Clio vs ep3 vs cooper s

[jackh707]

Looking to change car, stuck between a clio 197, r53 cooper s and ep3 civic type r.

I need something big enough to put a bicycle in. Reasonablish insurance, at 24.

Clios group 30 insurance as is cooper s. Ep3 34.

I know I won't get a bike in the back of a cooper s though.
Heart is set on an ep3 but insurance is just a tad out of budget.

Car budget £3-6k.

What would you go for? Anything overlooked?

[CallorFold]

Megane R26?

[HJMS123]

CallorFold said:

Megane R26?

Agreed, mine has been faultless so far and has ample space for a bike as well

[james_gt3rs]

Impreza estate?

[Griffalow]

we have a Cooper S - fun to drive and quite quick - however you will need deep pockets

[kiethton]

EP3 every day of the week, I loved mine:

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

shame I had to sell it after only 4 months but I would have it back any day, my road bike went into the back of it without any dis-assembly (seats folded) and it gave a great balance of speed/reliability/economy. Insurance was £600 at 23 with all mod's declared via flux with 3 points, 2 non fault accidents in the past year and 3 years NCB.

Sold mine owing to work (not presentable) and how whenever I was pulled I was treated like ste but that may have been owing to how the car looked.

[Mr2Mike]

kiethton said:

Sold mine owing to work (not presentable) and how whenever I was pulled I was treated like ste but that may have been owing to how the car looked.

You make it sound like getting pulled is a pretty regular occurrence?

[kiethton]

Mr2Mike said:

kiethton said:

Sold mine owing to work (not presentable) and how whenever I was pulled I was treated like ste but that may have been owing to how the car looked.

You make it sound like getting pulled is a pretty regular occurrence?

It was previously - mainly in the 335i (near weekly occurance) - was only twice in the EP3 but I was treated completely differantly

[JQ]

jackh707 said:

I know I won't get a bike in the back of a cooper s though.

I'd beg to differ. I got mine in just taking off the front wheel off, take the rear off and it would probably fit even easier.

[hondansx]

Had a go in a CTR once. Only think i took from it was the incredibly bad ride! And i'm a Honda fan...

I'd opt for a Megane too...or save some money and get a 182.

[jackh707]

james_gt3rs said:

Impreza estate?

That was my first choice but insurance is £2.5k.

And I'm impressed getting a bike in the back of a mini, I'll have to try harder with my cooper I'm driving now.

Ep3 would be lovely though... Hmmm think an r26 Is a bit too much insurance wise too.

[Buff Mchugelarge]

I went for the clio 197.
Nearly 3 weeks in and I'm loving it, it has so much grip, fantastic turn in and more than fast enough, especially when you get to 5K Rpm!.
I'm not sure if mine has had a remap as the comments some have made about a lack of low down grunt definitely are not present in mine, it pulls happily from 2.5K.

Day to day over 1100 miles mine has averaged 32.5 Mpg and from browsing about, parts seem to be reasonably priced too (as long as you don't ask Renault main dealers. £1100 for a cambelt?! )

They aren't the most refined car on the road, but for a modernish hot hatch, the 197 ( at least the non cup chassis like mine) is surprisingly compliant on all but the worst roads. Prices are very good compared like for like with the Cooper S and CTR too.

[s m]

JQ said:

jackh707 said:

I know I won't get a bike in the back of a cooper s though.

I'd beg to differ. I got mine in just taking off the front wheel off, take the rear off and it would probably fit even easier.

I get a Mongoose BMX bike in without taking wheels off - just folding back seats down

[thatsprettyshady]

I've owned an Ep3 (18 months) and currently have a 197 cup and out of the two I would say the EP3 is the more versatile all rounder. Go for the premier edition type R and you can't go far wrong.

[anonymous-user]

jackh707 said:

Looking to change car, stuck between a clio 197, r53 cooper s and ep3 civic type r.

I need something big enough to put a bicycle in. Reasonablish insurance, at 24.

Clios group 30 insurance as is cooper s. Ep3 34.

I know I won't get a bike in the back of a cooper s though.
Heart is set on an ep3 but insurance is just a tad out of budget.

Car budget £3-6k.

What would you go for? Anything overlooked?

Left field choice.

Not for everyone but...Volvo V40 T4. 200HP, cheap as chips (save your money) and you can lob your bike in the back without removing anything. They return anything up to 32 to the gallon. Anonymous cars. I like mine

[EpThree]

You would be surprised on EP3 insurance if you shop around, im 20, 0 no claims (about to become 1) licence held for 3 years and it was under £1k for the year fully comp with Admiral, however got my renewal comming up soon and at 21 it will be around £600!

[CallorFold]

Id have expected in insurance terms for

197 to be the cheapest, R26 in the middle, and EP3 at the top end (based on quotes I've done previously).

The 197 came in a fair bit cheaper, but there wasn't much between the R26 and EP3

I get the impression it's quite hard to buy an EP3 now that hasn't been totally shagged and abused. The one's in good nick and being held onto.

[Glents]

Having the exact same dilemma on a similar budget.

For me a Leon Cupra R is an option too. The R26 doesn’t really do it for me and as much as I would love an r53 it seems a bit to small and common. And 5-6k for a ten year old car for me seems quite a lot, especially when for a few extra grand you can get a 2010 clio 200 with recaros (which I’m test driving at the weekend just to torture myself ), but that would involve having to get some finance. Decisions decisions.