PPPMAT

Er indoors wants a new motor and I have persuaded her to get something that is a bit fun (so that I can drive it too)

She fancies the clio and it does get a good write up in the usual press but the cooper s looks really good. I had a go in a cooper and really enjoyed it.

Theyre both approx the same money standard so which one guys???

Matt

Dark Blue Mark

Cooper for me, better residuals, and you can fiddle with the Supercharger when she's not looking to make it more fun

I do like the idea of a 172/182, but its just the French thing for me, and the delaers are supposed to be the worst by a long way. Ok, BMW can be a bit funny too, but Renault are supposed to be appalling. The Renaualt does seem to have very questionable build quaility too. Some people on here have had no bother, others have no end of trouble...

Again, the "S" for me.

MB

MJW

I think your missus will probably prefer the Cooper S, but I'd have the Clio for pure raw fun - its just a shame they don't make the Cup anymore cos that was a total bargain. AFAIK the Clio will be quicker and better handling but I guess it would be best to take her for a test blat in both before you start steering her toward the one you want !

PPPMAT

MJW I like your style

MartinM

<cough>Dec 2002; 52 plate 172 cup for sale; <9000 miles;one lady (SWMBO) owner; garaged every night; always optimax'ed; immaculate, except one kerbed alloy (SWMBO); never track day'ed/thrashed; genuine reason for sale; HPI clean (never financed); milleners_at_hotmail.com for further info </cough>

NotoriousREV

Peronally, while I love the idea of a Clio Cup, I wouldn't own another Renault after the totally attrocious way me and the wife have been treated by both our dealer and Renault UK (rejected a warranty claim as the warranty expired 24 hours previously depiste the fact that the fault was reported earlier and the dealer couldn't fit us in)

Chins

To start with you can get a 182 with Cup pack and suspension for 13,350. This includes leather/ alcantara, xenons etc. A Cooper S to the same spec will cost a lot more.

One of the worst cars I have owned for build quality/dealer arrogance has been the Cooper S. It was also not a great car to drive. Currently knocking arround in a 182, and it a whole heap better. The wife might prefer the Cooper S as its a big time girly/hairdressers car.

Jonathan

RRH

there are quite a few brand new 172 cups in the dealer network at very sensible prices (circa £10k )

Vtec-Abuser

A Cooper S may only be £14,500, but have you seen the state of the standard one. Crap wheels, no air con etc etc. For a half decent MCS you'll be looking at £16,000-17,000. Even then, you'll still get your *** kicked by a standard 182. Plus I must see about 10 MCS's a day...
I'd go for the 182 mate...

SlowBoy

iTrader: (1)

For performance thrills I guess it's the Clio. For everything else (cabin/switchgear design, build quality, style, residuals) I think the Mini has the edge.