Megane 280 Cup or hang on for a Mk4 Focus ST?

[HazzaT]

Hi all
My Golf R estate is getting a bit ropey reliability-wise and I'm fed up with it landing me a few big bills every year. I'm in the market for a c.£20k fun daily, and the Megane is looking like my best bet currently. I want something that drives like my previous Mk8 Fiesta ST, which the Megane seems closest to in my price bracket.

Is the Focus that much better that it's worth hanging around for a bit more depreciation?

I'm also considering the more left-field saloons like a Guilia Veloce or Jag XE-S but decent ones are, again, slightly more than I'm willing to fork out. Unless I find a good 340i I think the 3/4 Series options look dull as ditchwater

[pb8g09]

Wouldn't put it past the Megane to throw you some big bills every few years too given the threads I read when I was looking at them.

Given the coupe shape of the Megane, have you looked at M240i/M235is? Similar size boot and get can get adults in the back.

[g40steve]

I had a new 280 cup RS for three years & now 8.5 ST3 Fiesta, the ST is a better place to be & for my local roads far better size.
Oh I never saw a 3 on mpg with the Meg always high 20’s at best

[whickhamboy]

I have had a 2020 Megane RS280 (sport) since October. Previous cars were Mk7 FST and Mk7 Golf R. The megane is the best drivers car out of the three in my experience, the turn in is very sharp. It even sounds good in sport and race mode with plenty of bangs and pops. The car is very wide so need to be careful in tight parking spaces.

Now the not so good parts. In the 8 months I have owned it, the fuel pump failed whilst driving on the A1. It left me stranded and needed towing by the police which was rather annoying. Also needed both rear shocks replacing as they were leaking oil.

So that’s two parts that have failed already and its only 2 year old with 10,000 miles on it! They were covered under warranty which is a relief but at same time they should not be failing this soon.

From 2020 the Megane Rs comes with 5 year warranty but they are around the 22k mark or above. I would not entertain this car without some manufacturers warranty.

[HazzaT]

g40steve said:

I had a new 280 cup RS for three years & now 8.5 ST3 Fiesta, the ST is a better place to be & for my local roads far better size.
Oh I never saw a 3 on mpg with the Meg always high 20’s at best

To be fair I think I could go back to the Fiesta, but my girlfriend likes taking two suitcases on holiday so it may be a squeeze! The Mk8 is still the best car I've owned by a long way, I know the Golf is better on paper but to drive it's not even on the same planet.

[ZX10R NIN]

HazzaT said:

Hi all
My Golf R estate is getting a bit ropey reliability-wise and I'm fed up with it landing me a few big bills every year. I'm in the market for a c.£20k fun daily, and the Megane is looking like my best bet currently. I want something that drives like my previous Mk8 Fiesta ST, which the Megane seems closest to in my price bracket.

Is the Focus that much better that it's worth hanging around for a bit more depreciation?

I'm also considering the more left-field saloons like a Guilia Veloce or Jag XE-S but decent ones are, again, slightly more than I'm willing to fork out. Unless I find a good 340i I think the 3/4 Series options look dull as ditchwater

I'd say take a look at the 308 GTI they're a cracking steer & reliable too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305177...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305207...

Civic Type R GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305197...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303225...

Hyundai i30N Performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305307...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305227...

The 280 is a good car but I rate the above as better drivers cars:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305207...

[CG2020UK]

pb8g09 said:

Wouldn't put it past the Megane to throw you some big bills every few years too given the threads I read when I was looking at them.

Given the coupe shape of the Megane, have you looked at M240i/M235is? Similar size boot and get can get adults in the back.

The M-lites are more all bark and no bite.

Look amazing on paper but certainly not drivers cars.

Leon Cupra or 308GTI is where I’d put my money.

Edited by CG2020UK on Sunday 4th June 15:19

[Blanchimont]

I'd echo the i30N comments, or even an Fk2 Type R.
I had a Leon Cupra, and found it dull to drive, even when mapped.

[Zarco]

CG2020UK said:

pb8g09 said:

Wouldn't put it past the Megane to throw you some big bills every few years too given the threads I read when I was looking at them.

Given the coupe shape of the Megane, have you looked at M240i/M235is? Similar size boot and get can get adults in the back.

The M-lites are more all bark and no bite.

Look amazing on paper but certainly not drivers cars.

Leon Cupra or 308GTI is where I’d put my money.

Edited by CG2020UK on Sunday 4th June 15:19

The 280 Cup isn't a Coupe either. The Mk4 Megane RS are all 5 door hatch backs.

[HazzaT]

Blanchimont said:

I'd echo the i30N comments, or even an Fk2 Type R.
I had a Leon Cupra, and found it dull to drive, even when mapped.

I honestly forgot about the FK2! I did consider the i30N as well, reckon it's going to be a case of test driving a few to see what feels right

[AKjr]

I'd stay away from a used Jaguar if reliability is the reason for the change, personally.

i30N as mentioned by others is a cracking choice, IMO.