Time For A Change?
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 25,566
Likes: 2
From: Heart of England
I know about the door adjustments and alleged build quality improvement
The RS250 seems to get some great reviews
How's the stereo & bluetooth?
I'm going looking at a full fat RS250 with cup pack & recaros tomorrow as my daily beater
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 23,296
Likes: 830
From: Nottingham
Because I have a Lotus Elise as my fun car and I am looking for something I bit more useable on a day to day basis. I found the Clio fun to drive and found the power a bit more accessible. Also for a FWD car it handled amazing.
Originally Posted by Nottm_S2' timestamp='1338881922' post='21754814
Why would you change to a less powerful, heavier fwd car?
its hardly a step fwd. now if you said the turbo megane maybe as i hear that's a corker. though not for me as its french.
its hardly a step fwd. now if you said the turbo megane maybe as i hear that's a corker. though not for me as its french.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 1
From: At Home
Couldn't agree more ...
I had a 5GT Turbo many years ago ... I know things were a lot different then but bits literally fell off ! This was even in comparison to the other cars I had at the time ... I will admit it was a hoot though
I had a 5GT Turbo many years ago ... I know things were a lot different then but bits literally fell off ! This was even in comparison to the other cars I had at the time ... I will admit it was a hoot though
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 23,296
Likes: 830
From: Nottingham
Rennos have a worse than average first MOT pass rate of 50.1%
http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/mot/renault
Hondas is 69.2% for reference?. S2 78.4%
A fird fiesta is 59.1 so the clio would seem to deserve its rep
I used to work with a guy who had a 5 turbo. It caught fire twice, the second time terminally (for the car). He said it was great fun but f@#king hopeless, he had it from new and it last a few months. I appreciate they made headway since then but when its your hard earned... My mate had a low mileage 182 and it smoked like Don Draper. Was a corker though when it worked. Never started first time either.
http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/mot/renault
Hondas is 69.2% for reference?. S2 78.4%
A fird fiesta is 59.1 so the clio would seem to deserve its rep
I used to work with a guy who had a 5 turbo. It caught fire twice, the second time terminally (for the car). He said it was great fun but f@#king hopeless, he had it from new and it last a few months. I appreciate they made headway since then but when its your hard earned... My mate had a low mileage 182 and it smoked like Don Draper. Was a corker though when it worked. Never started first time either.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Supersarbs' timestamp='1338852759' post='21753968
My daily driver is a megane 250 and i have had next to no problems in nearly 2 years (only prob is the door jamb needed adjustment).
Build quality seems to have come on leaps and bounds since the last model, same with the clios too im led to believe.
Build quality seems to have come on leaps and bounds since the last model, same with the clios too im led to believe.
I know about the door adjustments and alleged build quality improvement
The RS250 seems to get some great reviews
How's the stereo & bluetooth?
I'm going looking at a full fat RS250 with cup pack & recaros tomorrow as my daily beater
Bluetooth likewise, i use it for occasional calls. Usually to catch up with the parents when stuck in traffic
Mines going to be up for sale very soon ( oyster grey with cup chassis + monitor) likely to be for a good price too
Cheers
Pete
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,445
Likes: 7
From: Plymouth
I'm in a RS250 at the moment Mikey.
And see you appeared on that 'other' forum - Bonjour
The 200 is a blast, but for little more outlay you have a more practical and FAR more capable fun car in the Meg RS250/265
And as Pete aluded too, the RS Megane3 are very rare.
I have still not seen another and it gets a lot of attention wherever it goes.
As above, I have had zero problems with a couple of years in the 2007 R26.
It's too early to say about this RS250 though.
But so many people judge on the reputation of non RS cars of yester-year, forgetting that RS cars are even built in a different plant...
But I will echo earlier comments about build again, it's much higher quality that the Renos of just a few years ago, and on par with Ford/Vauhall at least.
The cabin is very well bolted together, and durable with no rattles and the panel fit and paint is really good.
But that aside with Reno its always been about the chassis.
And the RS250/265 is supremely good at chomping through town and twisties.
The 265 full fat with a cup pack is expensive (especially for a Reno).
