Buying Advice mk2

[Markie]

I've just joined the forum as I'm seriously considering a 197/200 purchase. I don't drive to work so the car will purely be for weekends and very occasional track use.

I've seen Craigy's thread below and read the buyers guide that the one of the mods posted in response, which provides lots of helpful factual information.

I've narrowed my choice down to a 197 R27, or a 200 Cup. The former appeals as I much prefer the looks of the 197 (am I on my own here?) and being 1 of 500 there is an element of exclusivity. The 200 Cup on the other hand seems to have the best press reviews of all variants.

I hoping to get some opinions of anyone who has regularly driven or owned both, as to whether, subjectively, the 200 cup a significantly better driving experience? If so why? I understand the differences between the two but would prefer some real world feedback on how they compare to drive.

Really grateful for any input.

 

[Beany]

Welcome aboard..

Personally the 200 does it for in the looks department...

An R27 has the advantages of they come with recaros and they’re limited so usually hold a firm price for a nice one. However are older so maybe have more mileage on them (no issue if they’ve been looked after)

The 200 cup has the benefit of updated chassis, steering rack, suspension and gearbox ratios, but the cup is bare bones basic inside, isn’t keyless entry and most will lack air con (like mine)

Hope this helps and good luck on the hunt

 

[sevenfourate]

I'm with Beany.

200 Cup everyday. Unless your going to park up, never use and hope values sky-rocket. Which 200 Cup also likely will to some degree anyway.....

200 Cup will be newer, likely fresher, have a few uprated / updated specs and would be my choice every time.

 

[LOCKE]

I personally think the 197 with Renaultsport front splitter and Cup rear spoiler looks way better than the 200. There is no huge difference in driving experience between 197/200. Obviously to find a good R27 now will be hard to find but not impossible. I would be buying on history rather than model. What's your budget?

 

[Sean197]

I've just joined the forum as I'm seriously considering a 197/200 purchase. I don't drive to work so the car will purely be for weekends and very occasional track use.

I've seen Craigy's thread below and read the buyers guide that the one of the mods posted in response, which provides lots of helpful factual information.

I've narrowed my choice down to a 197 R27, or a 200 Cup. The former appeals as I much prefer the looks of the 197 (am I on my own here?) and being 1 of 500 there is an element of exclusivity. The 200 Cup on the other hand seems to have the best press reviews of all variants.

I hoping to get some opinions of anyone who has regularly driven or owned both, as to whether, subjectively, the 200 cup a significantly better driving experience? If so why? I understand the differences between the two but would prefer some real world feedback on how they compare to drive.

Really grateful for any input.

I'd go for a full fat 200 with cup spec, so you get the better interior and comforts (if specced) whilst still getting the cup suspension. Best of both worlds.
Also, bear in mind practically everyone on here who has taken their clio on track has uprated the suspension anyway as most if not all aftermarket suspension is less crashy than standard cup suspension but gives better handling. Something else to think about.

 

[Markie]

Thanks all for the replies, really helpful. Re the 197/200 being not hugely different to drive, this is what I suspected, but press reviews would have you think that they’re 2 different animals. I’ve never owned a performance car with electric ps before so apprehensive about that blunting the experience - read bad things about the 197’s.

I don’t really have a budget, I’ll pay the right price for the right car - would prefer something that’s going to hold its value though, hence a preference for a special or cup edition, preferably low mileage. I am now leaning slightly towards a 200 as the looks are growing on me!