Ever the optimist, I thought I would pop down to my local(ish) Renault dealer and try a 65 plate Trophy in Deep Black (of course). This was to scratch that itch I had to see what the Mk4 is all about and to see one in the flesh. Well, first impressions were that it was A) massive and B) massive. How on earth would I would fit one on my weird drive?!
Studying the brochure and physically parking next to one, there's only 4cm in it, most bizarre! I'm guessing the bonnet is shorter, but it's all just a clever trick of the eye.
Out we went for a quick blast and the difference astounded me. I had no concept of speed! This would give me points in a heartbeat! It was very nice to drive and I'd love a bit longer in one, but no one seems to want to do that nowadays. Anyway, he probably thought I was a test pilot, but I had my maximum cost to change in mind before wasting his time.
We got back, he looked at my part ex and off he went to talk to his boss... cost to change turned out to be £9,500! My lowly Mk3 was valued at £5,750 which I wasn't overly shocked at, but still a little disappointed. We shook hands and off I went to my peasant wagon.
Now, this has been a worthwhile exercise for me, and these are my opinions only:
Bearing in mind buying a car is an emotive process, there was very little emotion on my part.
The Mk4 is a truly capable car, and if money wasn't a factor, I'd definitely have one 'just because'.
What I found during the test drive was that I didn't feel like I was part of the car, and that's not gearbox related, I thought it was very good indeed. I am now back to appreciating the rawness of the Mk3, and not feeling like I'm in a bubble.
Although the Mk4 is far more modern trim-wise, the road noise was very apparent, and mine actually feels more solid/quieter (if we exclude my Scorpion woes).
Overall, I'm not that disappointed with today's exercise - it had to be done (ever the wonderer/worrier), I will just keep enjoying what I have and keep it well maintained. I had to do this to really understand how I feel about my Mk3, and I'm really glad I came away empty handed. It still looks the absolute nuts and the Recaro's really make the car.
Those with the Mk4 - please don't take offence, I will be in one in the future, just not now.
Thanks for reading
Studying the brochure and physically parking next to one, there's only 4cm in it, most bizarre! I'm guessing the bonnet is shorter, but it's all just a clever trick of the eye.
Out we went for a quick blast and the difference astounded me. I had no concept of speed! This would give me points in a heartbeat! It was very nice to drive and I'd love a bit longer in one, but no one seems to want to do that nowadays. Anyway, he probably thought I was a test pilot, but I had my maximum cost to change in mind before wasting his time.
We got back, he looked at my part ex and off he went to talk to his boss... cost to change turned out to be £9,500! My lowly Mk3 was valued at £5,750 which I wasn't overly shocked at, but still a little disappointed. We shook hands and off I went to my peasant wagon.
Now, this has been a worthwhile exercise for me, and these are my opinions only:
Bearing in mind buying a car is an emotive process, there was very little emotion on my part.
The Mk4 is a truly capable car, and if money wasn't a factor, I'd definitely have one 'just because'.
What I found during the test drive was that I didn't feel like I was part of the car, and that's not gearbox related, I thought it was very good indeed. I am now back to appreciating the rawness of the Mk3, and not feeling like I'm in a bubble.
Although the Mk4 is far more modern trim-wise, the road noise was very apparent, and mine actually feels more solid/quieter (if we exclude my Scorpion woes).
Overall, I'm not that disappointed with today's exercise - it had to be done (ever the wonderer/worrier), I will just keep enjoying what I have and keep it well maintained. I had to do this to really understand how I feel about my Mk3, and I'm really glad I came away empty handed. It still looks the absolute nuts and the Recaro's really make the car.
Those with the Mk4 - please don't take offence, I will be in one in the future, just not now.
Thanks for reading