Item: Used Renault Megane CC 2002 - 2009
Author: What Car? Team

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Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

MEGANE

The Renault Megane CC looks great, but it's no sports car. And, it's impractical, too

Used Renault Megane CC 2002 - 2009

Opting for diesel power might cost more initially but it will save you time and money at the pumps, and even the most powerful option has an average economy of just under 50mpg. The petrols aren't bad and you should expect 35-40mpg.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a> dealers are numerous, and keeping the Megane CC maintained should not be expensive, as long as you shop around for the best prices.

The Megane's biggest competition comes from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/307/hatchback/used-review/n543">Peugeot 307 CC</a>; newer models like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/eos/sports/used-review/n709">VW Eos</a> and Ford Focus CC are effectively in a higher price bracket.

There's not much to choose between the two French cars, and although the 307 holds on to slightly more of its value, the Megane is cheaper to buy in the first place.

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The Renault Megane CC looks great, but it's no sports car. And, it's impractical, too

The CC got more engines than its predecessor - including diesels for the first time. There was a mild face-lift in 2006, which improved the engines and added some cosmetic tweaks.

The entry 1.6 petrol is too small, but the 2.0-litre petrol, or 1.9-litre diesel with either 106bhp or 130bhp, are much better. If you want to really move, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit is good. However the 2.0-litre 150bhp diesel option is probably the best all-round choice, if you can stretch to it.

There is a four-speed auto option on the 130bhp diesel, but it's expensive and noticeably dents fuel economy. The more powerful engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the five-speed 'box on lesser models is more satisfying to use.

Base Extreme models miss out on air-con, so we'd look out Dynamique models. Top-spec Privilege comes with climate control, CD changer and part-leather interior.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

When the Megane was introduced, it came with lots of new technological features, but if these go wrong you could be looking at some painful bills. Make sure you check all controls and switches to ensure things are working - especially the high-tech roof.

Generally, owners don't experience many issues, although the main failings of the Megane family are present in the CC. These include various electrical and ignition problems, diesel engine glitches that cause the turbo to fail, and excessive tyre wear on cars with 17-inch wheels.

The folding metal and glass roof works well and often the problems experienced by owners are due to the boot being overloaded. There was however, a spate of leaks from the joint at the top of the windscreen. Renault issued a bulletin for dealers to replace the seal.

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The Renault Megane CC uses the electrically folding metal roof concept made famous by the Mercedes Benz SLK, and is far more civilised than the old soft-top Megane convertible.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane/hatchback/review/n17219">Megane</a> is a four-seater, but if the driver and front-seat passenger are six-footers, there's not much room in the back. Likewise, with the roof down, the boot is only big enough for a few small bags.

Don't think of this Megane as a sports coupe that can change into a sports convertible at the press of a button, though. The Megane CC is a cruiser, with the emphasis on comfort rather than excitement.

Try to hustle it down twisty country roads and you'll be disappointed. There's a fair amount of body lean through corners, and when the roof's down, bad road surfaces cause the whole car to shudder.

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Used Renault Megane CC 2002 - 2009 review

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