. Both my CSS’s felt special but got to the point you feel like you drive them and you become super precious about them and effecting the value so I sold it. Brilliant cars. My R26.R was brilliant and I should have kept it however that was ten years ago. Totally get a standard car would fill 9/10ths of the brief however it’s that 1/10th that makes it feel special. Oh it’s just a toy and not an everyday car.

don logan

3,520 posts

222 months

Sunday 16th January 2022
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Hi

Every comparison video I’ve watched praises the newer cars as being “improved” but they choose the R26R at the end!

The lower power doesn’t mean much, ringing all the performance out of an R26R is satisfying!

It’s the original FWD GT3 RS

I like how the styling of that era is strange looking (the vertical rear window and the perculiar “ass”)

I don’t think it’s dated looking.

To me it’s the EVO 6 of the Meganes, it’s the one!

I like how it got it’s ‘Ring time with only 230bhp too!

What are you going to miss from the newer cars?

Have you watched Harry M’s comparison video?

Ben Lowden

6,033 posts

177 months

PH Marketing Bloke

Monday 17th January 2022
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Admittedly I haven't driven any of the Rs so can't comment on those – but having owned an R26, 250, 275 and driven the Mk4 300 Trophy (road and track), it would have to be the 275 Trophy R for me.

I think the Mk3 Megane is the sweet spot in the range. The Mk2 felt a bit too brittle/crashy (albeit good fun on smooth roads) and the Mk4 you have to drive way too fast for it to be entertaining on the road. The Mk3 feels like quite a leap in interior and build quality over the Mk2, although does lack some of the rawness as a result.

My 275 Cup-S feels special to me now, so I can only imagine how much more special the R would feel. But having said all that, I think the R26.R is the cooler car, perhaps for being the original. Good luck, let us know which one you go for!

don logan

3,520 posts

222 months

Monday 17th January 2022
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Ben Lowden said:
Admittedly I haven't driven any of the Rs so can't comment on those – but having owned an R26, 250, 275 and driven the Mk4 300 Trophy (road and track), it would have to be the 275 Trophy R for me.

I think the Mk3 Megane is the sweet spot in the range. The Mk2 felt a bit too brittle/crashy (albeit good fun on smooth roads) and the Mk4 you have to drive way too fast for it to be entertaining on the road. The Mk3 feels like quite a leap in interior and build quality over the Mk2, although does lack some of the rawness as a result.

My 275 Cup-S feels special to me now, so I can only imagine how much more special the R would feel. But having said all that, I think the R26.R is the cooler car, perhaps for being the original. Good luck, let us know which one you go for!
Hi

The interesting thing about the R26.R is the non crashiness due to the softer springs, it’s not a daily car though

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Monday 17th January 2022
quotequote all
Thanks for the view points guys. I owned a R26.R about eleven years ago and from what I remember it was superb. I also owned a 275 Cup S four -five years ago and that was even more superb. I’ve never driven suvh a capable back road car. The Clubsport S was faster but the Cup S was more understanding / communicative. However it was French and the build quality is not on par with VWAG stuff. However either of these cars would just be brill. I’ve been chatting to a guy called Tom and another called Rob. 275 Trophy R and 300R. About £11k difference between the two. What put me off the 300R that I’m looking at is that it probably had carbon wheels however they were sold on so to me it’s an incomplete car. Plus it’s about £2k cheaper than what it was probably sold new with the carbon wheels. Who knows. The right car will come up at some point I suppose

Ben Lowden

6,033 posts

177 months

PH Marketing Bloke

Tuesday 18th January 2022
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I visited a car collection last year where the owner has a Clubsport S and a 275 Trophy R and he prefers the Golf – says something about how good they are!

Just in case you haven't seen this one for sale on PH... https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12575930


st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Tuesday 18th January 2022
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Hi mate. I contacted Tom from Devine automotive regarding this car the week between Christmas and new year and he said he took a deposit on it. The chap was due to collect it asap. So not sure if it is sold or what. That would be a perfect car tbh. Also speaking to Rob regarding a 300R but it’s a bit to rich for my liking considering no carbon wheels. Not that I’d use them but to me it would just be the more complete package. Plus how cool would it be to say your car has carbon wheels.

