Living with Euros (Non-BMW,Merc,Audi)

[YEBWOY27]

Had a good labour-day weekend. Ended up testing a:

• Used Clio RS
  
• Used 308
• New 208 Puretech
• Recon Mustang Ecoboost
  
• Friend's Fiesta ST

Gotta say, leaning alot more to the Mustang. I know some will say, "wadahell kinda comparison is that, some performance car, some hatchbacks, some coupe, some 90k some 300k". I understand, but i was never comparing the performance, more to the feeling and emotion it invokes. Gonna wait for those EcoBeasts to depreciate a little bit more. Anyone got any experience with Eco-boost Fords? I know the parts and shared among the Focus & Mondeo.

 

[Izso]

Amongst those cars personally I'd just go for the Fiesta ST for reliability and FC. was the Clio manual or auto?

 

[Tom]

wanna take the leap and pickup a new 308 or Clio RS

Speaking from experience I'd recommend the Clio RS over the Pug for its hot hatch qualities. I've driven the older 308 Turbo for a brief moment and I have to say it's kinda soft in every way, not to mention the primitive transmission. The new one might be better but i'd still lean towards the RenaultSport. I've sold it after 2 years and still got a soft spot for it. I've taken the RS to south of Thailand twice and in my time with it, never had any major problems. Other than the wind noise issue from the front windows which was fixed soon after by the manufacturer.
Other than that, the Dry DCT box is decently quick and virtually clockwork in motion. It's no where as super as the DSG but still attractive in its own right. There's a Malaysian RenautlSport owners community on whatsapp that's pretty helpful for troubleshooting, tuning and parts source so that's good, although they are more Megane RS owners in there.

You could consider the Megane RS250 as well, awesome car, super fast, almost untouchable in the hot hatch circle. Prices are hovering the 100K mark as well

 

[Tom]

Had a good labour-day weekend. Ended up testing a:

• Used Clio RS
  
• Used 308
• New 208 Puretech
• Recon Mustang Ecoboost
  
• Friend's Fiesta ST

Gotta say, leaning alot more to the Mustang. I know some will say, "wadahell kinda comparison is that, some performance car, some hatchbacks, some coupe, some 90k some 300k". I understand, but i was never comparing the performance, more to the feeling and emotion it invokes. Gonna wait for those EcoBeasts to depreciate a little bit more. Anyone got any experience with Eco-boost Fords? I know the parts and shared among the Focus & Mondeo.

Okay, the Mustang is pretty far off the initial choices but happy to know you're considering one although I have only tried the 5.0 GT. what's the retail for it now?

 

[Tom]

Amongst those cars personally I'd just go for the Fiesta ST for reliability and FC. was the Clio manual or auto?

The Fiesta is another Solid buy, It's definitely the funnest car within this topic, manual operation is good although it's a tad too compact and spartan for my liking.

 

[marv3]

Had a good labour-day weekend. Ended up testing a:

• Used Clio RS
  
• Used 308
• New 208 Puretech
• Recon Mustang Ecoboost
  
• Friend's Fiesta ST

Gotta say, leaning alot more to the Mustang. I know some will say, "wadahell kinda comparison is that, some performance car, some hatchbacks, some coupe, some 90k some 300k". I understand, but i was never comparing the performance, more to the feeling and emotion it invokes. Gonna wait for those EcoBeasts to depreciate a little bit more. Anyone got any experience with Eco-boost Fords? I know the parts and shared among the Focus & Mondeo.

Dude.....I nearly fall off the chair when i saw "MUSTANG" in your list...... Not only the gap difference in pricing and performance, but also looks and car category....Some sporty hatchback to Sports Coupe.....Hahhahahahaha.....

Since you have the STANG in your list....I'd say go for the STANG.......

 

[ixeo]

Those fords arent euros. Ok cabut

 

[vr2turbo]

Some Renault nowadays like Fluence are actually running on Japanese DNA as it is using Nissan engine.

Many Renault model have Nissan engine dy. Salesman mentioned the Koleos also

 

[Nightstalker1993]

Back when I was working part time at a workshop, I remembered this Audi A4 circa year 2000-2002 came in and asked us to replace all the rubber hoses in the engine bay, but did not ask us for a quote, just terus ask to change. After the job is done I think the total price was like rm3-4k and the owner was pissed. But really the cost really was that high as pretty much all of the hoses are custom molded with special end clips meaning you can't use any universal hoses and crap. I remember the main radiator hose itself was like 600 bucks, those smaller hoses were aplenty with Y joints going to all kind of places.

Also according to my mechanic, don't buy the newer BMW's F10 and above as apparently they are pretty much hell to work on a reliability wise kinda sucks. This is strictly what my mechanic told me and I have no experience with the BMW's.

Personally I am just recently an owner of a year 2000 Volvo S80. RM13k for a D segment sedan with a 2.0L Turbo 5-Cylinder? Yes please!

 

[vr2turbo]

Volvo most reliable were the 240, right? but nowadays seldom see any already.....lol

 

[YEBWOY27]

Amongst those cars personally I'd just go for the Fiesta ST for reliability and FC. was the Clio manual or auto?

