Goatman

I have been watching this thread very closely indeed and like others, can I just say if you are even considering daily driving comfort as one of the deciding factor, then perhaps the Megane RS3 is not for you at all. If you have been reading enough reviews already, you would know that Renaults are first and foremost about how they drive and with that comfort is generally not what the engineers of the time have thought much about. Please just take one out for a spin and decide on it already. I think most of us here are saying that if you want the ultimate drivers car at this price point, nothing comes close to the RS (all reviewers will have said the same). And if bi-xenons or comfy leather seats are something you must have but can’t stretch on the budget; then the RS is not for you. I would just get whatever Megane RS I can (with proper maintenance and history of course) for how much you can afford) and learn to enjoy the quirks and the lack of comfort AND the driving prowess these beasts provide!! You have this weekend to mull this over and we are secretly hoping you’d choose the Megane - there I did it; gave you a timeframe FYI I like yourself read reviews for 6 months and test drove one and the rest is history. I didn’t end up buying the one I test drove but bought one sight unseen from Sydney (had Renotech do a PPI).

From what I am reading it appears that you want a car that is mostly comfortable and quick on the straights being more important that handling. And you are considering the Megane only because it falls within your budget. My opinion is either increase your budget to buy the car you really want I.e Golf R seems to be it or find something in the meantime that can fill the MPS void. I had a 275 Trophy before and all I can say is I regret selling it very much. My partner has a BMW 125i F20 (a Golf GTi competitor) and whilst it is quick off the line and very nice to live with on a daily basis, it is not engaging at all compared to the Meg. If I were you, I’d go for some drives in the Meg 265/275 to help you form some idea.

Thanks! That’s a very decent price! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is that the timing belt change and major service for a total of 1700? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What an apt username - the Meg will definitely keep you grounded at speed but with that liquid yellow you will not be missed. Welcome to the club and enjoy the new ride!

Well done! You will love your new ride

Yeah would like to get my hands one your tyres

Hello all! So this is it - finally landed myself a 2014 Meg RS275 I will start another thread to formally introduce Nikki to the RSers here Thanks again for all your advice! Cheers The Goat

Hi all! So after all the sleepless nights thinking of Clio vs Megane over and over, I have decided to go down the path of a Megane RS275 Trophy Reasons being: 1) The 275 still has 3 years plus factory warranty (gives me a "peace of mind" for my current circumstance) 2) The 275 is bigger, more practical (I have a 4 year old and a wife that requires a little more space and comfort) 3) The 275 is quick from the get-go - I love an NA but since this will be my daily drive, I wouldnt mind having one that gives me these "simple pleasures" without needing to put on my rallying skills - sure the Clio is more raw and mechanical but on a day to day basis, the Megane would do it for me now Apologies for disappointing the Clio supporters here but also thank you for the numerous advice etc. - really appreciate them! I will be flying down to Sydney this Friday to collect the car and will be driving back to Brisbane (haven't decided on which route yet - some say NEH is longer but a bit more fun?) Will post photos once the car is in the garage! Cheers Damon EDIT: The Clio is still in the books - if my employment circumstance were to change for the better soonish, Clio would be the weekend toy

Hello all! Apologies for the lack of update re: my journey into the elusive RS world. I have been reading on the Clio a lot and I must admit that there were some issues faced by owners here that had made me think twice i.e. engine failures in particular and gearbox synchro issues. As I am not in the position to fork out possibly more than 10 thousand dollars for a new engine etc. I have re-considered my purchase and now targeting used RS Meganes from circa 2014 onwards (those with the 5 year warranty for peace of mind). I have test driven a couple and they are great machines (but I honestly prefer the more "mechanical" - go kart like Clio, it's just a little more special to me having also test driven a Gordini) Does anyone in Brisbane know a go to person to perform a thorough inspection? I know they are still within the warranty period but me being paranoid, I feel like I should get someone within thorough knowledge of the car to assure me. Oh and one last question, 265 Cup or 275 Trophy? I just couldn't get over the pops and crackles from the 275..... Cheers Damon

Hello all! Thanks again for the great advice / tips. I am in the advanced stage of negotiations and will be getting the Renotech boys to get the pre-purchase inspection done sometime soon! I can't believe this is (almost) happening! I have one other question - does anyone here have any experience transferring rego from NSW to QLD? I have read many forums but it all seems confusing to me. My understanding is: 1) Pay for the vehicle 2) Seller to provide Notice of Disposal 3) Prepare a letter / agreement to evidence the private sale 4) Drive back to QLD (I hope I will enjoy this bit the most) 5) Take off NSW plates 6) Hand over plates to Transport QLD 7) Register the car as though it is a new registration (I believe I will also have to do a roadworthy cert beforehand as they do not recognise the NSW equivalent?) Is my understanding correct? Cheers! Damo

Wow! I did not expect so many replies / feedback in one day guys. Thank you so much for all the good information and validation that my "observation" of the Clio RS 3 as the little hot hatch impossible for anyone to ignore. I think I will take up No152's aka Jason's offer for a close-up inspection of the car itself - I've seen some from afar (they usually are way ahead of my Mazda 2). Who knows I may not like it up close and personal? But we all know that is impossible right? The other thing is that with so many variants of the 3 on the market, I have no idea which ones to go for - most of them are within my budget i.e. 15 to 20k for a 4 to 5 year old but choices, choices choices. Specs aside, I really like the yellow on the AGP - it shouts Renault Sports to me really. I will keep everyone posted about my journey and definitely with the QLD members for the catch ups / drive days etc. - fingers crossed all's good! Cheers Damo

Hello all! I have reading about the Clio RS 3 a lot lately and have been intrigued by its cult status. I spoke to the wife about my intention to get one for myself to kick off my mid life crisis phase. I live in Brisbane and there is none for sale here now. Saw a couple of nice ones i.e. Cup Trophee and Aus GP in other states on Carsales and am quite keen. It would be great if you could give some feedback as to the ownership of the RS3's - the ones I am looking at are circa 2010 / 2011 with less than 100Ks. I would be getting an independent specialist to perform thorough check as well - any recommendations for who to use in the Sydney area and what to look out for specifically? Also, are there any Rs3 owners in Brisbane here? I would like to get in touch to hear about your views and more so the availability of independent specialists here (I know there are plenty in Sydney etc). One last quick questions - does it fit a child seat at the back and those with a little family, how easy is it to get in and out of the back? This one is a question from the wife - fail to impress her on this equals no Clio for me. Thank you all.