After almost pushing the button on a new one at circa £30k, I got very lucky with a 5m/4k demonstrator for £19k.
It's a white 250 cup but optioned with Recaros, Comfort Access, Tomtom, Aircon, Xenons, dimming RVM, Auto lights, auto wipers, folding mirrors, spare - all options in fact bar a sunroof.
The small trim additions and +15bhp of the new 365 model don't justify the inceased price tag IMO.
Especially if you look at option combinations and what is allowed, you need the FF + CUP which is a lot of dosh new.
However, do the sums as they are 0%APR and you can easily get 7% off list for a new order.
Its a Reno though, so will devalue badly. Residuals are in M3 territory.
Recaros are just perfect when pressing on and pretty comfortable,even after two hours running.
The downside of Recaros is the lower rear brace bar loses some 'toe room' for rearseat passengers.
This can be remedied by jacking the seat height up off the floor. Not an issue for me as my normal rearseat passenger is only 2.
I like the simplicity of manual tilt/slide seats. The electric memory seats in the Bimmer got annoying eventaully as they are slow.
OEM cars have Bluetooth hands free that can stream audio over BT also, ideal for using phone/ipad touch as a music source.
There is basic track control from the stalk in this mode too but no track titles (as yet). Not all cars have USB, but with BT its not important.
The RCA/USB connectors are low down under a flap forward of the gearstick.
I dislike the restricted rearview, the B&C pillars of course are huge and the rear screen small so a bit like a S2K with the roof up. Parking sensors are standard.
There is of course some TS at high powers cresting white lines etc but its better controlled than its Ford/Vauxhall cousins, but there is no tramlining.
The Auto lights seem a bit 'slow' compared to my last. Dont think you can adjust this either. Auto wipers are superb and work well.
Drive wise it all works fine.
A quick OBD2 software update alone sees circa 300bhp.
Big Brembos are powerful and not over servo'ed like the Germans. Steering weights up nice at speed, little finger light for parking.
Cup is firm but surprisingly comfortable. The LSD inthe CUP is a stock ATB offering and a must.
Beware the CUP is quite spartan, and stock doesnt have climate control only an AC blower which is crap when its high ambient.
Worth seeking one with some toys. The integrated Carminat Tomtom is brilliant, it's the LIVE version too and has TMC included for free anyhow.
Normally shipped with Michelin PS2 which work well, had them on the R26 and they are great in the wet and dry, road and track.
The Comfort Access is handly, a bit weird at first but a boon if you are rushing about or have lots of shopping.
Keep a keycard in your wallet and you just touch a door or boot to open, get in and press the starter button
Hope you have fun, you need a least an hour to find your feet.
I had my first proper solo 'ragging' run at the weekend and these things are astonishingly good fun.
LOOS is slow and predictable, don't forget to hit the 'sport' button for a pedal remap and reduced ESP intervention
The whole thing feels really different - its quite mellow and lazy in 'normal' mode.
The grip is amazing, you think you must be nearing limit of grip on a long sweeper and them you floor it expecting understeer
and then the diff pulls you gently into the apex and it bloody takes off again!
It's a bit unnerving at first trying to find the limits, like the S2000 you don't often get near the last 1/10th (not easily anyhow).
As its new, I am finding every excuse to drive it when I can get the key from Karen
So far on a run at 70 its returning about 35mpg, and 30 combined. Not bad.
Enjoy!
Steve.
And see you appeared on that 'other' forum - Bonjour
The 200 is a blast, but for little more outlay you have a more practical and FAR more capable fun car in the Meg RS250/265
And as Pete aluded too, the RS Megane3 are very rare.
I have still not seen another and it gets a lot of attention wherever it goes.
As above, I have had zero problems with a couple of years in the 2007 R26.
It's too early to say about this RS250 though.
But so many people judge on the reputation of non RS cars of yester-year, forgetting that RS cars are even built in a different plant...
But I will echo earlier comments about build again, it's much higher quality that the Renos of just a few years ago, and on par with Ford/Vauhall at least.
