What next after a Renault Clio RS200 - 20k budget
Discussion
Hi folks
I've recently bought my Clio RS200 cup pack, as I had one when I was in my early 20s and utterly adored the car. Now I'm in my early 30s and having had a series of BMWs, I think I have outgrown the Clio.
The below is what I don't think about the Clio -
- Next to no low down torque
- Tuning is throwing money down the train for very little gain
- Holy f**k is the suspension ridiculously hard
- On track the car was superb, but on the road, it doesn't feel fast (unless driving like a knob head)
I'd like to keep the Clio, not as an investment as such, but because it has low miles, FSH, it's in great condition and I do enjoy looking at the car. However, I'm craving more usable power/torque.
The options I'm looking at are -
- Mini Cooper GP2
- BMW 140i manual
- VW Golf R estate
My budget is 15-20k, I don't want huge running costs (such as an E92 M3), and I also prefer forced induction cars. Mainly because I like how tunable the engines can be.
Can you guys think of any alternatives?
Thanks all
I've recently bought my Clio RS200 cup pack, as I had one when I was in my early 20s and utterly adored the car. Now I'm in my early 30s and having had a series of BMWs, I think I have outgrown the Clio.
The below is what I don't think about the Clio -
- Next to no low down torque
- Tuning is throwing money down the train for very little gain
- Holy f**k is the suspension ridiculously hard
- On track the car was superb, but on the road, it doesn't feel fast (unless driving like a knob head)
I'd like to keep the Clio, not as an investment as such, but because it has low miles, FSH, it's in great condition and I do enjoy looking at the car. However, I'm craving more usable power/torque.
The options I'm looking at are -
- Mini Cooper GP2
- BMW 140i manual
- VW Golf R estate
My budget is 15-20k, I don't want huge running costs (such as an E92 M3), and I also prefer forced induction cars. Mainly because I like how tunable the engines can be.
Can you guys think of any alternatives?
Thanks all
Leon Cupra 300?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Edited by ajguk on Monday 25th October 12:42
Hi OP, I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, and looked at the cars you've listed.
- Mini Cooper GP2 ...Uninspiring, didn't like the interior
- BMW 140i manual...lovely engine, not darty like a Clio and didn't really handle
- VW Golf R estate...fast but dull
I also looked at a Golf Gti (fun but not fast), a Megane 280, which handled but wasn't as quick as i hoped and the speedo was nearly invisible so couldn't of lived with it.
In the end I traded my Clio 197 in for a Stage 3 Polo Gti. The handling is average, the comfort is a huge improvement, likewise the speed and cabin.
- Mini Cooper GP2 ...Uninspiring, didn't like the interior
- BMW 140i manual...lovely engine, not darty like a Clio and didn't really handle
- VW Golf R estate...fast but dull
I also looked at a Golf Gti (fun but not fast), a Megane 280, which handled but wasn't as quick as i hoped and the speedo was nearly invisible so couldn't of lived with it.
In the end I traded my Clio 197 in for a Stage 3 Polo Gti. The handling is average, the comfort is a huge improvement, likewise the speed and cabin.
LightningBlue said:
I wonder why you'd range from a Mini to a Golf Estate? Is there anything you need to transport? You could get a Megane RS for that budget too
Good question and I had thought of the Megane RS, but having driven a few, they're IMO a faster version of my Clio, which really only shine on a race track. My hobbies all involve big stuff (e.g downhill mountain biking, surfing etc), so I have had a few estate cars in the past. All of which were superb for hauling all my stuff. Hence looking at a Golf R estate, I just wish a BMW 340i tourer was within budget.
The reason for looking at a GP2 is they just look awesome and I'm hoping they don't have rock hard suspension, like my Clio.
Networkgeek said:
Good question and I had thought of the Megane RS, but having driven a few, they're IMO a faster version of my Clio, which really only shine on a race track.
My hobbies all involve big stuff (e.g downhill mountain biking, surfing etc), so I have had a few estate cars in the past. All of which were superb for hauling all my stuff. Hence looking at a Golf R estate, I just wish a BMW 340i tourer was within budget.
The reason for looking at a GP2 is they just look awesome and I'm hoping they don't have rock hard suspension, like my Clio.
You will be dissapointed because the Mini GP2's do have hard suspension, they are designed to be track cars for the road, i'm pretty sure they are stiffer than standard Mini Cooper S which aren't particularly soft. My hobbies all involve big stuff (e.g downhill mountain biking, surfing etc), so I have had a few estate cars in the past. All of which were superb for hauling all my stuff. Hence looking at a Golf R estate, I just wish a BMW 340i tourer was within budget.
The reason for looking at a GP2 is they just look awesome and I'm hoping they don't have rock hard suspension, like my Clio.
I've never been in the Clio RS200 but I imagine they are fairly comparable
popeyewhite said:
Hi OP, I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, and looked at the cars you've listed.