It was a 2012, so no manual option available sadly. It was really intuitive tho, the feeling of the shifts were very mechanical, not sure how to explain it. But i liked it!

You could consider the Megane RS250 as well, awesome car, super fast, almost untouchable in the hot hatch circle. Prices are hovering the 100K mark as well

Thanks Tom. Yes i felt that aswell. The Pugs are a tad soft, the design was very invoking but the drive didn't do much for me. Suprisingly more of a fan of the Clio than the Megane. Megane feels a bit dated. Regarding the Fiesta ST, yes the drive was great, had a good zippy feel to it. Reminded me of my old Abarth. But yes the interior is a tad spartan, Clio was definitely more exciting to sit in.

Okay, the Mustang is pretty far off the initial choices but happy to know you're considering one although I have only tried the 5.0 GT. what's the retail for it now?

I saw the videos you guys did, If god willed it and uncle Jibby changed our Roadtax system, the 5.0 would be my first choice. Alas, it isnt meant to be hahah. The EcoBeasts are depreciating hard, Its already at 265k after negotiating. I'd say in a year? Would probably be below 240k.

 

[YEBWOY27]

Those fords arent euros. Ok cabut

Damnit, need to open another topic

Dude.....I nearly fall off the chair when i saw "MUSTANG" in your list...... Not only the gap difference in pricing and performance, but also looks and car category....Some sporty hatchback to Sports Coupe.....Hahhahahahaha.....

Since you have the STANG in your list....I'd say go for the STANG.......

Hahahah, life is all about choices! Thanks for the kind thoughts, the prices are abit overwhelming for what you're getting right now. Just gonna let depreciation do its work

 

[YEBWOY27]

Also according to my mechanic, don't buy the newer BMW's F10 and above as apparently they are pretty much hell to work on a reliability wise kinda sucks. This is strictly what my mechanic told me and I have no experience with the BMW's.

Personally I am just recently an owner of a year 2000 Volvo S80. RM13k for a D segment sedan with a 2.0L Turbo 5-Cylinder? Yes please!

Thanks for the info buddy. Currently driving an F32 BMW, so far so good. Hopefully it stays that way . Would've loved to check out the 2018 V60, but doubt they'll be introduced anytime soon.

Volvo most reliable were the 240, right? but nowadays seldom see any already.....lol

Maybe when we see Protons sharing the parts, and the prices of spare parts gets brought down hahahah

 

[ixeo]

The new one might be better but i'd still lean towards the RenaultSport. I've sold it after 2 years and still got a soft spot for it.

So what did you replace it with?

 

[Tom]

I saw the videos you guys did, If god willed it and uncle Jibby changed our Roadtax system, the 5.0 would be my first choice. Alas, it isnt meant to be hahah. The EcoBeasts are depreciating hard, Its already at 265k after negotiating. I'd say in a year? Would probably be below 240k.

EcoBeast sounds good actually

I never thought it'd drop that quick, low 200s for a Mustang sounds pretty good, just need to get over the fact it's not the V8. Although I think it'll still be pretty nice to drive. I like the down to earth yet modern chassis it has, the stance and size of it.

Maybe ship a new crate engine and tranny in any spec you want? Now that'll be something

 

[Tom]

So what did you replace it with?

Nothing yet man, quite occupied and spoiled by test cars for now

 

[YEBWOY27]

EcoBeast sounds good actually

I never thought it'd drop that quick, low 200s for a Mustang sounds pretty good, just need to get over the fact it's not the V8. Although I think it'll still be pretty nice to drive. I like the down to earth yet modern chassis it has, the stance and size of it.

Maybe ship a new crate engine and tranny in any spec you want? Now that'll be something

I didn't think it would drop so quick either. Kinda forseeing that it'll be the next 370z, great car with no market demand. If i can get it around GT86 money id be more than happy. Cause in my mental calculation (GT86 is arnd $26k, Mustang Ecoboost arnd $28K, so seems fair) Yeah EcoBeast is a great name, already thinking of ways to craft and emblem out of it . All good on the V8 thing, I've never owned anything larger than a V6 so wouldn't know what I'm missing out on anyway.

That crate engine idea sure would be something. There are so many options to choose from in terms of modifications from what I've seen in the US forums. Now if only I had a money printing machine... On a side note authentic Roush exhausts for the 2.3 are only being sold for 3K + Installation. Should see a rise in aftermarket parts sooner or later

 

[ixeo]

I didn't think it would drop so quick either. Kinda forseeing that it'll be the next 370z, great car with no market demand. If i can get it around GT86 money id be more than happy. Cause in my mental calculation (GT86 is arnd $26k, Mustang Ecoboost arnd $28K, so seems fair) Yeah EcoBeast is a great name, already thinking of ways to craft and emblem out of it . All good on the V8 thing, I've never owned anything larger than a V6 so wouldn't know what I'm missing out on anyway.