The cabin is very well bolted together, and durable with no rattles and the panel fit and paint is really good.
But that aside with Reno its always been about the chassis.
And the RS250/265 is supremely good at chomping through town and twisties.
The 265 full fat with a cup pack is expensive (especially for a Reno).
After almost pushing the button on a new one at circa £30k, I got very lucky with a 5m/4k demonstrator for £19k.
It's a white 250 cup but optioned with Recaros, Comfort Access, Tomtom, Aircon, Xenons, dimming RVM, Auto lights, auto wipers, folding mirrors, spare - all options in fact bar a sunroof.
The small trim additions and +15bhp of the new 365 model don't justify the inceased price tag IMO.
Especially if you look at option combinations and what is allowed, you need the FF + CUP which is a lot of dosh new.
However, do the sums as they are 0%APR and you can easily get 7% off list for a new order.
Its a Reno though, so will devalue badly. Residuals are in M3 territory.
Recaros are just perfect when pressing on and pretty comfortable,even after two hours running.
The downside of Recaros is the lower rear brace bar loses some 'toe room' for rearseat passengers.
This can be remedied by jacking the seat height up off the floor. Not an issue for me as my normal rearseat passenger is only 2.
I like the simplicity of manual tilt/slide seats. The electric memory seats in the Bimmer got annoying eventaully as they are slow.
OEM cars have Bluetooth hands free that can stream audio over BT also, ideal for using phone/ipad touch as a music source.
There is basic track control from the stalk in this mode too but no track titles (as yet). Not all cars have USB, but with BT its not important.
The RCA/USB connectors are low down under a flap forward of the gearstick.
I dislike the restricted rearview, the B&C pillars of course are huge and the rear screen small so a bit like a S2K with the roof up. Parking sensors are standard.
There is of course some TS at high powers cresting white lines etc but its better controlled than its Ford/Vauxhall cousins, but there is no tramlining.
The Auto lights seem a bit 'slow' compared to my last. Dont think you can adjust this either. Auto wipers are superb and work well.
Drive wise it all works fine.
A quick OBD2 software update alone sees circa 300bhp.
Big Brembos are powerful and not over servo'ed like the Germans. Steering weights up nice at speed, little finger light for parking.
Cup is firm but surprisingly comfortable. The LSD inthe CUP is a stock ATB offering and a must.
Beware the CUP is quite spartan, and stock doesnt have climate control only an AC blower which is crap when its high ambient.
Worth seeking one with some toys. The integrated Carminat Tomtom is brilliant, it's the LIVE version too and has TMC included for free anyhow.
Normally shipped with Michelin PS2 which work well, had them on the R26 and they are great in the wet and dry, road and track.
The Comfort Access is handly, a bit weird at first but a boon if you are rushing about or have lots of shopping.
Keep a keycard in your wallet and you just touch a door or boot to open, get in and press the starter button
Hope you have fun, you need a least an hour to find your feet.
I had my first proper solo 'ragging' run at the weekend and these things are astonishingly good fun.
LOOS is slow and predictable, don't forget to hit the 'sport' button for a pedal remap and reduced ESP intervention
The whole thing feels really different - its quite mellow and lazy in 'normal' mode.
The grip is amazing, you think you must be nearing limit of grip on a long sweeper and them you floor it expecting understeer
and then the diff pulls you gently into the apex and it bloody takes off again!
It's a bit unnerving at first trying to find the limits, like the S2000 you don't often get near the last 1/10th (not easily anyhow).
As its new, I am finding every excuse to drive it when I can get the key from Karen
So far on a run at 70 its returning about 35mpg, and 30 combined. Not bad.
Enjoy!
Steve.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 36
I'm in a RS250 at the moment Mikey.
And see you appeared on that 'other' forum - Bonjour
The 200 is a blast, but for little more outlay you have a more practical and FAR more capable fun car in the Meg RS250/265
And as Pete aluded too, the RS Megane3 are very rare.
I have still not seen another and it gets a lot of attention wherever it goes.
As above, I have had zero problems with a couple of years in the 2007 R26.
It's too early to say about this RS250 though.
