Used Renault Megane Hatchback 1996 - 2003 review
The Renault Megane is a safe, cheap and spacious small family car
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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 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.
Overview
The Renault Megane is a safe, cheap and spacious small family car
Pros
- It's inexpensive and the later models are well equipped
Cons
- It has a frumpy image, it's dull to drive
- unreliable and the interior is cheap-looking
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault MEGANE
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 5dr
£749
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Tech Run 5dr
£895
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Generation Euro 5 5dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£990
Renault Megane
1.6 16V I-Music Euro 5 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.4 16v Extreme 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Expression Euro 4 5dr
£1,000
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£1,050
See all available cars
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Come to that, the car is generously equipped all round - all have remote central locking, most have air-con and CD players.
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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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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?
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.
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?
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.
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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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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 TomTom Euro 5 5dr
£749
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Tech Run 5dr
£895
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Generation Euro 5 5dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£950
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Dynamique TomTom 3dr
£990
Renault Megane
1.6 16V I-Music Euro 5 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.4 16v Extreme 5dr
£995
Renault Megane
1.6 16V Expression Euro 4 5dr
£1,000
Renault Megane
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£1,050
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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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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