USED Renault Megane Hatchback (02 - 09)

My car

Life for my '53 plate started well but went downhill after the first 9000 miles.

First the positives. The engine is very good, well matched to the gearbox. It has good brakes, a comfortable driving position, nice design, is well specced for price in comparison to similar-size models I looked at. The digital ECC is a good option, but struggles if you have a sunroof installed too. A discount of 20% on list price is possible.

Now the negatives (this list is a lot longer). There were electrical faults with the cabin fan, the xenon-level sensors, the folding door mirror. There was a rain-sensor and light-sensor fault (intermittent), the engine cut out with injection failure once, the doors do not lock using handle buttons (intermittent), it has poor fuel consumption (39-42mpg) compared with new (45-47mpg), the 17-inch tyres with the car were replaced at £14K and changed to Michelin Primacy. They've done 20,000 miles so far and have much more still to come.

The trim fell off (passenger footwell), the paint is rubbing off the gearknob face, it has a whistling sunroof and rattling windows (front doors), the trim wears around the seatbelt, the seatbelt latches wear against the centre console, there is squeaky trim on the dashboard, and the door trim has worn prematurely.

Dealerships are hit and miss. I have found one good one (by luck not design!). Would I buy a Renault again?...no.

My car

When I first purchased my Megane (03 plate 120bhp DCI), I was over the moon with it.

It has great handling and all the extras. However, this proved to be its downfall. In the year I owned it, I had it in the garage 18 times for a series of electrical faults. First a fault with the injection system, then the brakes, then the ignition.

The last thing to go was its engine management system, which Renault had no idea how to repair. Last I heard it was written off. In all honesty, I loved this car. You could throw it around like a go-kart.

However, I was never happy with its MPG (around 35mpg on a run!) which was poor for a diesel. It also carried no leg room in the back for passangers despite its huge rear end. If I could have the reliabilty and service of the Octavia that I own now, I would buy this car again tomorrow.

Sadly, with the problems I've had with Renault and their terrible customer service, I'll never buy a Renault again. You have been warned!

My car

This is my third Renault and second Megane. The 1.9 dCi has fast and quiet acceleration, which smoothly goes through the gears.

On cruise control there is still enough oomph in the engine to carry on pulling you up hills, etc. A push of a button and you instantly pick up. Wind noise is only minute, you can hear it more in very strong winds.

Admittedly, there is a lack of leg room in the rear, but if you very rarely carry more than one passenger it's fine.

Overall, I find this vehicle a pleasure to drive, on both long and short journeys.

It's a good all-round vehicle with low tax band and good fuel consumption.

My car

The car is good. The dealer has been very poor - shameful - never ever again!