But so many people judge on the reputation of non RS cars of yester-year, forgetting that RS cars are even built in a different plant...
But I will echo earlier comments about build again, it's much higher quality that the Renos of just a few years ago, and on par with Ford/Vauhall at least.
The cabin is very well bolted together, and durable with no rattles and the panel fit and paint is really good.
But that aside with Reno its always been about the chassis.
And the RS250/265 is supremely good at chomping through town and twisties.
The 265 full fat with a cup pack is expensive (especially for a Reno).
After almost pushing the button on a new one at circa £30k, I got very lucky with a 5m/4k demonstrator for £19k.
It's a white 250 cup but optioned with Recaros, Comfort Access, Tomtom, Aircon, Xenons, dimming RVM, Auto lights, auto wipers, folding mirrors, spare - all options in fact bar a sunroof.
The small trim additions and +15bhp of the new 365 model don't justify the inceased price tag IMO.
Especially if you look at option combinations and what is allowed, you need the FF + CUP which is a lot of dosh new.
However, do the sums as they are 0%APR and you can easily get 7% off list for a new order.
Its a Reno though, so will devalue badly. Residuals are in M3 territory.
Recaros are just perfect when pressing on and pretty comfortable,even after two hours running.
The downside of Recaros is the lower rear brace bar loses some 'toe room' for rearseat passengers.
This can be remedied by jacking the seat height up off the floor. Not an issue for me as my normal rearseat passenger is only 2.
I like the simplicity of manual tilt/slide seats. The electric memory seats in the Bimmer got annoying eventaully as they are slow.
OEM cars have Bluetooth hands free that can stream audio over BT also, ideal for using phone/ipad touch as a music source.
There is basic track control from the stalk in this mode too but no track titles (as yet). Not all cars have USB, but with BT its not important.
The RCA/USB connectors are low down under a flap forward of the gearstick.
I dislike the restricted rearview, the B&C pillars of course are huge and the rear screen small so a bit like a S2K with the roof up. Parking sensors are standard.
There is of course some TS at high powers cresting white lines etc but its better controlled than its Ford/Vauxhall cousins, but there is no tramlining.
The Auto lights seem a bit 'slow' compared to my last. Dont think you can adjust this either. Auto wipers are superb and work well.
Drive wise it all works fine.
A quick OBD2 software update alone sees circa 300bhp.
Big Brembos are powerful and not over servo'ed like the Germans. Steering weights up nice at speed, little finger light for parking.
Cup is firm but surprisingly comfortable. The LSD inthe CUP is a stock ATB offering and a must.
Beware the CUP is quite spartan, and stock doesnt have climate control only an AC blower which is crap when its high ambient.
Worth seeking one with some toys. The integrated Carminat Tomtom is brilliant, it's the LIVE version too and has TMC included for free anyhow.
Normally shipped with Michelin PS2 which work well, had them on the R26 and they are great in the wet and dry, road and track.
The Comfort Access is handly, a bit weird at first but a boon if you are rushing about or have lots of shopping.
Keep a keycard in your wallet and you just touch a door or boot to open, get in and press the starter button
Hope you have fun, you need a least an hour to find your feet.
I had my first proper solo 'ragging' run at the weekend and these things are astonishingly good fun.
LOOS is slow and predictable, don't forget to hit the 'sport' button for a pedal remap and reduced ESP intervention
The whole thing feels really different - its quite mellow and lazy in 'normal' mode.
The grip is amazing, you think you must be nearing limit of grip on a long sweeper and them you floor it expecting understeer
and then the diff pulls you gently into the apex and it bloody takes off again!
It's a bit unnerving at first trying to find the limits, like the S2000 you don't often get near the last 1/10th (not easily anyhow).
As its new, I am finding every excuse to drive it when I can get the key from Karen
So far on a run at 70 its returning about 35mpg, and 30 combined. Not bad.
Enjoy!
Steve.
And see you appeared on that 'other' forum - Bonjour
The 200 is a blast, but for little more outlay you have a more practical and FAR more capable fun car in the Meg RS250/265
And as Pete aluded too, the RS Megane3 are very rare.
