Well, I finally got around to changing my car and it was an odd experience indeed. Trading in my BMW 325Ci Sport for a mere Renault Clio Sport 182 meant that the dealer actually gave me a large cheque when we swapped keys! It was a nice feeling.
You might think it’s a bit of a downgrade but I really don’t think it is. Sure, the BMW was nice and luxurious, the 6 cylinder engine sounded great and was very fast. But it cost a fortune to service and it used up petrol like a 747. I really didn’t think it was worth the money, it wasn’t that much better than a Ford Focus. The Clio, on the other hand, is much more economical, the servicing is cheaper and the tyres don’t cost £200 each. Oh, and it has all the toys and then some of the BMW – leather interior, climate control, cruise control, auto-lights and auto-wipers, xenon lights and much more besides. Plus it’s faster than the BMW too – lots faster!
It’s pretty quick up to 5000rpm but from then on it turns into an animal – in the wet it tries to take off! Anyway, I managed to get through the first day without crashing it which is always my aim with a new car. And I don’t miss the BMW so far – somebody actually let me out of a junction yesterday which never used to happen! Oh, and those wheels look much easier to clean than the spokey ones I used to have – should save a bit of time in my bi-annual car washing…
But it’s French!
I know, but it’s great!
How can it be faster than the BMW? There’s something deeply wrong there!
Woo-Hoo, I can access this site from work again!
I knew they’d see sense that blocking my site was ridiculous!
Actually…I spoke too soon. It’s blocked again! 🙁
Hi John
Please can you bar your site from my workplace
Thanks
Rich
xxx
Ha ha! You know what, I actually could do that! However, I wouldn’t want to deprive your colleagues of such quality! 😉
Nooo! How could you! The 325 is such a nice 3 series. I know what you mean with the prices and all. And gas out in your neck of the woods is pricier then California…at least that’s what I hear. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll be back to you love, someday. 😉
I love it! I don’t think they are available here in the states, but sheesh, I’d consider one if they were. however, having no payments is nice, lucky you for making money on a car swap.
[…] Three and a half years ago I swapped my fancy, gas guzzling BMW 325Ci for a small, faster, more highly equipped Renault Clio Sport 182. Since I was commuting to work every day I needed something that did better than 20mpg. It’s been a great little car, cheap to run, very fuel efficient considering its performance and I have lots of happy memories blasting along country roads, cruising up and down motorways and carrying things to the local tip from time to time. […]