Clio 200 - Yay or Nay?
Discussion
Thinking well ahead here...
I may change the MINI early next year when I turn 21 to something a little quicker. I would love a FJCW or a well spec'd S, but even used one's are scarce below £15k for the spec I would want! Pains me to say that, I have been a big MINI fan for 10 years!
The Clio 200 is the only other car that fits my criteria that I could afford (even brand new with options). What options would you regard as essential? Right now I'm thinking;
This comes out at an achievable figure (considering I was about 5 minutes away from spending over £20k on a MINI Cooper D recently!), but obviously there is no point spending extra on bits that are as useful as a snooze button on a smoke alarm. I would go used, but anyone that has one is going to have driven the wheels off of it (as I will, but I would rather know what it has been through!).
I know fuel economy is pretty poor, but what could be expected? If I can get 25mpg I would be happy around the lanes... But I also live 55 miles from work, and I do have to drive up occasionally. Is early thirties a realistic target for motorway driving? Also on the subject of motorway driving, what RPM can I expect at motorway cruising speed? I remember 197's being something like 1k rpm @ 20mph in 6th, are 200's any better?
I might try and get a drive in one to see what they are like, will soon see whether I will like it or not!
Cheers all
I may change the MINI early next year when I turn 21 to something a little quicker. I would love a FJCW or a well spec'd S, but even used one's are scarce below £15k for the spec I would want! Pains me to say that, I have been a big MINI fan for 10 years!
The Clio 200 is the only other car that fits my criteria that I could afford (even brand new with options). What options would you regard as essential? Right now I'm thinking;
- FF Clio 200
- Cup Chassis
- Racing Blue
- Monitor Pack (a bit of a gimmick I know, but I think it's quite cool!)
- Recaro's
- Speedlines (Black)
- Rear Spoiler
This comes out at an achievable figure (considering I was about 5 minutes away from spending over £20k on a MINI Cooper D recently!), but obviously there is no point spending extra on bits that are as useful as a snooze button on a smoke alarm. I would go used, but anyone that has one is going to have driven the wheels off of it (as I will, but I would rather know what it has been through!).
I know fuel economy is pretty poor, but what could be expected? If I can get 25mpg I would be happy around the lanes... But I also live 55 miles from work, and I do have to drive up occasionally. Is early thirties a realistic target for motorway driving? Also on the subject of motorway driving, what RPM can I expect at motorway cruising speed? I remember 197's being something like 1k rpm @ 20mph in 6th, are 200's any better?
I might try and get a drive in one to see what they are like, will soon see whether I will like it or not!
Cheers all
The Renault Sport Monitor is something i would definitely recommend getting and i definitely wish my car had it. I even asked the local dealership the cost of ugprading to the Renault Sport Monitor post build, the price was £1000+ which i so wish i could splurge on such a thing.
If you're willing to spend 20K on a diesel mini, have you ever looked into a year old Megane 250Cup?
If you're willing to spend 20K on a diesel mini, have you ever looked into a year old Megane 250Cup?
I've had my 200 for 11 months and still love it.
I went for full fat version with cup pack and Recaro's. Mine has the standard wheels which are a bit marmite to most but I've grown to think they really suit the car.
Fuel consumption wise I'm getting about 30 MPG with average driving, this drops to about 23 if you're going to give it some stick.
I went for full fat version with cup pack and Recaro's. Mine has the standard wheels which are a bit marmite to most but I've grown to think they really suit the car.
Fuel consumption wise I'm getting about 30 MPG with average driving, this drops to about 23 if you're going to give it some stick.
Alex said:
Unless you are earning loads, I wouldn't spend so much of your money on any car at your age. £20k on a Mini! That is a lot of cash. Why not get a 182 Trophy or EP3 Civic Type-R and save yourself £15k? Buying a new car for £20k is like making a bonfire out of £50 notes.
This is true, its lovely having a new car but it will cost you lots in depreciation.A mini D for £20k is just totally retarded.
Alex said:
Unless you are earning loads, I wouldn't spend so much of your money on any car at your age. £20k on a Mini! That is a lot of cash. Why not get a 182 Trophy or EP3 Civic Type-R and save yourself £15k? Buying a new car for £20k is like making a bonfire out of £50 notes.
Very true. It is amazing how much you could save by buying a used car (even if it is nearly new or 1-2 years old). When I was 21 I would never have dreamed of buying a new car. I still won't as well...but I hate being in debt...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2649410.htm
Something like that or similar is definitely worth a look in if you can afford the 20k.
Something like that or similar is definitely worth a look in if you can afford the 20k.
I'd recommend the Recaros although be aware that they sit higher than the standard seats. Cup probably depends on your route to work but is very good. I think a spoiler is necessary as the back looks unfinished without one. I went for the GT spoiler as I'm not a fan of the cup spoiler.
I also prefer the standard cup wheels. I think Black wheels are too dark and don't really show off the detail.
Check out the cio197.net forum, some really good guys on there. Looking on there at peoples experience with the monitor I wouldn't bother getting it. If you have a smart phone you can get an app that will do the same thing.
If you can afford it then go for it. An older clio may well be cheaper to buy but it has the potential to be expensive if things going wrong. The reason I changed from my 12 year old DC2 to the Clio is because I didn't like the unexpected costs associated with owning an older car.
I also prefer the standard cup wheels. I think Black wheels are too dark and don't really show off the detail.
Check out the cio197.net forum, some really good guys on there. Looking on there at peoples experience with the monitor I wouldn't bother getting it. If you have a smart phone you can get an app that will do the same thing.
If you can afford it then go for it. An older clio may well be cheaper to buy but it has the potential to be expensive if things going wrong. The reason I changed from my 12 year old DC2 to the Clio is because I didn't like the unexpected costs associated with owning an older car.
Edited by aspen on Monday 28th March 12:26
aspen said:
I just wish the new type Rs were as good the old ones. I'd have a new DC2 over a 200 any day.
I agree. My DC2 has been superb, but there's nothing in the Honda range that I could replace it with, except perhaps for a JDM Civic Type-R (FD2), but they are still very expensive in the UK.How does the Clio 200 compare with the DC2?
Alex said:
I agree. My DC2 has been superb, but there's nothing in the Honda range that I could replace it with, except perhaps for a JDM Civic Type-R (FD2), but they are still very expensive in the UK.
How does the Clio 200 compare with the DC2?
It feels similar in a lot of ways. Very similar in terms of pace and ability, could do with an LSD though. Clio driving position is higher, good for town but not so much for track or driving for the sake of driving. Recaros are considerably more comfortable. Fuel ecnonomy is worse (DC2 was 31mpg, clio is 25.7 according to computer (not worked it out accurately yet)). Bit roomier feeling inside. How does the Clio 200 compare with the DC2?
It feels solid. Sounds pretty good but not as good as the DC2 in VTEC (especially in tunnels!)
The main difference is that it feels more fun than the DC2. I'm not entirely sure why but I think its because I feel I can be a bit less forgiving with it.
It definitely doesn't feel like there is 12 years of innovation between them. Although it is significantly cheaper than the DC2 considering it was over £21k new in 1998.
I love my clio, its more fun but perhaps not as special as the DC2.
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