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Looking to buy a RS265


TCM175

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Hey guys looking to buy a Megane RS in a couple months and have a few questions.
Coming from only ever owning Honda's (EK4's,EP3R's, FN2R and S2000) how are they in general regarding its reliability?
Car will be mainly used as a daily/weekend fun car and most likely remain stock besides wheels+tyres.
Some people have told me that the Renos require specialist mechanics for bigger services etc, is this true?
And lastly, what to look our for when inspecting the car besides the usual checklist?

Lots of questions, thanks in advance boys!

 

Edited by TCM175
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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.

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Cam belt is really the only 'specialist' item, and that is just a matter of using correct tools and observing correct installation procedure.

265's are pretty reliable. There are a couple of glitches around potential gearbox mount bolt failure - easily remedied with a larger bolt, and interior door handle / pull failure - many people have not had an issue and it seems to relate to how vigorously you pull on the door handle to close the large, heavy doors.

All standard service items like oil, filters etc are easily sourced, and just as easily done yourself if you're inclined.

Cheers

Justin

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Cheers everyone for the responses!

Other than the bushes wearing out more frequently, gearbox mount bolt and door handles, are there anymore issues thats specific to the Meganes?


I'd like to have the Reno taken care of by a workshop that focus' on them and have found out about RenoTech & AP Automotive Engineering Services.
Have any of you boys used AP Automotive in Hurstville/Kogorah area?
 

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I have used AP automotive for a service on our Meg 4 and he is very thorough. Quite old school mechanic but seems to know French cars very well. A number of people on this forum have used AP automotive and were happy with the service.

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I used the attached checklist/prompt when I was shopping around for my RS250 Trophy - some items are specific to Megane 3 RS's (Trophy), others are general no vehicle specific.  

Also important to get a ODB2 scanner on the car and see any faults logged.

I've had the Trophy for 2 years now (126k km)- repair work I've done 

  • new engine and gearbox mounts all round (common)
  • coolant overflow tank (common)
  • clutch line due to leaking damper (common)
  • thermostat (common)
  • door closer strap (common)

 

Hope it helps

Megane RS 250 Prepurchase inspection.docx

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7 hours ago, Zoto said:

I used the attached checklist/prompt when I was shopping around for my RS250 Trophy - some items are specific to Megane 3 RS's (Trophy), others are general no vehicle specific.  

Also important to get a ODB2 scanner on the car and see any faults logged.

I've had the Trophy for 2 years now (126k km)- repair work I've done 

  • new engine and gearbox mounts all round (common)
  • coolant overflow tank (common)
  • clutch line due to leaking damper (common)
  • thermostat (common)
  • door closer strap (common)

 

Hope it helps

Megane RS 250 Prepurchase inspection.docx 20.55 kB · 2 downloads

Wow. Thanks for that mate.
By the sounds of things, once i get my Megane in the new year ill look for these to do as preventative maintenance + timing belt if it hasn't been done.
Any websites for Renaults for OEM/aftermarket parts like Amayama for example

6 hours ago, Calaisclio said:

I purchased a clio 172 with over 300k on it from Sydney and it had only ever been serviced by AP automotive. It drove like new even with 300000 klm on it. Credit to its owner and AP I reckon.

Sounds good mate!
 

 

 

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Regarding sourcing  parts, for me it depends what it is, dollar value, and how urgent it is.

Options I use are

  1. Col Crawford - Renault dealer out of Sydney. Jarrod 0432166588 offers trade price to OzRenaultSport members. If you need genuine part  urgently, for me he's one of the best options out of Australia.
  2. Allcarpartsfast -out of the UK, with reasonable pricing on parts and importantly shipping - option for genuine parts.
  3. Nisswreck - second hand parts out of Adelaide (yes they specialise in Renaults too)
  4. search this forum and you'll find recommendations by other folks

If you're looking for performance parts (eg track based coilovers, downpipe, remote tune, wideband lambda, rotors/pads, ss brake/clutch lines, etc) let me know, and I can give you some options, and why I selected a particular manufacturer/supplier.  

Also if you look thru this Forum heaps of info from much more knowledgeable people than me.  Other forums I found useful are

RSMegane.com  UK

http://www.meganers.fr/phpBB3/index.php?sid=b14616055768856729b01dbf0ee281c8  France

http://www.meganeclub.it/forum/index.php?action=forum  Italy (very good background on the evolution of gearbox mount design, thru the 250, 265, 275 to overcome bolt shearing issues).