In a way the golf is more supple on our wonderfully st roads and the engine is stronger. The gear linkage is also better. But as an experience and point to point car. I’d feel more confident using an R than a CSS to my driving limit. Which is reasonably high considering I drive fast for a living.

Oh and thank you for pointing out the link for me. It’s very much appreciated.

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Thursday 10th February 2022
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So a 300 Trophy R as new sold with in a few days. Only thing that put me off was 4 owners. These are similar to CSS’s. People buying them to flip then realising they are rammed up them. Look at the as new 275 trophy R that was up for sale for over a year then eventually sold on collecting cars for £32500. The hunt for a unicorn continues.

don logan

3,520 posts

222 months

Thursday 17th February 2022
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st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Monday 21st February 2022
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Seen that car dude. Contacted the garage selling it. No movement on price, no tax nothing. Put me off to be honest. Shame, because if he negotiated a bit of a deal he would have a sale. Ah well.

don logan

3,520 posts

222 months

Monday 21st February 2022
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st33ly said:
Seen that car dude. Contacted the garage selling it. No movement on price, no tax nothing. Put me off to be honest. Shame, because if he negotiated a bit of a deal he would have a sale. Ah well.
That’s a shame, I assume the hard line is because it’s new stock!

I’ve bought several cars from them since their origins in 1999 as Ralliart UK, shame, not even tax……

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Wednesday 23rd February 2022
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Absolutely. But as you say I assume it’s because it’s new stock. The Kteck car would have been ideal. The right car will come up for sure. The uncertainty in the world makes me think about ploughing so much cash into a car.

And

191 posts

257 months

Thursday 24th February 2022
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Hi St33ly,

Owning a 275 trophy R myself, i'd say if your use case is favourite B road use and trackdays, and you want the carbon buckets & harnesses experience and the extra volume, the Trophy R really is unbeatable.

It's really about whether you're looking for the additional performance level, modernity, and a more serious and solid character and than than the R26.r (I've have experience with this too) - then look no further.

One the other hand a non-r Trophy/Cup is also a truly excellent shout if you don't want the additional noise from the (lack of) sound deadening, or want the / harnesses etc.

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

Andy

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Sunday 27th February 2022
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Thanks for your input mate. I owned a R26R probably 12 years ago. And 2016 had a 275Cup S with Ohlins and akra. Both superb cars. I do really fancy the 300 trophy R but if either of these cars come up and minted I’ll take one.

Koolkat969

987 posts

99 months

Sunday 27th February 2022
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st33ly said:
Thanks for your input mate. I owned a R26R probably 12 years ago. And 2016 had a 275Cup S with Ohlins and akra. Both superb cars. I do really fancy the 300 trophy R but if either of these cars come up and minted I’ll take one.
275 Trophy-R here for sale if interested. I have no links to the seller.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/788332274555980/pe...

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Monday 28th February 2022
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Thanks for that mate. I have put a request in to join the group so I will see what the details are. Thank you.

st33ly

Original Poster:

495 posts

147 months

Monday 28th February 2022
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Again thanks for the link. I’m sure this car was for sale a few months ago at a dealer for £30k. It was sitting for months. Also I had been informed that it was Ns accident damage and not repaired to a high standard. A dealer on here had been offered it and said he would not touch it. Might be a different car but I’m pretty sure it is this car.

Appreciate the link though. 👍

Edited by st33ly on Monday 28th February 15:08

Koolkat969

987 posts

99 months

Monday 28th February 2022
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st33ly said:
Again thanks for the link. I’m sure this car was for sale a few months ago at a dealer for £30k. It was sitting for months. Also I had been informed that it was Ns accident damage and not repaired to a high standard. A dealer on here had been offered it and said he would not touch it. Might be a different car but I’m pretty sure it is this car.

Appreciate the link though. ??

Edited by st33ly on Monday 28th February 15:08
No worries mate. It seemed like a good find with the low mileage, spec, etc, when i saw it and remembered this thread of you looking for one.

No mention of any previous issues and the seller welcoming any inspections but good job you've done your research. I guess it's always a case of buyer beware especially with these cars that regularly get tracked.

Goodluck with the search and lets know when you find the right one!