Megane R26 230 F1. Am I mad?
Discussion
The petrolhead bug is biting me again and I have been searching the classifieds for the past month or so looking for a nice, unmolested Megane R26 F1 edition. This is certainly easier said than done as nearly all of them have been tuned to death or been stripped for track work.
I currently own a 2001 2.7 Boxster which I’ve literally restored to mint condition. I love the car (great to drive!) and even though it’s a money pit it’s not going anywhere; I’m hoping as I’ve spent £10k on it in 20 months it can’t possibly give me much more trouble!
The Boxster is fine for 85% of my journeys except when I need rear seats. I did purchase a 2011 XF-S diesel a few months back as an itch I wanted to scratch (always loved the look of them) and it was a great car. However, as much as I enjoy barges they bore me too quickly and that’s why it’s now sold. For me a car has to have a quirk or something unique about it to keep me interested.
I’ve always liked the idea of an R26 Megane and back in the day I remember having some great drives with them in my MKV R32. They seem to be slightly forgotten and when priced against the same age R32 quite a bargain. I’m of the mindset that if I find a mint, original example with average mileage this car may be a good place to put money. I don’t want to say “investment” as it wouldn’t be, but as a car you could run for maybe 3 years and still sell for the same money? A good example currently sits around £5000-£6000.
My two biggest concerns are reliability (as let’s be honest, it’s French) and if it will feel too flimsy for someone who has really only ever bought German (with the exception of a couple of Jags and an Accord Type R).
Has anyone owned this car for who can reassure me I’m not making a mistake.
I currently own a 2001 2.7 Boxster which I’ve literally restored to mint condition. I love the car (great to drive!) and even though it’s a money pit it’s not going anywhere; I’m hoping as I’ve spent £10k on it in 20 months it can’t possibly give me much more trouble!
The Boxster is fine for 85% of my journeys except when I need rear seats. I did purchase a 2011 XF-S diesel a few months back as an itch I wanted to scratch (always loved the look of them) and it was a great car. However, as much as I enjoy barges they bore me too quickly and that’s why it’s now sold. For me a car has to have a quirk or something unique about it to keep me interested.
I’ve always liked the idea of an R26 Megane and back in the day I remember having some great drives with them in my MKV R32. They seem to be slightly forgotten and when priced against the same age R32 quite a bargain. I’m of the mindset that if I find a mint, original example with average mileage this car may be a good place to put money. I don’t want to say “investment” as it wouldn’t be, but as a car you could run for maybe 3 years and still sell for the same money? A good example currently sits around £5000-£6000.
My two biggest concerns are reliability (as let’s be honest, it’s French) and if it will feel too flimsy for someone who has really only ever bought German (with the exception of a couple of Jags and an Accord Type R).
Has anyone owned this car for who can reassure me I’m not making a mistake.
Edited by NelsonM3 on Saturday 24th August 09:09
I have one which I have done around 12k mainly track miles over the last 2 years. Other than a window module issue and rattling exhaust it has been incredibly reliable considering how "well used" it has been.
Due to how good it has been 3 friends have bought them as track cars and all bar the butchered full track car one with different fuel lines, forged engibe etc have been totally reliable.
Due to how good it has been 3 friends have bought them as track cars and all bar the butchered full track car one with different fuel lines, forged engibe etc have been totally reliable.
I have one, for two years now that I use a train station and second family car.
It had a mild boost increase to 250bhp and I’ve fitted a stainless system, but otherwise standard.
On a couple of PH runs out, it’s kept up with much more capable machinery and ive shared it with my son on track, so I’m quite a fan.
It had a mild boost increase to 250bhp and I’ve fitted a stainless system, but otherwise standard.
On a couple of PH runs out, it’s kept up with much more capable machinery and ive shared it with my son on track, so I’m quite a fan.
Edited by Hol on Sunday 25th August 18:42
Elatino1 said:
rhoran00 said:
Are the F1's worth the extra over the standard 225? Is it just a pair of recaros and the LSD?
Recaros, LSD, Cup Suspension, red calipers, stickers, different alloy wheels and maybe a few other bits.I've had a phase 1 cup with the r26 gearbox fitted for 5 and a bit years - it's just tipped over 105k and is currently sat waiting for yet another electrical issue to be fixed.
It's a great drive and I love it dearly but it's been an absolute nightmare to own and drive daily. During my ownership I've spent close to 2grand on electrical f
kups, I'm ready to buy my second set of front control arms, 2 wheels have cracked and countless other bits and pieces have basically just fallen off. I had a 172 that was built like a tank in comparison if that puts things in perspective.
Bottom line is this..
The drive train and chassis are excellent, parts are expensive, the car is extremely fragile and specialists are few and far between.
If its not going to be a daily and you're relatively near a specialist you'll have a blast if you buy well. I wouldn't dismiss a lightly modified car at all though they'll take anything under 300/300 forever (remap +intercooler)
It's a great drive and I love it dearly but it's been an absolute nightmare to own and drive daily. During my ownership I've spent close to 2grand on electrical f
kups, I'm ready to buy my second set of front control arms, 2 wheels have cracked and countless other bits and pieces have basically just fallen off. I had a 172 that was built like a tank in comparison if that puts things in perspective. Bottom line is this..
The drive train and chassis are excellent, parts are expensive, the car is extremely fragile and specialists are few and far between.
If its not going to be a daily and you're relatively near a specialist you'll have a blast if you buy well. I wouldn't dismiss a lightly modified car at all though they'll take anything under 300/300 forever (remap +intercooler)
I've had my R26 for 3 years and love it. No major issues just routine servicing. The handling is amazing, it has so much grip and the extra cost over a normal 225 is definitely worth it. A mate of mine had a 225 and the difference between the two is like night and day.
If you are in the Midlands I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Diamond motors for servicing.
If you are in the Midlands I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Diamond motors for servicing.
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