Friedchicken

A bit off topic but how did you find the Euro R? Recently moved on my Clio 200, considering one for the K Series NA Thrills and general Honda reliability.

Awesome buy mate. Gotta love the Akra!

KamRacing https://www.kamracing.co.uk/ & KTEC https://www.k-tecracing.com/ are the biggest two aftermarket parts suppliers. Both also carry alot of OEM parts. I use renaultgenuineparts.com (Endon/allcarpartsfast) from the U.K for OEM stuff. With all these online retailers however shipping is what usually kills you.

Hey mate, Can't help you in specific Megane 3RS questions but in general, reliability is pretty good compared to other Euro marques. It may not be Honda levels of reliability. The biggest difference to the K20a motors you will find is the timing belt. Renault rates these good for 4-5 years depending on the motor. This is where the need for a specialist is usually required. As the cams require a locking tool. Thankfully there are quite a few specialists around, especially on the east coast. The other observation is engine mounts and suspension rubbers (top mounts, lower control arms, tierods etc) tend to require replacement more frequently. Once again this is my observation from owning a Clio 172 and 200. I'm sure somebody will be along shortly to answer your Megane 265 questions specifically.

You need a build thread my friend. And welcome!

Welcome! Also had a Audi S3 8l in the same colour. Brilliant Black!

We were talking about it on the FB Clio 3 chat the other night. Yes it was a really good price. Even before Covid that is still a good purchase. Congrats and welcome to OzRS.

Welcome. Great choice!

Yeah from my own personal experience and my mates : Long term ownership of VAG cars is a painful regretful experience. It doesn't look like BMW Minis have it much better (at least the R51 and R53 gens) ironically VAG/BMW/Mini owners are the first to have a dig at French cars 🤔

I think you've got an itch to scratch haha. Most of the better competitors are manuals unfortunately. Fiesta ST and Pug 208 GTIs. As for autos that really leaves you with most of the VAG stable (polo, golf, scirocco) which I personally don't think are a match dynamically to a Clio 4. Other options would be the R56 Mini Cooper S, Nissan Pulsar SSS (don't), Veloster Turbo (eww) Abarth 595, and probably the Alfa Guiletta. Never driven most of those and never was inclined to be honest.

Memorising timing belt service intervals 😂

Even in normal circumstances it can take a while. I remember test driving many 172s and 197s. It never panned out for whatever reason (usually crunching gearboxes). Both times I've bought Renault Sports have been more or less unintended. Just end up falling in love with the bloody things.

As for the 197s maybe go try one out. The drivetrain and suspension differences are minor but are noticeable. Especially the shorter gearing and the stiffer suspension. As for limited editions have a look in the Clio 3 section. There is quite a bit of info on them there. We joke that there are almost more limited edition 200s combined than standard 200s in Aus. Generally they vary in what gear is included with the car. Drivetrain and suspension is largely same as standard 200. With seats, standard leathers (what I have in my Gordini) wear very well. Recaros side bolsters wear out. This is not just a Renault thing but general to all recaros. Generally all seating options feel high up. But recaros do have aftermarket seat frame options to get them lower. Hope this helps

Welcome!

Don't over look the Clio 3s. Cracking cars.