That crate engine idea sure would be something. There are so many options to choose from in terms of modifications from what I've seen in the US forums. Now if only I had a money printing machine... On a side note authentic Roush exhausts for the 2.3 are only being sold for 3K + Installation. Should see a rise in aftermarket parts sooner or later

Why everything in USD. You're in the states? If you are in the states, buy a Lotus Elise. Those things don't depreciate anymore man. And you might profit from it lol.

 

[YEBWOY27]

Why everything in USD. You're in the states? If you are in the states, buy a Lotus Elise. Those things don't depreciate anymore man. And you might profit from it lol.

Eh no lah, KL. Just thinking in terms of value. We as Malaysians always say "this only costs blah blah in US, why come malaysia so exp" or "walaowei i go UK website so cheap, come here so exp for what". This is just how i grade the true value of the car. Not about to pay the taxman any more than i have to hahaha

 

[ixeo]

Eh no lah, KL. Just thinking in terms of value. We as Malaysians always say "this only costs blah blah in US, why come malaysia so exp" or "walaowei i go UK website so cheap, come here so exp for what". This is just how i grade the true value of the car. Not about to pay the taxman any more than i have to hahaha

Then buy Lotus, still good value compared to prices in the states.

2008 Elise 1zz 5 speed @ ~RM100k now
US prices about $30k for the 2zz 6speed, 2005 & 2006 ones.

Hahaha.

 

[YEBWOY27]

Then buy Lotus, still good value compared to prices in the states.

2008 Elise 1zz 5 speed @ ~RM100k now
US prices about $30k for the 2zz 6speed, 2005 & 2006 ones.

Hahaha.

I've tried a manual Evora before. They got a certain magic on the move. But that interior is seriously spartan hahahaha. But i guess it goes back to what the car is. Big fan of the Exige 350, not a fan of the price .

EDIT: ON THAT NOTE, are lotuses easy to maintain here? I don't imagine they share alot of parts with Toyotas

 

[ixeo]

I've tried a manual Evora before. They got a certain magic on the move. But that interior is seriously spartan hahahaha. But i guess it goes back to what the car is. Big fan of the Exige 350, not a fan of the price .

EDIT: ON THAT NOTE, are lotuses easy to maintain here? I don't imagine they share alot of parts with Toyotas

Easy. Engine and gearbox Toyota.
Lotus Cars Malaysia has a very strong following.

 

[Tom]

I didn't think it would drop so quick either. Kinda forseeing that it'll be the next 370z, great car with no market demand. If i can get it around GT86 money id be more than happy. Cause in my mental calculation (GT86 is arnd $26k, Mustang Ecoboost arnd $28K, so seems fair) Yeah EcoBeast is a great name, already thinking of ways to craft and emblem out of it . All good on the V8 thing, I've never owned anything larger than a V6 so wouldn't know what I'm missing out on anyway.

That crate engine idea sure would be something. There are so many options to choose from in terms of modifications from what I've seen in the US forums. Now if only I had a money printing machine... On a side note authentic Roush exhausts for the 2.3 are only being sold for 3K + Installation. Should see a rise in aftermarket parts sooner or later

Ecobeasts can sound good too

 

[mysql2779]

Hi All,

I am looking at buying an used Renault Clio 1.2 GT , found it's exterior looks good. Then I found this car review done by Bobby , saying that the gearbox ruined the car. Gearbox as in the shifting timing and logic isn't "normal" and Renault might had design the transmission logic in this way to protect the EDC.
Any current Renault Clio 1.2 GT owner can share their experience ?
Is it possible to tune / modify the transmission control unit (TCU) to have logic shifting ?
If YES , where to get it done ?

Thanks.

 

[Izso]

Hi All,

I am looking at buying an used Renault Clio 1.2 GT , found it's exterior looks good. Then I found this car review done by Bobby , saying that the gearbox ruined the car. Gearbox as in the shifting timing and logic isn't "normal" and Renault might had design the transmission logic in this way to protect the EDC.
Any current Renault Clio 1.2 GT owner can share their experience ?
Is it possible to tune / modify the transmission control unit (TCU) to have logic shifting ?
If YES , where to get it done ?

Thanks.

I don't own a Clio but I have driven one, it's not bad. I mean, for an auto it's great on its own but it's not going to win races if that's what rocks your boat.

Have you test driven it? If not I suggest you test drive one properly first and decide whether it's for you or not and don't base your purchase on someone elses opinion. Bobby is a great reviewer and has good content but he dailies an Aston Rapide and has a ton of other expensive cars in his garage. So in a way his opinion may be skewed.

 

[mysql2779]

I don't own a Clio but I have driven one, it's not bad. I mean, for an auto it's great on its own but it's not going to win races if that's what rocks your boat.

Have you test driven it? If not I suggest you test drive one properly first and decide whether it's for you or not and don't base your purchase on someone elses opinion. Bobby is a great reviewer and has good content but he dailies an Aston Rapide and has a ton of other expensive cars in his garage. So in a way his opinion may be skewed.

Good point bro. Understood.