I have still not seen another and it gets a lot of attention wherever it goes.
As above, I have had zero problems with a couple of years in the 2007 R26.
It's too early to say about this RS250 though.
But so many people judge on the reputation of non RS cars of yester-year, forgetting that RS cars are even built in a different plant...
But I will echo earlier comments about build again, it's much higher quality that the Renos of just a few years ago, and on par with Ford/Vauhall at least.
The cabin is very well bolted together, and durable with no rattles and the panel fit and paint is really good.
But that aside with Reno its always been about the chassis.
And the RS250/265 is supremely good at chomping through town and twisties.
The 265 full fat with a cup pack is expensive (especially for a Reno).
After almost pushing the button on a new one at circa £30k, I got very lucky with a 5m/4k demonstrator for £19k.
It's a white 250 cup but optioned with Recaros, Comfort Access, Tomtom, Aircon, Xenons, dimming RVM, Auto lights, auto wipers, folding mirrors, spare - all options in fact bar a sunroof.
The small trim additions and +15bhp of the new 365 model don't justify the inceased price tag IMO.
Especially if you look at option combinations and what is allowed, you need the FF + CUP which is a lot of dosh new.
However, do the sums as they are 0%APR and you can easily get 7% off list for a new order.
Its a Reno though, so will devalue badly. Residuals are in M3 territory.
Recaros are just perfect when pressing on and pretty comfortable,even after two hours running.
The downside of Recaros is the lower rear brace bar loses some 'toe room' for rearseat passengers.
This can be remedied by jacking the seat height up off the floor. Not an issue for me as my normal rearseat passenger is only 2.
I like the simplicity of manual tilt/slide seats. The electric memory seats in the Bimmer got annoying eventaully as they are slow.
OEM cars have Bluetooth hands free that can stream audio over BT also, ideal for using phone/ipad touch as a music source.
There is basic track control from the stalk in this mode too but no track titles (as yet). Not all cars have USB, but with BT its not important.
The RCA/USB connectors are low down under a flap forward of the gearstick.
I dislike the restricted rearview, the B&C pillars of course are huge and the rear screen small so a bit like a S2K with the roof up. Parking sensors are standard.
There is of course some TS at high powers cresting white lines etc but its better controlled than its Ford/Vauxhall cousins, but there is no tramlining.
The Auto lights seem a bit 'slow' compared to my last. Dont think you can adjust this either. Auto wipers are superb and work well.
Drive wise it all works fine.
A quick OBD2 software update alone sees circa 300bhp.
Big Brembos are powerful and not over servo'ed like the Germans. Steering weights up nice at speed, little finger light for parking.
Cup is firm but surprisingly comfortable. The LSD inthe CUP is a stock ATB offering and a must.
Beware the CUP is quite spartan, and stock doesnt have climate control only an AC blower which is crap when its high ambient.
Worth seeking one with some toys. The integrated Carminat Tomtom is brilliant, it's the LIVE version too and has TMC included for free anyhow.
Normally shipped with Michelin PS2 which work well, had them on the R26 and they are great in the wet and dry, road and track.
The Comfort Access is handly, a bit weird at first but a boon if you are rushing about or have lots of shopping.
Keep a keycard in your wallet and you just touch a door or boot to open, get in and press the starter button
Hope you have fun, you need a least an hour to find your feet.
I had my first proper solo 'ragging' run at the weekend and these things are astonishingly good fun.
LOOS is slow and predictable, don't forget to hit the 'sport' button for a pedal remap and reduced ESP intervention
The whole thing feels really different - its quite mellow and lazy in 'normal' mode.
The grip is amazing, you think you must be nearing limit of grip on a long sweeper and them you floor it expecting understeer
and then the diff pulls you gently into the apex and it bloody takes off again!
It's a bit unnerving at first trying to find the limits, like the S2000 you don't often get near the last 1/10th (not easily anyhow).
As its new, I am finding every excuse to drive it when I can get the key from Karen
So far on a run at 70 its returning about 35mpg, and 30 combined. Not bad.
Enjoy!
Steve.
Maybe the French have improved!