Would someone swap a Leon Cupra 180 for a CTR?

[MissChief]

Thinking about a change and have always wondered about a CTR. My Cupra 180 is an 04 reg, needs a service (will be done) and a new thermostat (done at same time as service) and is on 79k. New front tyres last summer (GY Eagle F1 Assy 2's with loads of life) and is in pretty good overall condition.

Do you think anyone would want a straight swap for a similar age and condition CTR? Has anyone had both and can advise if I'm doing a bad thing?

[JamesD1]

i owned a cupra 180 (pre-facelift) had mine remapped etc. but i just didnt like it, i fancy a CTR and i imagine its a better drive if you like to rev. it will also take corners better etc.

as for swaps i doubt a leon 180 is worth as much as a ctr?

[MissChief]

I always think there's an element of 'it's a Honda Type R' premium on top for what isn't a huge step above a standard civic?

[jc84]

+1. If you do manage the swap it will be a bit of a dog surely. Cupras seem to go for next to nothing these days but CTRs look to be holding their value better. Only one way to find out...

[JamesD1]

i can only really comment on the leon as i owned one.

i bought the leon for the power and i expected it to be a sports car, i was wrong. i think the type r is made as a proper hot hatch with stiffer suspension better support on the seats better gearing etc etc.

as comment above says, the cupra's are a good cheap buy is you fancy a quick and comfortable car. i bought mine for £1500 and sold for £800 a year later as all seemed to be going for around 1k mark. your facelift will be worth more

[PaulGT3]

MissChief said:

I always think there's an element of 'it's a Honda Type R' premium on top for what isn't a huge step above a standard civic?

It's a massive step up. The only good thing about an EP3 type R is the engine and gearbox. Take that away, and you have a fairly average car!

[jc84]

I have an LCR and I am considering switching to a civic type R but even LCRs are worth sod all these days. Have you considered a Cupra R? Bit of a performance bargain and the handling is a nice step up from the Cupra.

[MissChief]

PaulGT3 said:

It's a massive step up. The only good thing about an EP3 type R is the engine and gearbox. Take that away, and you have a fairly average car!

You just contradicted yourself!

So a straight swap into a slightly older CTR is going to be a nail you think? I have considered a LCR but think it would just be more of the same, just faster. I may consider a remap on the LC 180 to see what that's like. It's very competent for normal use, just a bit remote and wooly at times. Compared to the 306 GTI-6 I had before it feels like I'm connected to the front wheels by bungee cords.

[jc84]

Yes the VAG stuff can be a bit wooly on steering feel but apparently so is a type R? Supposed to be one of the weak points? You might get a half decent Clio 172 if you really want 'feel'. Sorry to turn it into a what car thread but I don't think you will get a straight swap to a type R. Happy to be proved wrong though!

[jamoor]

IMO go for the CTR, it's more "raw" if that makes sense.

Beats turbocharged VAG dullness.

[Mastodon2]

jamoor said:

IMO go for the CTR, it's more "raw" if that makes sense.

Beats turbocharged VAG dullness.

Indeed, I had a 280bhp Cupra R and the EP3 was more fun to drive. You won't find anyone wanting to swap though OP, although you are wrong in thinking the Type R is only a "little step up" from the standard car, it's nothing like the standard car to drive.

[MissChief]

172 is really a bit too small. Kids aren't getting any smaller!

[jc84]

Kids were also the reason I went for the LCR instead of the type R. Couldn't be doing with just 3 doors! Only question my decision when Mastodon posts!

[Buff Mchugelarge]

MissChief said:

You just contradicted yourself!

So a straight swap into a slightly older CTR is going to be a nail you think? I have considered a LCR but think it would just be more of the same, just faster. I may consider a remap on the LC 180 to see what that's like. It's very competent for normal use, just a bit remote and wooly at times. Compared to the 306 GTI-6 I had before it feels like I'm connected to the front wheels by bungee cords.

There's your problem right there.

The French, whatever you think of them, really do know how to make a fun car.
Sod the kids, get a 306 Rallye!

[MissChief]

As tempting as it may be to go back my 306 was really starting to hurt the wallet with increasing regularity. Every MOT it needed something other than consumables, twice in its four year tenure making me actively consider scrapping it due to the cost being not far from the vehicles actual value. I will say this for my Leon, it's been almost faultless since I bought it. A broken suspension spring which is fairly common and that's been about it other than rear pads and two new boots up front. Last MOT was a straight pass with two advisories only. If my 306 did that even once I'd have fallen over in shock.

[Dave Hedgehog]

i had a CTR for a couple of years, fabulous engine and box when on it but in the real world (90% of the time for me) when off cam its got as much puff as a 1.0 micra


with asthma

[PaulGT3]

MissChief said:

You just contradicted yourself!

I didn't. I meant the type r is a massive step up from the standard car, in that the engine and gearbox make the car. It's not type r premium at all, you are paying for that sublime engine and gearbox combo. And they aren't all that expensive anyway. No idea on Leon values though!

[Mastodon2]

Dave Hedgehog said:

i had a CTR for a couple of years, fabulous engine and box when on it but in the real world (90% of the time for me) when off cam its got as much puff as a 1.0 micra


with asthma

You must have driven some fairly tuned up 1.0L Micras then, as the K20 engine develops about 140-150bhp "off cam", that would make for a pretty nippy Micra I'd imagine.

[ADM06]

Should have gone Megane R26.

[Riknos]

ADM06 said:

Should have gone Megane R26.

Completely different price point, so a moot point.