- Mini Cooper GP2 ...Uninspiring, didn't like the interior
- BMW 140i manual...lovely engine, not darty like a Clio and didn't really handle
- VW Golf R estate...fast but dull
I also looked at a Golf Gti (fun but not fast), a Megane 280, which handled but wasn't as quick as i hoped and the speedo was nearly invisible so couldn't of lived with it.
In the end I traded my Clio 197 in for a Stage 3 Polo Gti. The handling is average, the comfort is a huge improvement, likewise the speed and cabin.
Hey- Mini Cooper GP2 ...Uninspiring, didn't like the interior
- BMW 140i manual...lovely engine, not darty like a Clio and didn't really handle
- VW Golf R estate...fast but dull
I also looked at a Golf Gti (fun but not fast), a Megane 280, which handled but wasn't as quick as i hoped and the speedo was nearly invisible so couldn't of lived with it.
In the end I traded my Clio 197 in for a Stage 3 Polo Gti. The handling is average, the comfort is a huge improvement, likewise the speed and cabin.
Well, I'm very glad you replied, thank you. I daren't ask my question on the Clio forum and FB group, due to being shot down by fanboys.
- What did you find uninspiring about the GP2? To me they look like a more hardcore version of our Clio's, but with the added bonus of a turbo.
- I've driven a few 140i's and I actually preferred the handling to the Clio RS. Maybe I'm not cut out for the brutality of how stiff the cup chassis is, however, the 140i is boring as hell to look at
- Did you try a manual or DSG Golf R?
I'll have a look at the Polo GTI, I must admit, I haven't even thought about one
ajguk said:
Leon Cupra 300?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Great shout, I've heard these cars are very tunable. Shame they are a bit vanilla to look athttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Edited by ajguk on Monday 25th October 12:42
Megane RS
Ive recently bought an RS275 Trophy and love it - its had some minor mods so is about 305hp and 355lbft - its great fun, really direct feel about the car, handling is great - more of an all rounder and hopefully shouldnt be too costly to look after
I got very close to an e92 m3 manual instead but in the end it just didnt actually seem as special as the Megane which is why I went for it largely.
That being said I imagine I will still end up owning an e92 m3 at some point
Ive recently bought an RS275 Trophy and love it - its had some minor mods so is about 305hp and 355lbft - its great fun, really direct feel about the car, handling is great - more of an all rounder and hopefully shouldnt be too costly to look after
I got very close to an e92 m3 manual instead but in the end it just didnt actually seem as special as the Megane which is why I went for it largely.
That being said I imagine I will still end up owning an e92 m3 at some point
Z4MCSL said:
Megane RS
Ive recently bought an RS275 Trophy and love it - its had some minor mods so is about 305hp and 355lbft - its great fun, really direct feel about the car, handling is great - more of an all rounder and hopefully shouldnt be too costly to look after
I got very close to an e92 m3 manual instead but in the end it just didnt actually seem as special as the Megane which is why I went for it largely.
That being said I imagine I will still end up owning an e92 m3 at some point
But, it's still a Renault, has panels made from Mr Kipling foil and you get a lifetime of rattles to hunt for.Ive recently bought an RS275 Trophy and love it - its had some minor mods so is about 305hp and 355lbft - its great fun, really direct feel about the car, handling is great - more of an all rounder and hopefully shouldnt be too costly to look after
I got very close to an e92 m3 manual instead but in the end it just didnt actually seem as special as the Megane which is why I went for it largely.
That being said I imagine I will still end up owning an e92 m3 at some point
Source: Owned a Clio 1.4, 172 MK2, 182 Trophy.
ajguk said:
Leon Cupra 300?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Absolutely nuts that these things cost over £18k for a 5 year old example. Who in their right minds is paying that much?https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Bit overbudget but the estates are 4x4 I think, might be worth keeping an eye out for one of these:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Edited by ajguk on Monday 25th October 12:42
Networkgeek said:
- What did you find uninspiring about the GP2? To me they look like a more hardcore version of our Clio's, but with the added bonus of a turbo.
Don't get me wrong it was a nice drive, quick...and it handled..but there was nothing outstanding about it. Maybe my view was coloured as I quite dislike the interior, and hate the exterior.Networkgeek said:
- I've driven a few 140i's and I actually preferred the handling to the Clio RS. Maybe I'm not cut out for the brutality of how stiff the cup chassis is, however, the 140i is boring as hell to look at
Agreed the looks aren't anything special and the ride comfort is there, but I'd go for the 240 coupe personally, it looks soooo much better. The thing is I've just got back into FWD cars after decades of performance cars (M cars, RSs, AMGs etc) and found I loved the directness of them. The Clio was brilliant in that respect, though mine wasn't the Cup.Networkgeek said:
- Did you try a manual or DSG Golf R?
Manual. Networkgeek said:
I'll have a look at the Polo GTI, I must admit, I haven't even thought about one
Quick out of the box (6.4) and standard 1.8 unit is very tunable. Real pocket rocket if tuned properly.Networkgeek said:
Good question and I had thought of the Megane RS, but having driven a few, they're IMO a faster version of my Clio, which really only shine on a race track.
