So after the saga of my Impreza (Details here: http://www.cliosport.net/threads/robs-1995-impreza-wrx-sti-type-ra.801704/ )
I knew that I wanted to get something a little more modern, and that still excited in the twisty's, track etc
I've always liked the Mk2 Megane, it's a quirky looking car and IMO looks even better in 'RS' guise!
Which bring me to the Impreza's replacment my 2008 Renault Megane F1 Team R26 finished in 'Black Gold'
I originally ignored the black cars as I really fancied a bright/lairy colour such as yellow, red, white, or blue. However after looking for a while and finding cars in these colours with poor history (within my budget of 5k) I decided that service history, and a stack of invoices from likie mined previous owners was more important.
I came across this car, and after a lengthy cht over the phone with the owner he seemed like a decent chap, and the R26 had obviously been well looked after with many important components including the swivel hubs being renewed. My preconceptions of the colour were blown away when I first saw it, and after a good look round and a road test, a deal was made and the R26 is now my fourth Renault Sport model!
Heres the advert description:
***
95k miles
First registered 09/07/2008
2 previous Keepers
Mot till 23/02/2018
Full service history up to date using only main dealer and independent Renaualt specialists
Just been serviced at Two Techs Renault specialists in Dartford.
Recently had new plugs and coil packs from Renault parts direct
Tracking and alignment done recently with printouts
Spec:
Standard R26 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round
Brembo front brakes with Ferodo ds2500 pads and standard rears
Factory LSD
R26R rear spoiler
Scorpion silencer
New Cooksport springs all round
Air conditioning
Power folding mirrors
Power steering
Central locking
Cruise control
Recaro Trendline seats with no rips or tears to bolsters
New leather gear gaiter
Genuine Renault sport mats
Immaculate rear seat
Pioneer touch screen head unit with apple play
Cambelt and auxiliary belt changed at 62881 miles at Renault services Rugby
Overall the car is in well looked after condition. There is the odd small age related mark on the car but nothing that stands out as offensive
***
In hindsight I should of bit the bullet, and bought one of these a long time ago! It's a fantastic car and as many have said it's like a 'grown up Clio' and what I mean by that is if you take what makes a Clio great and just refine it a little in a larger car.
The drive home was a lot of fun ignoring the obligatory traffic on the M25... Whilst enjoying the drive I had already started thinking about the first mods and what I want to do with the car. I can see the car going down the 'Clubsport' route similar to what I did with my Trophy, think of an R26R but not as hardcore. Caged, but with carpet and full audio etc with the plan to have a fast road car that will be also used out on track.
One thing that I'm not a huge fan of right now is how quiet the exhaust is and how soulless the engine note is! This is already being addressed with a Milltek cat back exhaust system on order (de-cat to follow) and a KTR Induction kit with larger intake hose.
Another problem (or it might just be me) is the poor gear selection. I'm often selecting 5th when I wanted 3rd and when I want 5th it can be tricky, and don't even get me started on selecting 6th! It's quite shocking that Renault didn't put a gate on reverse as I imagine you could easily make an expensive mistake! (Unless they do and mines already broken!) 😂
Any advice on gear selection problems would be most appreciated!
For now the only photos I have are from the advert, and I will let them do the talking!
Very excited for CSF17 as the last two years I've attended have not disappointed and it will be great to see how the R26 performs on track!
Thanks for looking!
Rob.
I knew that I wanted to get something a little more modern, and that still excited in the twisty's, track etc
I've always liked the Mk2 Megane, it's a quirky looking car and IMO looks even better in 'RS' guise!
Which bring me to the Impreza's replacment my 2008 Renault Megane F1 Team R26 finished in 'Black Gold'
I originally ignored the black cars as I really fancied a bright/lairy colour such as yellow, red, white, or blue. However after looking for a while and finding cars in these colours with poor history (within my budget of 5k) I decided that service history, and a stack of invoices from likie mined previous owners was more important.
I came across this car, and after a lengthy cht over the phone with the owner he seemed like a decent chap, and the R26 had obviously been well looked after with many important components including the swivel hubs being renewed. My preconceptions of the colour were blown away when I first saw it, and after a good look round and a road test, a deal was made and the R26 is now my fourth Renault Sport model!
Heres the advert description:
***
95k miles
First registered 09/07/2008
2 previous Keepers
Mot till 23/02/2018
Full service history up to date using only main dealer and independent Renaualt specialists
Just been serviced at Two Techs Renault specialists in Dartford.
Recently had new plugs and coil packs from Renault parts direct
Tracking and alignment done recently with printouts
Spec:
Standard R26 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round
Brembo front brakes with Ferodo ds2500 pads and standard rears
Factory LSD
R26R rear spoiler
Scorpion silencer
New Cooksport springs all round
Air conditioning
Power folding mirrors
Power steering
Central locking
Cruise control
Recaro Trendline seats with no rips or tears to bolsters
New leather gear gaiter
Genuine Renault sport mats
Immaculate rear seat
Pioneer touch screen head unit with apple play
Cambelt and auxiliary belt changed at 62881 miles at Renault services Rugby
Overall the car is in well looked after condition. There is the odd small age related mark on the car but nothing that stands out as offensive
***
In hindsight I should of bit the bullet, and bought one of these a long time ago! It's a fantastic car and as many have said it's like a 'grown up Clio' and what I mean by that is if you take what makes a Clio great and just refine it a little in a larger car.
The drive home was a lot of fun ignoring the obligatory traffic on the M25... Whilst enjoying the drive I had already started thinking about the first mods and what I want to do with the car. I can see the car going down the 'Clubsport' route similar to what I did with my Trophy, think of an R26R but not as hardcore. Caged, but with carpet and full audio etc with the plan to have a fast road car that will be also used out on track.
One thing that I'm not a huge fan of right now is how quiet the exhaust is and how soulless the engine note is! This is already being addressed with a Milltek cat back exhaust system on order (de-cat to follow) and a KTR Induction kit with larger intake hose.
Another problem (or it might just be me) is the poor gear selection. I'm often selecting 5th when I wanted 3rd and when I want 5th it can be tricky, and don't even get me started on selecting 6th! It's quite shocking that Renault didn't put a gate on reverse as I imagine you could easily make an expensive mistake! (Unless they do and mines already broken!) 😂
Any advice on gear selection problems would be most appreciated!
For now the only photos I have are from the advert, and I will let them do the talking!
Very excited for CSF17 as the last two years I've attended have not disappointed and it will be great to see how the R26 performs on track!
Thanks for looking!
Rob.
