Item: Used Renault Modus MPV 2004 - 2012
Rating: 3
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Ownership cost

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Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


RENAULT

MODUS

<p>The Renault Modus is classy, comfortable and versatile, but not the most enthralling car to drive</p>


Used Renault Modus MPV 2004 - 2012

<p>The Modus has the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/meriva/mpv/used-review/n975">Vauxhall Meriva</a> well beaten on running costs. Fuel economy is much better, especially on the diesels, with the 86bhp diesel returning a very impressive 62.9mpg. Our favourite 1.4 petrol engine gives a respectable 42.2mpg.</p>

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The Renault Modus is classy, comfortable and versatile, but not the most enthralling car to drive

<p>There are plenty of engines to choose from - three petrol and three diesel.</p>

<p>If you want a petrol engine, you'll find the 1.2 is adequate, but the 1.4 provides extra performance, which comes in very handy. The 1.6 provides more power still and all have good fuel economy, with none failing to beat 40mpg.</p>

<p>Alternatively, you can go for the 1.5 dCi turbodiesel with outputs of 68, 86 or 106bhp. All provide decent performance, and they're very refined and frugal, but they're pricey in comparison with the petrols. That's why we'd recommend the 1.4 petrol.</p>

<p>There's a dizzying array of trim levels to consider, too, each of which provides varying combinations of equipment. All get remote central locking, curtain airbags, a CD player and electric front windows, but air-con is only standard on some. We'd go for Expression, which gives you everything you need at a relatively low price.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

<p>Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.</p>

<p>Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.</p>

<p>But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.</p>

<p>Two recalls have been issued. Some cars built between August 2004 and May 2005 required work on their steering columns. Cars with the 1.6 petrol engine mated to the automatic gearbox also had to be brought back, because some were slipping out of the 'Park' position of their own accord. This recall applied to cars built in November 2004.</p>

<p>Check the service history to see if the car you're looking at is affected. If it is, make sure the work has been carried out.</p>

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<p>Some buyers will be put off buying a Renault Modus because of its looks - its high sides and ungainly stance make it appear a bit awkward. However, these buyers will be missing out, because the Modus is a very talented car.</p>

<p>Those lofty dimensions make for excellent cabin space, with lots of headroom and, thanks to a sliding rear bench, limo-like legroom in the back. Mind you, that does steals space from the boot, so the Modus isn't as practical as you might expect.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the drive is probably more comfortable than you would expect. The ride is smooth over any surface, and while the Modus doesn't have the most entertaining handling in this class, there's plenty of grip.</p>

<p>There's a wide range of engines and trims to choose from, and most cars are well stocked with goodies. The build quality is excellent, and the high-grade materials give a classier feel than you'll get in most superminis. Also, being a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a>, it's extremely safe.</p>

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Used Renault Modus MPV 2004 - 2012 review

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Find out how much the Renault Modus 2004 - 2012 costs to run, covering expected MPG, servicing costs and insurance costs.

The Modus has the Vauxhall Meriva well beaten on running costs. Fuel economy is much better, especially on the diesels, with the 86bhp diesel returning a very impressive 62.9mpg. Our favourite 1.4 petrol engine gives a respectable 42.2mpg., ,

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Used Renault Modus MPV 2004 - 2012 review

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