My hobbies all involve big stuff (e.g downhill mountain biking, surfing etc), so I have had a few estate cars in the past. All of which were superb for hauling all my stuff. Hence looking at a Golf R estate, I just wish a BMW 340i tourer was within budget.
The reason for looking at a GP2 is they just look awesome and I'm hoping they don't have rock hard suspension, like my Clio.
I've got a Cooper S Coupe and it's very firm but a lot of fun on the right roads. The Octavia VRS Estate looks good but not sure what they're like to drive, been a passenger in one though and it felt pretty quick and well screwed together. My hobbies all involve big stuff (e.g downhill mountain biking, surfing etc), so I have had a few estate cars in the past. All of which were superb for hauling all my stuff. Hence looking at a Golf R estate, I just wish a BMW 340i tourer was within budget.
The reason for looking at a GP2 is they just look awesome and I'm hoping they don't have rock hard suspension, like my Clio.
Jiebo said:
Absolutely nuts that these things cost over £18k for a 5 year old example. Who in their right minds is paying that much?
I assume its just the market across the board. I nearly bought a Passat GTE for £14600 but decided to hold off a few months before spending that much. Next day the garage put it up up £16k and then it disappeared off AT so I assume someone bought it! Unless you really want one I'm not sure you'd need an estate from what you describe?
Plenty of choice in the 5dr hatch department and the larger ones would ride better than the clio.
Mk8 Fiesta st3 is worth a look. Apparently the ride is more forgiving than the mk7 but you still keep the fun factor and small size.
Going up in size you could look at the i30N. I haven't tried one but I'm sure the reviews said it rides really well in normal mode.
For a more unusual estate, if you fancy a mini, how about a clubman jcw? I think they're quite pricey but then what isn't? And they are pretty cool.
Plenty of choice in the 5dr hatch department and the larger ones would ride better than the clio.
Mk8 Fiesta st3 is worth a look. Apparently the ride is more forgiving than the mk7 but you still keep the fun factor and small size.
Going up in size you could look at the i30N. I haven't tried one but I'm sure the reviews said it rides really well in normal mode.
For a more unusual estate, if you fancy a mini, how about a clubman jcw? I think they're quite pricey but then what isn't? And they are pretty cool.
Networkgeek said:
Hi folks
I've recently bought my Clio RS200 cup pack, as I had one when I was in my early 20s and utterly adored the car. Now I'm in my early 30s and having had a series of BMWs, I think I have outgrown the Clio.
The below is what I don't think about the Clio -
- Next to no low down torque
- Tuning is throwing money down the train for very little gain
- Holy f**k is the suspension ridiculously hard
- On track the car was superb, but on the road, it doesn't feel fast (unless driving like a knob head)
I'd like to keep the Clio, not as an investment as such, but because it has low miles, FSH, it's in great condition and I do enjoy looking at the car. However, I'm craving more usable power/torque.
The options I'm looking at are -
- Mini Cooper GP2
- BMW 140i manual
- VW Golf R estate
My budget is 15-20k, I don't want huge running costs (such as an E92 M3), and I also prefer forced induction cars. Mainly because I like how tunable the engines can be.
Can you guys think of any alternatives?
Thanks all
308 PS GTI 270 a cracking steer with a good ride as well as lots of space & pace:I've recently bought my Clio RS200 cup pack, as I had one when I was in my early 20s and utterly adored the car. Now I'm in my early 30s and having had a series of BMWs, I think I have outgrown the Clio.
The below is what I don't think about the Clio -
- Next to no low down torque
- Tuning is throwing money down the train for very little gain
- Holy f**k is the suspension ridiculously hard
- On track the car was superb, but on the road, it doesn't feel fast (unless driving like a knob head)
I'd like to keep the Clio, not as an investment as such, but because it has low miles, FSH, it's in great condition and I do enjoy looking at the car. However, I'm craving more usable power/torque.
The options I'm looking at are -
- Mini Cooper GP2
- BMW 140i manual
- VW Golf R estate
My budget is 15-20k, I don't want huge running costs (such as an E92 M3), and I also prefer forced induction cars. Mainly because I like how tunable the engines can be.
Can you guys think of any alternatives?
Thanks all
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109277...
The Astra GTC VXR is a very good road car with a huge boot it's generally softer all round the the Megane RS but still a very good steer a better drivers car than the VAG equivalents.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109107...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
If you want a swiss army knife of a car that's still a good steer then take a look at the V40 T5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109177...
Some alternatves to the cars you mentioned
I could only find one FK2 Honda Civic Type R for sale under £20k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Peugeot 308 GTi 270
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...
Renaultsport Megane 275
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055...
Audi S3 Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106304...
Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109046...
I could only find one FK2 Honda Civic Type R for sale under £20k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...
Peugeot 308 GTi 270
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...
Renaultsport Megane 275
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055...
Audi S3 Sportback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106304...
Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109046...
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