Used Renault Megane Hatchback 2008 - 2016 reliability review
The Renault Megane might not be the flashiest family car around, but with prices as cheap as they are it’s still worth considering
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What's the used Renault Megane like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 5 January 2018
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What should I look for in a used Renault Megane?
With so many Meganes for sale there’s no reason to settle for an example that hasn’t been well maintained. A full service history is one good indication of this, but also check the body panels for scratches, dents or mismatched paintwork, and ensure the tyres have a decent amount of tread on them and are from a known brand. After all, if the previous owner has skimped on tyres they might also have neglected fixing other problems.
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There have been a handful of recalls for the third-generation Megane, most notably to do with potentially faulty airbags and power steering on cars built up to 2011. Additionally, braking performance on later Meganes could be affected if work isn’t carried out to the brake vacuum pump. If you contact a Renault dealer with the car’s registration number, they can tell you if any necessary recall work has been carried out.
What are the most common problems with a used Renault Megane?
The Megane hasn’t always enjoyed the best reputation for reliability, but this third-generation model was a vast improvement on its predecessors. That said, some of the interior plastics can still scratch easily so ensure they don’t look too scruffy and test all of the electrical equipment works as it should.
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If you’re after an automatic gearbox there’s a choice of CVT, torque converter or EDC dual-clutch units depending on the age of the car and what engine is powering it, so it’s worth trying a couple to see which you prefer. However, keep in mind that both the CVT and torque converter gearboxes seem to have more than their fair share of problems.
The diesel particulate filter that’s fitted to some versions of the 1.5-litre dCi has been known to clog if the car isn’t taken on regular long runs, so unless that describes your style of driving you’ll be better off with a petrol engine.
Is a used Renault Megane reliable?
While Renault didn’t manage a top half finish in the 2017 What Car? Reliability Survey, it’s worth noting that the Renault Megane itself did pretty well, scoring a solid 83% overall. That suggests that it should be a pretty dependable buy.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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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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