Megane 250, what are they like?

[Doogle]

Hey all,

I currently have a Clio 197 in Albi blue, its very good at what it does however Ive found myself attracted to Megane 250's lately. I miss having a good bit of torque, the quiet of a turbo and not needing to rev it to 4-5k before getting some power. I see the Megane as a bit more sophisticated, grown up and easier to live with as a daily.

So, what are they like? Spec wise I am thinking a Lux with Cup pack. Id like some creature comforts; xenons, climate, RS monitor, Recaro's, etc. I like the idea of having an LSD for a spirited drive and if you start pumping more power out of it it would help manage it I guess. I am thinking of a later and lower mileage model really.

I know from the Clio the suspension is expensive when it goes wrong but what else is costly? Cambelt about the same? I'm guessing they dont suffer from crunchy gearboxes like the Clio's? How does the Megane Cup chassis manage on UK roads?

Anything else I might have missed? Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[jamesgw200]

i have a 275 trophy which are fully kitted standard.
Depends if you prefer the face lift or not.
Its also incredibly capable on track.

 

[Doogle]

i have a 275 trophy which are fully kitted standard.
Depends if you prefer the face lift or not.
Its also incredibly capable on track.

Have you researched into the 250/265/275 differences (other than power) and years they came out? Im kinda hoping they continue to drop price wise as they seem to be coming down steadily.

 

[Micah]

@Benno moved from a 197 to a 250 Cup in the best colour (Oyster Grey) - probably worth having a chat with him. Finding a good 250 with Cup chassis was a bit of a task at the time.

 

[jamesgw200]

Have you researched into the 250/265/275 differences (other than power) and years they came out? Im kinda hoping they continue to drop price wise as they seem to be coming down steadily.

yeah to an extent. older ones look alot older inside the cabin. But apart from power and few cosmetic differences the car is the same.
Newer ones are worth the extra just for the satnav and proper rs monitor display.

 

[cliovirgin]

Thought about the 220 Doug ? You can always try mine out.

 

[Doogle]

Thought about the 220 Doug ? You can always try mine out.

Cheers bud, that would be good. Still fairly set on a 250, wont be for a little while yet!

 

[DS197]

I'm in the same boat, really like the looks of the MK3s now whereas before I wasn't a fan. Common issues iirc are ball joints (same issue as the MK3 Clios) needing replacement. Especially if it's being used hard on track as it does weight quite a bit more.

Quite a few are also having the gearbox mount bolt break, but this can be easily fixed by fitting an uprated bolt. Apart from that they seem pretty reliable.

You then have your general servicing such as keeping the calipers well serviced etc but I think all MK3 Clio owners are well versed in that

 

[Doogle]

I'm in the same boat, really like the looks of the MK3s now whereas before I wasn't a fan. Common issues iirc are ball joints (same issue as the MK3 Clios) needing replacement. Especially if it's being used hard on track as it does weight quite a bit more.

Quite a few are also having the gearbox mount bolt break, but this can be easily fixed by fitting an uprated bolt. Apart from that they seem pretty reliable.

You then have your general servicing such as keeping the calipers well serviced etc but I think all MK3 Clio owners are well versed in that

See some have said they are expensive to run (local Renault Specialist I take my Clio to) but I cant see why the would be. Servicing is the same intervals, theres still a cambelt to consider but no Dephaser so £100 cheaper. Turbo maybe at 100k+ might need replacing. Modern petrols dont suffer blocked injectors with decent fuel like they used to. The usual spark plugs, waterpump, thermostat, etc are all going to be similarly priced. I suppose being a heavier car maybe swivel joints and ball joints may wear out a bit quicker. As you say, the Brembos seizing maybe but heavier car = brakes doing more work. Maybe a remap might put a bit more pressure on everything but they seem to hold power well.

I cant see any reason to believe that they would be any more expensive.

 

[jamesgw200]

See some have said they are expensive to run (local Renault Specialist I take my Clio to) but I cant see why the would be. Servicing is the same intervals, theres still a cambelt to consider but no Dephaser so £100 cheaper. Turbo maybe at 100k+ might need replacing. Modern petrols dont suffer blocked injectors with decent fuel like they used to. The usual spark plugs, waterpump, thermostat, etc are all going to be similarly priced. I suppose being a heavier car maybe swivel joints and ball joints may wear out a bit quicker. As you say, the Brembos seizing maybe but heavier car = brakes doing more work. Maybe a remap might put a bit more pressure on everything but they seem to hold power well.

I cant see any reason to believe that they would be any more expensive.

theyre not really, insurance maybe and fuel can be bad. Had mine down to 8mpg on track lol

 

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.
If you have any issues with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.