Apart from timing belt/tensioner/water pump which is done on regular preventative maintenance basis, the rest I would only do if you have symptoms - also remember they could have already been replaced by the previous owner(s).

The car will be a hoot to drive, and spending some time and money on "improvements" it will bring even a bigger smile on your face -  I can tell you 210kW with KW Clubsports and a good set of rubber is pretty exhilarating. 

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3 hours ago, TCM175 said:

Wow. Thanks for that mate.
By the sounds of things, once i get my Megane in the new year ill look for these to do as preventative maintenance + timing belt if it hasn't been done.
Any websites for Renaults for OEM/aftermarket parts like Amayama for example

Sounds good mate!
 

 

 

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.

 

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1 hour ago, Zoto said:

Regarding sourcing  parts, for me it depends what it is, dollar value, and how urgent it is.

Options I use are

  1. Col Crawford - Renault dealer out of Sydney. Jarrod 0432166588 offers trade price to OzRenaultSport members. If you need genuine part  urgently, for me he's one of the best options out of Australia.
  2. Allcarpartsfast -out of the UK, with reasonable pricing on parts and importantly shipping - option for genuine parts.
  3. Nisswreck - second hand parts out of Adelaide (yes they specialise in Renaults too)
  4. search this forum and you'll find recommendations by other folks

If you're looking for performance parts (eg track based coilovers, downpipe, remote tune, wideband lambda, rotors/pads, ss brake/clutch lines, etc) let me know, and I can give you some options, and why I selected a particular manufacturer/supplier.  

Also if you look thru this Forum heaps of info from much more knowledgeable people than me.  Other forums I found useful are

RSMegane.com  UK

http://www.meganers.fr/phpBB3/index.php?sid=b14616055768856729b01dbf0ee281c8  France

http://www.meganeclub.it/forum/index.php?action=forum  Italy (very good background on the evolution of gearbox mount design, thru the 250, 265, 275 to overcome bolt shearing issues).

Apart from timing belt/tensioner/water pump which is done on regular preventative maintenance basis, the rest I would only do if you have symptoms - also remember they could have already been replaced by the previous owner(s).

The car will be a hoot to drive, and spending some time and money on "improvements" it will bring even a bigger smile on your face -  I can tell you 210kW with KW Clubsports and a good set of rubber is pretty exhilarating. 

Will send through a PM regarding the performance parts :)
Thats my plans for the Megane, to get the maintenance side of things sorted for my own peace of mind and then its quality rubber first 



 

Edited by TCM175
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  • 3 months later...

Am keen on checking this clio out this weekend, the french blue colour is too good!

Price seems fair and service records all up to date with the major timing belt service done.

What do you guys think? Has just under 140k kms

 

Check out this 2012 Renault Clio Sport 200 Cup Manual MY12.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-renault-clio-sport-200-cup-manual-my12/SSE-AD-13918300

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For parts for servicing I just go to EAI in Thornleigh.

For more indepth parts K-tec are good, and I think I've used Allcarparts as someone else has above.

These cars are very popular in the UK so that is a very good place to look, and postage can be reasonable.

Cheers

Justin

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6 hours ago, TCM175 said:

I think a bit expensive for the kms. Nice colour though.

Maybe $15-16K is more realistic, prices are coming down.

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10 hours ago, TCM175 said:

Am keen on checking this clio out this weekend, the french blue colour is too good!

Price seems fair and service records all up to date with the major timing belt service done.

What do you guys think? Has just under 140k kms

 

Check out this 2012 Renault Clio Sport 200 Cup Manual MY12.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2012-renault-clio-sport-200-cup-manual-my12/SSE-AD-13918300

Ive got a 2012 meg3 8.08 that's done 70k and the way the market is at the moment id be lucky to get 20k for her, that's way over priced imo

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I agree. Thing with a 200 is every color is sort've great be that blue, yellow, red.. The red one just sold on here was a good buy for a few K less. They really seem to sit on the market forever above $15-$16k. Plenty have huge km on them too (which I'm aware may not matter but does drive down a price noentheless).

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3 hours ago, lachlan8 said:

I agree. Thing with a 200 is every color is sort've great be that blue, yellow, red.. The red one just sold on here was a good buy for a few K less. They really seem to sit on the market forever above $15-$16k. Plenty have huge km on them too (which I'm aware may not matter but does drive down a price noentheless).

even that angel off collecting cars for under 17k was better buy imo 

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