Second car - Clio 182 or RX8?

[Luke.]

Got a Subaru Outback for family duties, now thinking about a second car. With a 6 months old baby, needs to be vaguely practical but otherwise not worried about petrol consumption.

Love the idea of a fun, nippy little 182, but can't help looking at RX8s and the value they offer and the bonus of 4 doors. Plus, it's a hell of a lot of car for the cash. Insurance is also about the same for both.

Not driven either and I know I should, but what would you go for?

[Defcon5]

RX8 more of an event and look the part, but could potentially be a catastrophic money pit.

[Rammy76]

I'd personally go for the 182 Clio.

I have had experience of the RX8 and none of it very good TBH, I found it gutless for the supposed power output, extremely unreliable and very expensive on fuel.
Before anyone who likes them gets over excited, it has its' good points such as precise handling, nice interior/spec and very innovative layout and design.
Above all, the £3000 engine rebuild (£5900 from Mazda) at 59000 miles and uncertainty over the future reliability of the car put me off it for good.

The Renault seems a good little pocket rocket from what I can tell, I've not personally had any experience of one though.

[W7NNS]

I've had both an RX8 (231) & a 182 (FF) would choose the clio every time. You'll get double the MPG for a start, as well as cheaper parts & servicing. Also remember that a lot of the RX8's have serious issues such as low compression leading to the engine not starting when hot. There's a lot of cheap RX8's around but they are cheap for a reason. Get yourself a decent 182, ideally a cup (or trophy if budget allows) & you won't regret it

[danneth]

182 clio

[AndyBrew]

182 without doubt

[Luke.]

Cheers all. This is more clear cut than I was expecting.

[Baked_bean]

Clio, i am on the cusp of getting one soon aswell.... before every scoundrel can afford one.

[Defcon5]

Baked_bean said:

Clio, i am on the cusp of getting one soon aswell.... before every scoundrel can afford one.

I think they are well past that point.

[Baked_bean]

True, but its still £2k+ for a reasonable one. The scoundrels are still in the mk4 golfs and seem to be preferring civic type-r's as the early 00's hatch of choice.

[otolith]

I had an RX-8 after a Civic Type-R and loved it. I'd have one over any hot hatch, to be honest, but they're not a car to buy without knowing what you are getting yourself into and how to buy a good one. The Clio is the safe choice, if a little ordinary.

[*Al*]

182 for sure.

[Chris71]

How much are you going to use it?

I'm a big fan of the 182, but I'm not convinced any mass-produced hot hatch is special enough to be kept for high days and holidays.

There must be some more interesting cars you can get a baby seat in ... 2+2 Cerbera, maybe?

On a lower budget - Porsche 944 maybe? The 182 is in some respects a better car to drive, but a retro RWD GT car just seems more like weekend toy material.

[Luke.]

Chris71 said:

How much are you going to use it?

I'm a big fan of the 182, but I'm not convinced any mass-produced hot hatch is special enough to be kept for high days and holidays.

There must be some more interesting cars you can get a baby seat in ... 2+2 Cerbera, maybe?

On a lower budget - Porsche 944 maybe? The 182 is in some respects a better car to drive, but a retro RWD GT car just seems more like weekend toy material.

Probably only going to be using it once or twice a week. Nothing in reality. Was originally looking at BMW 650s, but the wifes given me a bit of reality check re budget and babies so decided to look around the 5k mark instead.

[Darranu]

Hi,

Ive owned both and the RX8 is by far the better car, it might not be the fastest car in a straight line but the handling is sublime.
Take the plunge you'll love it
Regards,
Darran

[Luke.]

Darranu said:

Hi,

Ive owned both and the RX8 is by far the better car, it might not be the fastest car in a straight line but the handling is sublime.
Take the plunge you'll love it
Regards,
Darran

I know it's a completely different kind of power delivery and also less powerful, but how did it compare to your Boxster S? That was my last car before the baby came along, so would be an interesting comparison.

[edo]

Darranu said:

Hi,

Ive owned both and the RX8 is by far the better car, it might not be the fastest car in a straight line but the handling is sublime.
Take the plunge you'll love it
Regards,
Darran

+1

MPG is crap, but more than made up for it in their used values.

[Luke.]

edo said:

+1

MPG is crap, but more than made up for it in their used values.

The used value is unbelievable. Just seen a 2007 for £4995. Stunning.

Now getting more confused.

How you getting on with the M6?

Edited by Luke. on Saturday 10th September 20:43

[falkster]

Clio all day!!

[Darranu]

Luke. said:

Darranu said:

Hi,

Ive owned both and the RX8 is by far the better car, it might not be the fastest car in a straight line but the handling is sublime.
Take the plunge you'll love it
Regards,
Darran

I know it's a completely different kind of power delivery and also less powerful, but how did it compare to your Boxster S? That was my last car before the baby came along, so would be an interesting comparison.

Hi,

There totally different cars, with the RX8 you could provoke it into a nice controlled slide which would leave me smirking like a child. There so well balanced and predictable, we did a trackday in it and the RX really embarrassed some much more powerful / expensive cars.
With the Boxster there seemed to be so much grip that I found it harder to hold in a controlled slide when messing around, I still regard the Boxster as one of the sweetest cars I’ve owned but for the money you’ll be hard pushed to find anything that handles and puts a smile on your face like the Mazda.
Hope this helps
Darran