Used Renault Megane Hatchback 2002 - 2009 review
The Renault Megane is outstandingly safe, well equipped and good-looking, but plagued by niggling faults
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What's the used Renault Megane like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Renault Megane like?
The Renault Megane takes bumps and potholes with a comfortable spring in its step. That traditionally French soft ride quality means there's a degree of lean through corners, but it isn't at all unpleasant, and there's plenty of grip. It's just a shame the electric power steering lacks feel.
All of the engines are willing and fuel-efficient, although the 1.6 petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel can become a bit noisy on the motorway.
Overview
The Renault Megane is outstandingly safe, well equipped and good-looking, but plagued by niggling faults
Pros
- The Megane's engines are excellent, and it's comfortable
- refined
- cheap and safe
Cons
- Cabin space is poor and reliability and Renault dealer service can be patchy
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault MEGANE
1.6 16V Dynamique Euro 5 5dr
£795
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Bizu Euro 5 5dr
£795
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Privilege 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Pzaz Euro 5 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Expression Euro 4 5dr
£999
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique Proactive 5dr
£999
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£1,195
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The high-set driving position has a good range of adjustment, and there's no shortage of high-quality materials and good design in the cabin.
You'll struggle to get so much safety and luxury kit for the money elsewhere, and perhaps the only major complaint is that the hatchback's boot could be bigger.
Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Renault Megane?
Fuel bills aren't steep. All diesels return more than 50mpg on the official combined cycle, and the 80 and 106bhp 1.5 diesels bump that up to more than 60mpg. The 1.4 and 1.6 petrols manage more than 40mpg, and even the Renaultsports return over 30mpg.
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On the other hand, servicing is dearer than for a Vauxhall Astra or Ford Focus. But, going outside the Renault franchised network could shave about a quarter off the labour bill.
Tips & Advice
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Megane should I buy?
There's more space for rear passengers in the saloon, but this five-door has extra versatility, so which you'll prefer depends on how you intend to use it. On balance, we'd opt for this five-door, and just put up with the tight rear legroom.
Once you've chosen the body style, the good news is that there are no bad models in the line-up, from the frugal 1.4 to the scorching 222bhp Renaultsport 2.0 turbo cars.
We most like the 1.6 (the most sensible petrol choice) and 1.5 turbodiesel for their relaxed driving style, and the 2.0 petrols have plenty of punch.
But, the dearer 1.9 diesels have the edge for all-round ability, especially if you do a lot of motorway driving. Given the cash, that's where we'd spend it.
Expression trim offers the best value, but all come with at least eight airbags, anti-lock brakes and a generous array of goodies. Extreme and Authentique are the entry-level models, while Privilege is the top spec.
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Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Renault Megane R.S. ?
Renault Megane R.S.
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault MEGANE
1.6 16V Dynamique Euro 5 5dr
£795
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Bizu Euro 5 5dr
£795
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Privilege 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Pzaz Euro 5 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Expression Euro 4 5dr
£999
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique Proactive 5dr
£999
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£1,195
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
Follow Stuart Milne on
Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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