Megane RS Reliability And Alternatives

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martini

Megane RS Reliability And Alternatives

Hi. All

I am looking at the following cars (in order of preference)

2012 Megane RS 265
2005 Nissan 350z
2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Also looking at, but not mad about:
2013 Ford Focus ST

Budget about R160k

I LOVE the Megane RS the most but im so concerned about running costs and reliability that I keep second-guessing it. Are spares easily available? Do they require expensive maintenance? Coming from a 1995 Toyota Corolla with 200k on the clock I guess im in for a rude awakening? My heart wants the Megane, but my pockets don't want the maintenance.

-The Nissan is nice (RWD V6), apparently reliable, but is quite impractical, and a bit thirsty.
-The Fiesta has great reviews, drives amazing, light on fuel, but both the interior and exterior do nothing for me.

Any advice appreciated

Thanks :)

Status: Open Jan 26, 2021 - 10:23 PM

Questions on car maintenance and repair, Questions on used cars

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Martin

Jan 26, 2021 - 10:23 PM

Hello again!

The Mazda3 MPS is a whole lot of fun, but as you mentioned, there's the silly grin and torque steer to contend with. It's also nowhere near as quick as it should be (given the claimed power outputs), and will lose badly in a straight line drag against a GTI6. It's also hellishly thirsty for fuel, and long-term maintenance might be a problem (or expensive), because so many of its parts were MPS-specific.

As for the 86/BRZ: They're good fun to drive even though they're a bit slow, but have very little interior- or luggage space. They are economical to run, though, with very good fuel efficiency, relatively cheap insurance, and overall reasonable maintenance costs. It's also an unusual car with lots of aftermarket tuning/accessories potential.

But I'd still stick to the Fiesta ST: It's the better all-rounder in your group.

Hope this helps!

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Martin

Jan 25, 2021 - 08:57 PM

Hi there!

Nice selection of cars you have there, it seems like you know a fun car when you see one!

About that Megane: They are known to be pretty maintenance-intensive, with expensive OEM parts and long waiting periods for parts to arrive from overseas. Known weaknesses include the transmission, electronics, and brake components (not the engine, though - the F4RT engine has a great reputation for dependable power). So, if you're used to a Corolla-level of hassle-free motoring, owning a high-performance Renault will give you a rude awakening indeed.

The Fiesta ST, as you truthfully mentioned, is a joy to drive, but it's not much to look at. However, there's very good aftermarket support for them, so you won't have maintenance hassles in the same order as the Renault at all. It would probably be the sensible choice from your short list. Regarding the 350Z: it's fun to drive and pretty durable, but also thirsty and cramped. Only go this route if you don't often carry passengers or lots of luggage, and are prepared to feed the beast. Ironically, the Foucs ST will probably give you the best balance of features, performance and easy ownership, but just make sure you get a standard one with a full service history.

Hope this helps!

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Martin

Jan 25, 2021 - 10:29 PM

Well, with VW and Mini out of the question and the newer crop of hot hatches coming with much steeper pricetags, we'd recommend the Fiesta (if you can fit comfortably in the seat). But there's no real reason to avoid the Focus ST, either, apart from its known fuel thirst and higher insurance premiums - it's just that the Fiesta ST is, in my honest opinion, a lot more fun to drive and doesn't have any real negatives in comparison to its big brother.

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Thanks for the help!

So it looks as if its between the Fiesta ST and Focus ST then. Other than fuel consumption and insurance, would there be a big difference in maintenance between the two?

Do you have any other performance bargain recommendations in my price bracket? (160K+-). Preferably not from VW or Mini.

Thanks for the help :)
Thanks so much for the help! Could I possibly get your comment on the Toyota GT 86 and 2012 Mazda 3 MPS as alternatives?

GT 86: from what iv read it's quite slow, and of course not as practical, but its great looking!
Mazda: Thirsty, torque steer, but good power. Not convinced of the silly grin on the front bumper though ;) However I do like rarer cars, hence my distaste for VW.

Thanks to your help i think im down to the Fiesta ST, GT86, Mazda 3 MPS.

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