Megane 230 R26 pro's and con's
Discussion
Seriously looking at getting one of these pretty soon but thought I'd ask on here what (if any) common problems they have to look out for. From what I've read elsewhere it sounds like they're pretty solid cars if they're maintained well had cam belts done on time etc. My budget will be around £7k so I'm hoping I can get a pretty good one for that ?
Thanks Calvin
Thanks Calvin
I've had one about two months now - paid £7.5k for a 2008 with only 22,000 miles and one owner (but effectively £8k as had the belts done straight off). There's a buyers' guide on the Meganesport forum, but I bought on history/condition/"good home" anyway.
Pros: looks, engine, practicality, superb front seats, toddler loves it. Exterior dimensions surprisingly small for so much interior space.
Cons: suspension too firm for my tastes (not as firm as some Vauxhall VXRs though!).
Great car - I'll be keeping it for a while. Possibly (OK definitely!) don't actually need the 230 - might be sacrilege but a 225 or 225 Cup just as good unless you go tracking? I test drove a 225 Cup with about 60,000 on the clock and it was superb. On the other hand, I can see decent F1s holding their value and acquiring modern classic status.
Pros: looks, engine, practicality, superb front seats, toddler loves it. Exterior dimensions surprisingly small for so much interior space.
Cons: suspension too firm for my tastes (not as firm as some Vauxhall VXRs though!).
Great car - I'll be keeping it for a while. Possibly (OK definitely!) don't actually need the 230 - might be sacrilege but a 225 or 225 Cup just as good unless you go tracking? I test drove a 225 Cup with about 60,000 on the clock and it was superb. On the other hand, I can see decent F1s holding their value and acquiring modern classic status.
Great cars, on my 2nd.
While everyone keeps banging on about the clio trophy as soon as i'd driven an R26 i knew the trophy had to go - the meg is miles better, handles better, way more ooomph, better brakes and the ride OMG a car that has a smooth ride rather than all that boring crash bang wallop.
Get one - NOW!!
While everyone keeps banging on about the clio trophy as soon as i'd driven an R26 i knew the trophy had to go - the meg is miles better, handles better, way more ooomph, better brakes and the ride OMG a car that has a smooth ride rather than all that boring crash bang wallop.
Get one - NOW!!
clarki said:
Great cars, on my 2nd.
OMG a car that has a smooth ride rather than all that boring crash bang wallop.
Get one - NOW!!
You share my views as I like a really compliant ride. It is very stiff but it does not seem to crash and more importantly it does not have any issues with mid-corner bumps unlike some other manufactures 'sporty' offerings.OMG a car that has a smooth ride rather than all that boring crash bang wallop.
Get one - NOW!!
I have now had mine for 4 years and cannot see me selling it for another few years. Mine has been reliable over the last 52K miles other than the dreaded window regulator and a radiator under warranty. The only things to watch out for are tyres and front brakes, discs and pads, as all of these are expensive. You can only buy the standard drilled discs from Renualt. There is obviously aftermarket but my insurance commany required that to be decalred as a modification.
the_stoat said:
You share my views as I like a really compliant ride. It is very stiff but it does not seem to crash and more importantly it does not have any issues with mid-corner bumps unlike some other manufactures 'sporty' offerings.
I have now had mine for 4 years and cannot see me selling it for another few years. Mine has been reliable over the last 52K miles other than the dreaded window regulator and a radiator under warranty. The only things to watch out for are tyres and front brakes, discs and pads, as all of these are expensive. You can only buy the standard drilled discs from Renualt. There is obviously aftermarket but my insurance commany required that to be decalred as a modification.
You can also buy the genuine Renault discs from EuroCarParts.I have now had mine for 4 years and cannot see me selling it for another few years. Mine has been reliable over the last 52K miles other than the dreaded window regulator and a radiator under warranty. The only things to watch out for are tyres and front brakes, discs and pads, as all of these are expensive. You can only buy the standard drilled discs from Renualt. There is obviously aftermarket but my insurance commany required that to be decalred as a modification.
Or just get the Brembos solid disks and DS2500 pads.. I also run Hankook evo v12 tyres, and they are just great..
Problems I have had with mine.
Hub bearings, it WILL happen, but get new ones from £40 and get someone to fit (you need a blind bearing puller) for about £100 quid I think I paid.
New handbrake cable
Engine mounts
Turbo coolant pipe leaking. (not that expensive (the pipe was £10) but a while to source.
Rad went (very common) I fitted this myself in an afternoon.
The worst was an horrific wurring bearing noise.. It too ages to find it, in the end it was the bearing on the half shaft was in the wrong way! However this was fixed at the same time as the hubs, so all the bits were out anyways.
I found a guy in bristol called 'lemon' that is on the megane forums, hes just fantastic and did all my work on my car for a really good price.
The suspension on there is great, they are so complaint, just soak up the bumps and settle so quickly.
Keep getting tempted to 'chip' it.. but we shall see.
Out the box, on the track they are quite nippy.
Problems I have had with mine.
Hub bearings, it WILL happen, but get new ones from £40 and get someone to fit (you need a blind bearing puller) for about £100 quid I think I paid.
New handbrake cable
Engine mounts
Turbo coolant pipe leaking. (not that expensive (the pipe was £10) but a while to source.
Rad went (very common) I fitted this myself in an afternoon.
The worst was an horrific wurring bearing noise.. It too ages to find it, in the end it was the bearing on the half shaft was in the wrong way! However this was fixed at the same time as the hubs, so all the bits were out anyways.
I found a guy in bristol called 'lemon' that is on the megane forums, hes just fantastic and did all my work on my car for a really good price.
The suspension on there is great, they are so complaint, just soak up the bumps and settle so quickly.
Keep getting tempted to 'chip' it.. but we shall see.
Out the box, on the track they are quite nippy.
Edited by joe_90 on Friday 1st November 21:22
Feirny said:
The Brembo items are not made by Brembo, they're rebranded items. Better off with ATE/Textar/Pagid/Ferodo.
Mine came with Pagid pads all round and plain Pagid front discs and would recommend them over standard definietly. The rears are OEM drilled and look out of place now ... my OCD is taking over!Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff