Renault Megane RS 250/265bhp
Discussion
Hi,
I'm considering buying a 2nd hand Megane RS: 2010 - 2015 sort of age; mileage 40k - 60k; cost £8k - £12k.
Any tips on what to go for and what possible problems to check for ? I just want a standard 3 door model. Am I right that the more powerful models came later and that 250/265 bhp is the choice for this age (and price) range?
Thanks.
I'm considering buying a 2nd hand Megane RS: 2010 - 2015 sort of age; mileage 40k - 60k; cost £8k - £12k.
Any tips on what to go for and what possible problems to check for ? I just want a standard 3 door model. Am I right that the more powerful models came later and that 250/265 bhp is the choice for this age (and price) range?
Thanks.
The biggest decision you have to make is between the Cup or Sport chassis.
The simplest way to tell is that the former has red brake calipers. It's the version that the RS Megane has built its reputation upon.
The Sport is a little softer but lacks (amongst other suspension and brake upgrades) the limited slip differential. They are significantly cheaper, and much harder to sell on, so best avoided
They are generally strong cars but some things to check for:
1. Knocks from the front suspension - it's a complex set up and can be expensive to put right
2. Gearbox issues (a 'clunk' from 1st to 2nd is normal)
3. The usual signs of abuse or accident damage. An RS Tuning remap is quite sought after though.
4. Whether you can live with the hard suspension of the Cup on a day to day basis
Finding one with good history, decent performance tyres etc shouldn't be too hard as they are usually enthusiast-owned.
At the top end of your budget, you should be able to stretch to a 275 which is a slightly better engine. Or, alternatively, a higher spec 265 (i.e. with recaros, RS monitor etc).
If/when you test drive one, make sure you press the 'RS' button by your right knee.
The simplest way to tell is that the former has red brake calipers. It's the version that the RS Megane has built its reputation upon.
The Sport is a little softer but lacks (amongst other suspension and brake upgrades) the limited slip differential. They are significantly cheaper, and much harder to sell on, so best avoided
They are generally strong cars but some things to check for:
1. Knocks from the front suspension - it's a complex set up and can be expensive to put right
2. Gearbox issues (a 'clunk' from 1st to 2nd is normal)
3. The usual signs of abuse or accident damage. An RS Tuning remap is quite sought after though.
4. Whether you can live with the hard suspension of the Cup on a day to day basis
Finding one with good history, decent performance tyres etc shouldn't be too hard as they are usually enthusiast-owned.
At the top end of your budget, you should be able to stretch to a 275 which is a slightly better engine. Or, alternatively, a higher spec 265 (i.e. with recaros, RS monitor etc).
If/when you test drive one, make sure you press the 'RS' button by your right knee.
Cheers,
I'm not expecting to do any track days in it - just want a fast road car, so I'd prefer the better comfort levels of the Sport to the Cup version. Does the lack of the lsd make any difference on the road?
Prices of the 2 variants seem much the same. Why is the Sport harder to sell on?
I'm not expecting to do any track days in it - just want a fast road car, so I'd prefer the better comfort levels of the Sport to the Cup version. Does the lack of the lsd make any difference on the road?
Prices of the 2 variants seem much the same. Why is the Sport harder to sell on?
Yes, the diff does make a significant difference during fast road driving. Roundabouts and tight turns especially.
But the Cup chassis also has other components too which are an upgrade from the Sport version. Added together, they make the Cup a very different proposition. I'm now on my 3rd and have had a number of its rivals in between them. None can match the agility and raw fun-factor of a Cup, even if they are often more rounded cars on a day-to-day basis.
One thing to bear in mind though, is that without the Ohlins suspension (which you will be v lucky to find for sub £15k) the Cup is a very uncompromising car. The ride is firm.
The Sport is 'just another hot hatch' imho. It's okay in isolation, but lacks the hardcore ethos of the Cup version. If I didn't fancy that hardcore aspect, i'd be looking at something like a Cupra or GTi etc
But the Cup chassis also has other components too which are an upgrade from the Sport version. Added together, they make the Cup a very different proposition. I'm now on my 3rd and have had a number of its rivals in between them. None can match the agility and raw fun-factor of a Cup, even if they are often more rounded cars on a day-to-day basis.
One thing to bear in mind though, is that without the Ohlins suspension (which you will be v lucky to find for sub £15k) the Cup is a very uncompromising car. The ride is firm.
The Sport is 'just another hot hatch' imho. It's okay in isolation, but lacks the hardcore ethos of the Cup version. If I didn't fancy that hardcore aspect, i'd be looking at something like a Cupra or GTi etc
Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff