Renault Megane Cabriolet (2006 - 2009) 1.9 dCi Dynamique 2d Non FAP (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I wanted something a bit different, but without the extra cost of a prestige badge. Cheapskate!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Most people love it. Though I can't say I agree with people thinking it looks sporty.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would certainly buy into a Renault again. From someone who swore blind that they would never buy a French car, I've been won over. You get a helluva lot of extras for your money. Cruise Control/Limiters/Auto Lights & Wipers, Climate Control - you'll not get any of these as standard in most cars. Reliability has been a major bonus, and whilst the car is lacklustre in driving, its very comfortable, welcoming, and always a pleasure to climb into after a day at work.

What are you likely to buy next?

Laguna Coupe GT, or an Audi A4.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car had been ordered some 6 months previously, but the buyer did a runner. The dealer was left it, and used as a demo car instead. I got a 6 month old car, looked after well, and acceptable mileage, for a good £11500. Saving me some £10,000 in depreciation from new. With built in AA, tyre insurance, and comprehensive warranty, I got a lot of car and support for the money.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Right deal at the right time

What was the dealer like?

Not top of the class for after sales service, but this is Renault, and not a prestige badge. Most importantly, as a customer with a poor credit history - the dealer were very active and successful in obtaining sensibly priced finance for me. That enabled me to shed a problematic car, and climb into a very comfortable new car at a price that normal people would pay.

What's it like to drive?

The car weighs the same as a small moon, but propped up on a set of sponges; with power steering that has been dialled all the way upto 11. Driving enthusiasts will hate it; you can't throw it around, you can't get any feedback from the car, and engine performance suffers badly from turbo lag, and little to no get up and go. However, as the car is a cruiser, this setup is perfect. As its not involving at all, its a very easy drive.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, as long as you don't want to look through the back window when raining. There's no wiper.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Mechanically the car has been perfect. There is an occasional issue of the dashboard not lighting up at night; but a restart of the car always solves this. There is an occasional leak of water through the passenger door, near the door mirror. The rubber seals around the glass don't always seal. Opening and closing the window always resolves the leakage.

What's most practical about your car?

Its a damn good cruiser. I've done 12 hour drives in her, and get out feeling quite comfortable. Everything has a button around the steering rack, so driving is just a breeze.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The glass roof is a real boon; and the speed limiter has probably saved me a small fortune through the average speed cameras on the M1.