martini96

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Well after asking the guys at Autotrader I think im going to eliminate the Megane based on the maintenance costs... So its now down to GT 86, Fiesta ST and Mazda 3 MPS. It's sad but I would like to save towards a downpayment for a home and I need all the extra cash I can get.

Does anyone have a recommendation on the above 3?








@airbourne I don't have pics unfortunately.


He Said:


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.
 

GhostSixFour

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Well after asking the guys at Autotrader I think im going to eliminate the Megane based on the maintenance costs... So its now down to GT 86, Fiesta ST and Mazda 3 MPS. It's sad but I would like to save towards a downpayment for a home and I need all the extra cash I can get.

Does anyone have a recommendation on the above 3?








@airbourne I don't have pics unfortunately.


He Said:


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.

Did Renault know that they named their engine fart?
 

6spdmanual

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Well after asking the guys at Autotrader I think im going to eliminate the Megane based on the maintenance costs... So its now down to GT 86, Fiesta ST and Mazda 3 MPS. It's sad but I would like to save towards a downpayment for a home and I need all the extra cash I can get.

Does anyone have a recommendation on the above 3?








@airbourne I don't have pics unfortunately.


He Said:


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.
Sensible comments there with those cars. Go for the Fiesta ST. Saw some guy selling his on the Fiesta ST Owners group on Facebook. 2014, 71K km, red in colour. His price is 190K negotiable.
 

Meister-Man

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I think maintenance and parts on a performance Renault vs on a performance Ford is much of a muchness.
Considering the Renault is your first choice, I'd still go for it, but like I said previously take your time and get a clean one.
 

Drifter

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Renault will be more expensive to maintain. I have a Fiesta ST, it's on 193K km's, still getting my 17km/l and a joy to drive.
 

pinball wizard

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This thread confuses me. The 350 and the RS seem more comparable and a step up from the Fiesta? I don't understand the OP's choices here.
 

martini96

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This thread confuses me. The 350 and the RS seem more comparable and a step up from the Fiesta? I don't understand the OP's choices here.
Yes they are definitely a step up. Once you factor in price they are all in the same category essentially. Baisicly it should be titled: Best used performance bargain for under R170k.
 

pinball wizard

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Yes they are definitely a step up. Once you factor in price they are all in the same category essentially. Baisicly it should be titled: Best used performance bargain for under R170k.
With that criteria I'd scrap the fiesta from the list.
 

martini96

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With that criteria I'd scrap the fiesta from the list.
Thats interesting, the reviews I see on it just rave about how good it is. Its nothing special to look at though.

Best used performance bargain under R170k. What would your top list be?

Please keep in mind long term ownership/running/maintenance costs. :)
 

pinball wizard

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Thats interesting, the reviews I see on it just rave about how good it is. Its nothing special to look at though.

Best used performance bargain under R170k. What would your top list be?

Please keep in mind long term ownership/running/maintenance costs. :)
I'd find a clean Golf 6 GTi. (Although I am the forum's number one Renault fan, so I'd look at the RS)

I agree completely on the fiesta, looks as bland as Helen Mirren.
 

Meister-Man

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Best used performance bargain under R170k. What would your top list be?

Please keep in mind long term ownership/running/maintenance costs. :)

Megane RS.

Seeing as you considering the Fiesta, let me throw another small hatch in the picture.
A previous shape Suzuki swift sport.
That's easily within budget and it ticks the reliability box, and the fun box, but not so much the speed box.
For you to weigh up.
 

pinball wizard

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I see a couple of Cooper S at the R170k mark? I think that one had the 1.6 turbo motor from Peugeot/BMW?
 

6spdmanual

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Thats interesting, the reviews I see on it just rave about how good it is. Its nothing special to look at though.

Best used performance bargain under R170k. What would your top list be?

Please keep in mind long term ownership/running/maintenance costs. :)
- Polo GTI
- Golf V/VI GTI
- Fiesta ST
- Focus ST1
- Renault Megane RS
- Opel Corsa OPC
- Peugeot 206 GTI
- Audi S3 8P (Not sure how I feel about this one)
- Mini Cooper S (Not sure if there are JCWs at this price point)
 

martini96

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Thanks for the replies guys. I think il just have to test drive and decide. Still, a bit confused reliability wise. :)
 

martini96

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----------------------------------------
Renault Megane III RS
Mazda 3 MPS MK2
Fiesta ST Mk7
Focus ST1 MK3
Golf VI GTI
Polo GTI MK5
--------------------------------------------
Could you rank the above cars in terms of reliability?
 

Yoztruly

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@OP, Something to consider is availability of these cars in the second hand market. From the last list you posted, I would argue that you will have a wider range of cars to choose from if you go for either the GTI’s or the ST’s. There are very few Megane RS and Mazda MPS vehicles on the second hand market. Going with any of the scarce cars means you might end up compromising somewhere, be it on colour, condition of the car, or price. Unless you are will to play the long game.

If I were you, I would go for the more popular cars on your list to give yourself a better chance to find a “unicorn”. If you were buying new, this wouldn’t matter at all.
 

A3@MBB

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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.
I have never had to wait for any replaceable part on any of my Renault's.
Do your own homework, phone around and check prices. This oke is clearly stuck in the early 2000's and needs to wake up. I've never ever read anyone complaining about the manual 6 speed gearbox failing.

Granted, I never had to replace anything big for example equivalent of the mechatronic on a o so popular GTI/VAG or had to open up the engine to clear carbon build-up.
None of my Renault's drank oil to the equivalent of 500ml+ per 1000km like the other fan favorite of Mzanzi.

My current daily will clock 280k km in the next month without any major issue.

Join some Facebook groups and get real owners feedback.
 

TheChamp

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I have never had to wait for any replaceable part on any of my Renault's.
Do your own homework, phone around and check prices. This oke is clearly stuck in the early 2000's and needs to wake up. I've never ever read anyone complaining about the manual 6 speed gearbox failing.

Granted, I never had to replace anything big for example equivalent of the mechatronic on a o so popular GTI/VAG or had to open up the engine to clear carbon build-up.
None of my Renault's drank oil to the equivalent of 500ml+ per 1000km like the other fan favorite of Mzanzi.

My current daily will clock 280k km in the next month without any major issue.

Join some Facebook groups and get real owners feedback.
Which one do you have?
 
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