Which new hot hatch?

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:34

I dirve a 57 plate Megane R26 at the moment, which is remapped to 265BHP. It replaced a Clio R27 (197).

The Megane runs out of warranty in a few weeks (27th September) and I fear it will turn into a bit of a money pit, given the volume of recent issues - for example my passenger side window regulator has gone again this week. Out of warranty this would cost £200 to fix. Now I know not all Megane's have these issues, but mine seems to be an unlucky example.

Now, the main reason I went for the Megane is the fact that it's the best handling of the last generation of hot hatches, something which for me, is very important. I've driven a Leon Cupra and a Focus ST, and neither of them were particularly engaging on the handling front, but they did feel a touch 'punchier' to drive.

So, before my car turns into a money pit, I want it gone. I guess it's worth £9-10,000 part ex, and I have another £5,000 or so to spend on a car, so budget is c. £15,000.

In terms of usage, I have a 66 mile daily commute, but I do sometimes car share, so I need to be able to get four adults into it easily. I also do 'detailing' part time, so I need a fair sized boot. I am also partial to the odd track day, so something decent in this context would be ideal. Better economy would be nice - I average 25MPG.

Initial thoughts are Edition 30 Golf and an FD2 Civic, but I worry that the Golf will be too dull, and the Civic too 'hardcore'. I'm also tempted by a 'new' Clio 200 with Cup Suspension, but I would prefer a slightly larger car from the next class size up.

Any ex R26 owners on here? What did you go for?

Thanks,
Russ.

mjt · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:35

BMW 130i
270 bhp, RWD, 4 adults shouldn't be a problem and the boot is decent.

Berger · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:35

Keep your current car, the depreciation on a newer model will outway the potential bills on your current one?

If you're that worried then you could possible extend the warranty on it?

Morba · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:36

I like the new clios, don't seem too small either!

cm1179 · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:37

would the re-map not void your warrant anyway?

oh and a scirroco

Eliot · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:38

part of me thinks new megane but there to expensive and probs a downgrade?

golf/leon maybe?

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:39

It would only void the warranty on the engine, which is fine, its the electrics which seem to be the main issue.

Mini is no good - need a decent sized boot and passenger leg room.

What's the rear legroom like on the Scirocco?

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:40

Berger said:
Keep your current car, the depreciation on a newer model will outway the potential bills on your current one?

If you're that worried then you could possible extend the warranty on it?

This is an option, but it's nearer £900 for two years. I guess in context this is more cost effective than part ex'ing and the increased depreciation on a new car.

Tbh, it's annoyed that much recently that I don't have any love for it anymore, so want to change on this basis.

fonzee · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:42

FD2 sounds perfect.

drive one before you claim the hardcore card. plus lets face it, its going to be a darn sight more reliable than anything else suggested.

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:44

fonzee said:
FD2 sounds perfect.

drive one before you claim the hardcore card. plus lets face it, its going to be a darn sight more reliable than anything else suggested.

Fair point. I've read that AST coilovers sort that anyway, but they are £2k, which I don't mind paying for in the New Year.

What happens with regards to parts on JDM cars? So for example if my car was in an accident, and I needed new panels, would they have to be sourced from Japan? Any ideas please JDM Honda owners?

Mr^B · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:44

I fixed the regulator on my Mégane myself when it broke, £20 from the bay and about 2 hours of my own time to fit it.

I'd do that, then wait for the new RS250's to come down in price second-hand and get one of those.

cm1179 · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:47

RussZS said:
What's the rear legroom like on the Scirocco?

who cares?! it's a hot hatch, there's only one place you want to be and that's at the wheel!

didn't know that the re-map would only void the warranty on the engine, i thought it would have voided everything because that's their stance on it....

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:48

Mr^B said:
I fixed the regulator on my Mégane myself when it broke, £20 from the bay and about 2 hours of my own time to fit it.

I'd do that, then wait for the new RS250's to come down in price second-hand and get one of those.

I can get the current one fixed under warranty luckily, but I don't want to be paying out beyond that. I guess £20 isn't too bad though

The 250's are a step up in quality, I have a friend with one. As you say, perhaps waiting for one of those is a good call. They will probably be down to £15k by March! People buying them new are a touch crazy, they lose so much money in the first 18 months!

I've just seen that I can get a brand new 2.0T DSG Octavia vRS for c.£17k, but I guess I'd get bored of it quite quickly.

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:49

cm1179 said:
who cares?! it's a hot hatch, there's only one place you want to be and that's at the wheel!

didn't know that the re-map would only void the warranty on the engine, i thought it would have voided everything because that's their stance on it....

Like I said in the OP, I need to get two adults in the back quite regularly unfortunately

I do like their styling. Do you know if they differ to Golf GTI's much in terms of handlng?

eddiemcgarrigle · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:50

I feel your pain over the ****** regulator but are you aware that Renault are offering an extended 7 year warranty on this very problem. You still need to pay for the time spent on the repair but I have been advised (mine is broken too) that it shouldn't be any more than £80 and they will repair the waterproofing while they have the door panel off too.

fonzee · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:50

RussZS said:
would they have to be sourced from Japan? Any ideas please JDM Honda owners?

indeed. Honda/suitable dealer will deal with that. nothing to worry about on such a young car.

its an import so insurance companies are going to take this all into account in the quote.

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:52

eddiemcgarrigle said:
I feel your pain over the ****** regulator but are you aware that Renault are offering an extended 7 year warranty on this very problem. You still need to pay for the time spent on the repair but I have been advised (mine is broken too) that it shouldn't be any more than £80 and they will repair the waterproofing while they have the door panel off too.

I didn't know that no, thank you

Is the issue resolved to a better standard with a replacement?

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:53

fonzee said:
indeed. Honda/suitable dealer will deal with that. nothing to worry about on such a young car.

its an import so insurance companies are going to take this all into account in the quote.

Thanks. Quotes haven't been too bad. The Meg is Group 17 with remap declared, so the difference is next to nothing.

I guess they share a lot of parts with the Hybrid too, so not a huge issue.

Cheers for your help. I do have a soft spot for them, mega rare too. Any owners on here that you know of?

fonzee · 9 Sep 2010 at 22:59

come to think of it, i don't think there are no?

the german fanbois wouldnt welcome such a car, so may be a few owners hiding

RussZS · 9 Sep 2010 at 23:02

I've yet to be convinced by anything German in this sector. I think they forgot to attach the steering wheel to the wheels properly, instead sourcing some better interior plastics.

I like the solidity of German cars, but something special is missing handling wise. S3 for example, massively, massively competent, but not very 'fun'