Used Renault Scenic MPV 1997 - 2003 review
The Renault Scenic is a brilliant family car with a flexible and spacious cabin
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What's the used Renault Scenic like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
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What's the used Renault Scenic like?
Renault got it spot on again in the MPV sector with the Renault Megane Scenic. It took a small hatch as a base and turned it in to a far more versatile car, thanks to three rear seats that can be individually removed to allow for all sorts of passenger and cargo permutations.
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Overview
The Renault Scenic is a brilliant family car with a flexible and spacious cabin
Pros
- The original mid-sized MPV remains one of the most versatile you can buy
Cons
- It only has five seats when some of its rivals have seven and the gearchange is poor
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Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£500
Renault Scenic
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£699
Renault Scenic
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£795
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Privilege TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£825
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£895
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Privilege TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£899
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique 5dr
£990
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£995
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique 5dr
£1,150
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The driving position is a little too bus-like for some drivers, because of the awkward angle of the steering wheel, but comfort is good for other occupants. With all five seats in use, the boot is still capable of holding their luggage.
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There's a broad spread of trim and engine options, so there's a Scenic for every driver, although the Renault is not as good to drive or as refined as a Vauxhall Zafira. The Zafira also has the advantage of seven seats, something this generation of Scenic never had.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
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 Scenic?
You can find a Scenic to fit most pockets, thanks to the broad range of engines and trim options. All of the engines are easy on fuel, especially the diesels, but avoid the RX4 models, as they are also costlier to insure and service, while replacement parts cost more, too.
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Renault's franchised dealers are about average for labour rates according to Warranty Direct, and independent garages will have no problems servicing a Scenic. Just take a long look at any car's service record to check if it has needed plenty of remedial work - Scenics can go wrong in an expensive way.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Scenic should I buy?
A face-lift in July 1999 brought in a more distinctive and individual look for the Megane Scenic. It also ushered in front and side airbags as standard, so a face-lifted model is a better bet if you place safety high on your priority list.
At the same time, peppier new 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines arrived and these make the Scenic far better to drive than the previous engines. However, we'd go for the 1.9 dCi turbodiesel for its strong mid-range shove and excellent fuel economy, even if it's not the most refined engine.
The mid-spec Expression has a good balance of useful equipment and comfort. It includes air-con, and later ones also came with a CD player.
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One Scenic to avoid at all costs is the RX4 four-wheel-drive model. It's no use off-road, costs more to run and is not as reliable as other Scenics.
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Tips & Advice
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic – and free – technologies. Here we show you the benefits, drawbacks and best apps
How reliable is the Renault Scenic ?
Renault Scenic
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£500
Renault Scenic
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£699
Renault Scenic
1.6 VVT Dynamique 5dr
£795
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Privilege TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£825
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£895
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Privilege TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£899
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique 5dr
£990
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£995
Renault Scenic
1.5 dCi Dynamique 5dr
£1,150
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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