mynickers

The build quality of the V6 can't really be compared with a standard clio, it's been built by Renault sport, and had lots of attention to detail even Porches consulted on various parts of the design. The motoring hacks, and long term tests have been very positive, even Clarkeson said that of all the cars they'd had when they tested it, it was the one with the least problems and bits falling off.

I agree with Mark to a degree, I studied marketing, and saw the manufacturing process that he mentions from another dimension. I would agree with much that he says, apart from being overly generalised will always be a little unfair. Generally speaking Japanese culture etc makes amazing cars, but they still make some ones that fall apart. As do Frogs make the occational minter too.

I very much doubt you'll have problems with the V6 in the short term, and I doubt it will depreciate like a normal Renault. Reliability might well be an issue in the long term = hard to tell.

You still see some of the mid-engined Renault fives at track days, also reminds me slightly of that apsolutley mad Metro 6R4, not quite as frantic, but there is something quite special about them. Hope you don't need a boot though!

ScoobyJawa

Er - its actually a 3.5 v6 in the 350Z.................

RichS

.... and isn't it a Nissan V6 in the Velsatis rather than the other way around?

R1916v

No I agree, I was just jesting I also am an enigneering scholer (who can''t spell)

And for all that cash they could have made the clios interior lok half decent, but no they stuffed that up too.

mynickers

That's a bit harsh, the R&D to strip out a Clio, put in a bespoke V6, and drive train, sort out the handling etc can't be cheap. £27k is a lot of money to pay for a Clio what ever has been done to it granted, but putting in a bespoke interior would probably push the price over £30k, and that's really stupid money for a super-clio. I am sure people would rather they concentrated all their investments on the handling, performance, and exterior. Not like Scoobs are lovely inside, but doens't bother many scooby areas! Thinking about it, it is probably totally unviabe to develop a new interior. Although they could of at least put on a nice steering wheel, and swapped a few of the materials for more special stuff!

Terzo 333

Thanks for all the replies - there's so many good points.

As chiark mentioned, if I was buying with my head it would be the 350z everytime. However my heart is telling me (and has done for some time) to go for a Clio V6 - I'm stuck between a rock and a hard stone

There seems to be a bit of a Japanese vs French cars debate going on - this isn't an issue for me. After all, they've all got 3 years warranty haven't they...

brybusa - what BMW have you got an M3 ? I'm surprised the 350z "wallowed and rolled over" as you put it ? Was he trying

Matt

QuattroMNC

Err sorry i got my figures mixed up 2.7 velsatis and modded 3.5 350z, oops

The engine was used first in a nissan but is designed by renault(sends shivers). I know a local manager of a nissan garage and that is the info he provided.

Dark Blue Mark

R19, I need a little winding up every now and then, or I stop ticking...

Nickers, I would agree that if you look back of the last 20 years of frog mobile, quite a few Renaults stick out over the others for me. R5 turbo, R19 etc... One thing about the Frogs, they always seem to make a really good chassis / handling car.

Matt, ive bought and sold a few cars now, regretted some and made good judgment on others. If you look at it this way, you buy with your head, you will probably always hanker after the other one. If you go with what you really want (rather than head) you normally dont regret it. Unless it's an Integrale

If you go for the V6 and have a few probs with it, the fun may well outweigh the bad bits, and you can sell it with very little loss. The same might not be said for the 350Z.

I did look at a 350Z parked on the road on the way home, and it looked v nice with the rays wheels on there

Both will get quite a bit of attention too, if thats your thing, but probably more in the V6.

MB

Kosy

iTrader: (2)

if u want the 350z.... dont, get a high power RX8. My mate has a black one with black leather. personally i think it looks much nicer than a 350z, goes very well and will hold its value. lots of 350z imports coming in.

i like the clio lots but dont think id have the ***** to buy one. bit too much max power'd 1.2 clio

Gav

Clio everytime, because they're mint!!

Go with your heart my friend

CRAIGFIN

Hello Terzo,

As you may know from 350ZUK.com, I've have had my Zed for 4 days now. The driving experience in a 350Z is totally unique, its amazing!! The exhaust note is incredible and I can assure you the Zed does not roll in corners. Ask my local roundabouts and A roads!!! I rounded my final two cars down to the same choice as yours, a 350Z or Clio V6. As a former Clio Williams owner I was leaning towards the Clio V6 as the Williams was a lot of fun. However having read road tests on the internet for months on both cars the 350Z tests were overwhealmingly positive whilst the Clio V6 tests always seemed to mention a dodgy rear end in corners.

The 350Z is not a very photogenic car, however in the flesh it is stunning!!! Granted the Clio looks good everywhere.

The only downside to my Zed is that I'm restricted to 4000 revs for 1200 miles!!!

Get a Zed!!!!

Craig.

jasey

Terzo333 - Are you still trying to decide - get off the fence and buy a car - you could have had the 350Z and traded in by now for the Renault - probably wouldn't have lost that much either !!!

Get the STi8

mynickers

If it's attention you want, why not just get a Radical turbo and some waterproofs