Renault Megane Coupe (1996 - 2003) 1.6 16V Sport 2d (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It seems to be neutral. People let you out of junctions and merging is always a breeze, perhaps has a bit of a hairdressers vibe due to its cabriolet equivilent looking so similar, and the fact its a small coupe. Doesnt attract any unwanted attention.

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

They all seem to think its fairly rare or a bit different. I see loads, maybe you only notice them when you drive one? However dont even think about fitting 4 adults in it, the rear seats are mostly for show. Hence the low score for Living with it. For such a large car externally its very small inside. Unless you're a massive fan of the maxi rally car buy a 1.6 16v clio instead, you get proper rear suspension and a better chassis.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. I bought it as a project car to fix up and sell on, certain parts are hard to source without going to the dealer, and using a dealer defies the point of buying a cheap car. I spend my life waiting for parts from scrapyards across the UK. Alot of exterior/interior/electrical items are specific to the coupe and not found on any other Renaults of that age. It also isnt very sophisticated mechanically besides the 16v engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Focus ghia, Vauxhall Astra SRI or RS Clio 172.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£390

When did you buy the car?

July 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was from a dealers forecourt, but bought at auction, it was a part ex of lower value then dealers usual stock and so was auctioned off. I got a fair price considering what needed to be done, it had no history but was HPI clear.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

No, was searching for cheap cars broadly.

What was the dealer like?

Price was pre negotiated by the auction so no hassle there. Got a receipt, however I had to notify the DVLA and get a new logbook.

What's it like to drive?

Steering is perhaps a little light at low speed, tightens up under harder cornering/higher speed. Gearstick moves around alot but is fixed by installing a RS clio 172/182 dogbone mount, I haven't yet tried fitting one. However on cheap tyres the back end becomes very tail happy, do not even attempt negotiating a roundabout in anything other than 2nd unless you dont have to turn the wheel, even in the dry its unsettled by changes in road surface mid corner. Renaults corner best on michilins.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, you learn its size quickly due to having a wheel on each corner with little overhang. I can now park mm away from the kerb and not touch.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I was slightly cavalier with speedbumps when I first bought it due to perceived high ride hight and soft ride, the exhast fell off. I serviced it myself and having done a routine service I found in addition it requires a new driveshaft, I will replace both anyway, new arb mounts, a new exhaust mid section clamp, electric window regulator, and window trim. All in all under £150 worth. I will fit myself. I also fitted premium branded tyres.

What's most practical about your car?

Its not a very practical car, if anything I suppose it would be feul consumption. I get over 40mpg on a typical 80mph motorway journey.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The on board computer located under the speedometer, it tells you mpg, trip milage, milage from last fill up, how much oil is in the car, distance to next fill up, how many litres of petrol used etc.