Megane 225 sub 4k? To buy or not to buy?

[madmover]

I've been thinking about something French for a while (Either a 182 or a 225) But i'm not convinced on either. One question that CS and MS has failed to answer is relating to the prices of 225's. There seems to be alot of fluctuation between ads, some identical in year, milage etc but over 1k more. Whats peoples thoughts on examples sub 4k? Money pit and steer clear or is there plenty of fun to be had? I understand the Cambelts can be a little pricey and they often have electrical gremlins but aside that they seem fairly solid if you find an untampered well serviced example?

Cheers,

Andy

[roystinho]

Personally I'd be looking at a 182. 225s weren't the greatest, a 230 F1 is far better. The 182 will be miles more fun too imo. Owned them both and I'd never get another 225, but I'd always go back to a 182

[madmover]

roystinho said:

Personally I'd be looking at a 182. 225s weren't the greatest, a 230 F1 is far better. The 182 will be miles more fun too imo. Owned them both and I'd never get another 225, but I'd always go back to a 182

What were you disappointed with the 225s for? Many problems? I hear the electrics lives upto the french reputation on a regular basis??..

[benjfrst]

The fluctuation in prices are probably between well cared for ones that have had a new clutch and flywheel and cambelt service which can cost up to £2000 and the ones that havent.

Saying that you can get a good 225 cup which has had both for £4k.

Or just get a good FF 225 and get some cup / R26 springs and dampers, which is near enough all Renault did to tweek them.

The only other thing to look out for are worn swivel hubs.

Apart from those they are a storming hot hatch, which shouldnt be compared to the 182. The clio is tiny, the clio could be the best drivers car in the world it just wasn't an option for me.

Compared to the ST and the VXR you are getting a lot more for your money.

[roystinho]

madmover said:

What were you disappointed with the 225s for? Many problems? I hear the electrics lives upto the french reputation on a regular basis??..

Just didn't handle as well as I hoped. Yes you can change suspension, but also the 230 F1 had a LSD and also Recaros as standard which made for a far better driving experience imo

Had no issues bar the window regulator which is a common problem though. If you want a decent cruiser with an occasional hoon then it's fine, but I go driving quite a bit round the dales where handling is king. My 225 went for a Clio Trophy, now that's a car...

[sumo69]

Only gremlin in my R26 has been a window regulator otherwise no issues at all in 3.5 years...touching wood as I type this!

[benjfrst]

roystinho said:

Just didn't handle as well as I hoped. Yes you can change suspension, but also the 230 F1 had a LSD and also Recaros as standard which made for a far better driving experience imo

Agreed I have the recaro's and would like the LSD.

But again, compared to similar cars you get a lot for your money, if you were to get the FF you really need to tweek the shocks and springs, but the 225 cup and trophy are fine cars.

You cant compare to a clio 172/182/Trophy its a completly different car.