New car time... opinions.

[ZS Phil]

Originally Posted by Mark S

looked at honda dc2? dc5? fd? fk?

if you want back to basics nasp, stop on a penny and amazing handling then have a drive in a dc2, personally i’d go abs model

Trouble with those is they are all getting old- same sort of era as the ZS so no doubt keeping on top of rust and wear/ tear items is going to be not much different to my Rovers in the work that's needed to keep them good. That's what I'm trying to get away from hence looking at newer stuff.
Those RS megans always seem to go ok on track days and the press love them so I think Ill go and test drive the RS 250 today and make my own mind up about it. If I cant get on with it maybe try a Cupra 280 if I can find one I can afford within a million mile radius! Failing that, I did quite like the vRS, just felt plush although not very quick I must admit. Ample for a road car though.

[Dan1971]

Originally Posted by ZS Phil

Trouble with those is they are all getting old- same sort of era as the ZS so no doubt keeping on top of rust and wear/ tear items is going to be not much different to my Rovers in the work that's needed to keep them good. That's what I'm trying to get away from hence looking at newer stuff.
Those RS megans always seem to go ok on track days and the press love them so I think Ill go and test drive the RS 250 today and make my own mind up about it. If I cant get on with it maybe try a Cupra 280 if I can find one I can afford within a million mile radius! Failing that, I did quite like the vRS, just felt plush although not very quick I must admit. Ample for a road car though.

I think you're gonna go for the Renault if it's in decent condition. Still waiting for the budget?

[ZS Phil]

Originally Posted by Dan1971

I think you're gonna go for the Renault if it's in decent condition. Still waiting for the budget?

You were right, just driven it home. Absolutely love it

[talkingcars]

Originally Posted by ZS Phil

I did briefly consider a 159 2.4 JTDM but they are getting on a bit now. The little Mito and Guilietta do nothing for me and the new saloon (whatever its called) is too new and expensive.

I am in the same positon with too many cars needing love and not enough time for them all.

We actually went over to a localish independent Alfa dealer this afternoon to sit in a couple of models. I was rather taken by the 159 and the Brera but I really want a 3.2, I don't want a 1.7 turbo or any sort of diesel and they are in rather sort supply.

[Supercharged_Z]

I currently have a track day supercharged clio

The respect for the Megane is a lot higher than I realised very sorted motors right out the box.

The vrs etc are ok but are hardly a big spec

Also if there anything like the clio there huge fun

[Mark S]

Originally Posted by talkingcars

I am in the same positon with too many cars needing love and not enough time for them all.

We actually went over to a localish independent Alfa dealer this afternoon to sit in a couple of models. I was rather taken by the 159 and the Brera but I really want a 3.2, I don't want a 1.7 turbo or any sort of diesel and they are in rather sort supply.

just make sure its not fitted with the vauxhall m32 box, it will forever need rebuilds!

The Ti is the one to have in 159 format, but with big rims comes the need to polybush the front compliance bush else your front tyres will last 4k miles only.

The 2.4jtd is a bit heavy, the 1.9 is good with a remap, sluggish without but has that awful M32 box.

The 2.0jtdm came with (I think) the F40 box which is not a bad box, this is the diesel choice.

Never really had the petrols, the 2.2 never appealed and my only experience of the v6 was older gen, great sound, pulled well, revved well, but could drink the fuel.

A remapped diesel will be quick, and offer great economy.

[Skillen]

Originally Posted by ZS Phil

You were right, just driven it home. Absolutely love it

My brother had one of them, was a great drive, could really chuck it around and it flew when you put your foot down!
I’d have one.
He had a full spec cup. The recaros were great and somehow comfy I’m not sure the 19” wheels helped handling or accelerating but they looked great and it still slung itself around handily.

I want one now I’m remembering it 😂

[p_b82]

I would have looked at GT86's or mayb a couple of others for something a bit different but fun too and not hugely expensive....

But I'm sure that megane will be a blast!

If I had more space I'd be looking for another runabout type car - something smaller than the mustang, and less of a diva than the ZS!

Problem is - I work from home, I would struggle to find a good reason to run three cars!

[Supercharged_Z]

If you don’t need 4 seats a s2000 ticks the boxes


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[ZS Phil]

Originally Posted by talkingcars

I am in the same positon with too many cars needing love and not enough time for them all.

We actually went over to a localish independent Alfa dealer this afternoon to sit in a couple of models. I was rather taken by the 159 and the Brera but I really want a 3.2, I don't want a 1.7 turbo or any sort of diesel and they are in rather sort supply.

The 3.2 would be nice but very thirsty I bet. I love the front end on them, very unique. A 159 2.4 JTDM mapped would be my choice in that line up, sound quite fruity for a diesel.

Originally Posted by Supercharged_Z

I currently have a track day supercharged clio

The respect for the Megane is a lot higher than I realised very sorted motors right out the box.

The vrs etc are ok but are hardly a big spec

Also if there anything like the clio there huge fun

Good to hear
Which clio have you got?
I had a 172 a few years ago which was great fun.
The Megane is great for what I want, glad I bought it but probably not to everyone's taste. Im surprised by how grown up it can be yet throw it around a bit and it really comes into its own. Exactly what I wanted, something to munch up the commute but put a smile on my face on the B road section of it.

Originally Posted by Supercharged_Z

If you don’t need 4 seats a s2000 ticks the boxes

I agree but unfortunately not much room for 2 mountain bikes in the back so the Magane is about as small as I can get away with really as my other half has a Cooper S so needed something to put the shopping in!
I think I'll be happy with the RS as long as it behaves and stays reliable

Originally Posted by Skillen

My brother had one of them, was a great drive, could really chuck it around and it flew when you put your foot down!
I’d have one.
He had a full spec cup. The recaros were great and somehow comfy I’m not sure the 19” wheels helped handling or accelerating but they looked great and it still slung itself around handily.

I want one now I’m remembering it 😂

I remember you saying about your brother's one. Sounds like he had the "full fat" as its known, probably the most desirable one for most people, not least for the Recaros. I would have been tempted but they seem to go for top money.
I settled on the simplest, lightest and arguably best handling one. A factory Cup 250 with 18" wheels and the Michelin Pilot sport tyres, LSD, cloth seats (which actually are basically the same as MG Monacos), no climate control, sat nav or anything like that. Its got standard fit cruise control and bluetooth and thats about it. My only criticism so far is that the stereo is absolute sh**.

Originally Posted by p_b82

I would have looked at GT86's or mayb a couple of others for something a bit different but fun too and not hugely expensive....

But I'm sure that megane will be a blast!

If I had more space I'd be looking for another runabout type car - something smaller than the mustang, and less of a diva than the ZS!

Problem is - I work from home, I would struggle to find a good reason to run three cars!

Now you mention it I did consider a GT86 but I was taken out in one when they first came out and was very underwhelmed by it on the roads. Im sure they would be great fun on a circuit though despite their lack of power. Power isn't everything.
Haha talking about justifying a number of cars, you should see our driveway, its almost embarrassing justifying it (even though I cant really) to non car people.
I'd happily take the Mustang and your ZS as a "do everything" collection.