Item: Used Renault Megane Hatchback 1996 - 2003
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Hatchback

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 is a safe, cheap and spacious small family car

Used Renault Megane Hatchback 1996 - 2003

A Megane won't be expensive to buy, and it won't lose much value while you have it, so it won't cost much in that sense. However, they aren't the most reliable of cars, so we'd budget for repairs as yours gets older. Routine spares are low-priced, but some expensive items may also be needed.

Servicing is easy, simple and, on later models, determined by the car's onboard electronics. So drive carefully, and you can add miles between scheduled garage visits. Keep away from main dealers, and you won't pay much.

Fuel economy is also good. The 1.4 promises up to 30mpg in town and 42mpg overall, the 105bhp diesel gives 41mpg and 54mpg. The 1.8 is thirstiest, but still posts a respectable maximum of 28mpg in town and 37mpg overall.

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The Renault Megane is a safe, cheap and spacious small family car

It's not a car you'll want to zip about in, so we'd go for the smallest petrol engine, the 1.4. This gives out 95bhp, which is good for its size. There are also a 1.6 and 1.8, should you want something a little stronger. They're also the only engines to be available with auto 'boxes, although these are very rare.

Of the diesels, the 105bhp 1.9 is much smoother than the 80bhp version, and uses less fuel, too.

In 2001 and 2002, Renault loaded more kit as standard on to the cars to keep them competitive, so even the entry-level model, the Authentique, had electric everything.

We'd move one up to the Expression, though, which had standard air-con, or the Expression Plus, which also had a CD player and electric sunroof. Dynamique, Sport and Privilege are the top trims, but they're rare and not worth the extra cash. Buy from used dealers for the best value.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

The Megane is fundamentally a tough, long-lasting car, but some parts fail before time and cost plenty to fix.

Heating systems, for instance, can corrode and start to leak after a few years. Replacing the unit inside the cabin puts things right, but this is expensive.

Clutches last a long time, but cost more than average to replace because the job takes so long. On top of that, head gaskets on 1.4s can fail and wreck the engine if the problem is neglected, while imobiliser faults can strand cars, although repairs can often be carried out at the roadside.

Auto gearboxes have a nasty knack of failing, and rebuilds are dear. But, while shock absorbers don't last that long, at least they're relatively cheap to renew.

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The Renault Megane is an anonymous hatchback that looked very dated by the time Renault stopped making it.

The bold lines of later versions make this one appear old-fashioned, but it beats most rivals for safety kit - you get front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and a full three-point belt for the centre-rear seat on even the cheapest models.

Come to that, the car is generously equipped all round - all have remote central locking, most have air-con and CD players.

It scores well for practicality, too, with a roomy cabin, a fair-sized boot and a big hatch opening. However, the dash plastic looks dull and some of the switchgear feels brittle and cheap. There's not enough space for phones, sunglasses and other bits and bobs, either.

On the road, too, it's basically pretty decent. The Megane rides well and keeps out most road noise, and the bigger engines make it feel quite spirited. All that counts against it is that the steering lacks feel and discourages you from making full use of the power.

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Used Renault Megane Hatchback 1996 - 2003 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

What's the used Renault Megane hatchback like?