Renault Megane Hatchback (1996 - 2002) 1.9 RT dTi Sport 5d (EPk+SR) (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a great deal, after all it is from the 'budget' end of the market. The most common opinion is that I need my head examined for buying a French car.

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

Some like it for its comfort, none like it for its handling, all hate it for its repair bills.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It's far too unreliable, and when it's not broken down its no fun to drive either.

What are you likely to buy next?

Vauxhall Astra or Skoda Fabia.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

December 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

NO. The car was hiding accident damage and a break-in, both badly repaired. The extent of the damage wasn't immediately noticeable without removing interior panels.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Out of all the cars I looked at, it appeared least likely to need urgent repairs any time soon. That was not the case!

What was the dealer like?

Quiet, answered my questions readily but didn't offer information unprompted.

What's it like to drive?

Happiest on the motorway or fast A-road. It cruises well and is very smooth and quiet at speed. Not good for B-roads though, steering is vague with no feedback, lots of body roll and it tends to understeer badly, especially on uneven surfaces. On wet roads it can also oversteer with little or no warning. It becomes difficult to drive in town or in traffic jams, the clutch pedal is heavy and offset and there's lots of torque at idle so crawling along isn't easy.

What's it like to park?

Parking is difficult. Rear visibility is very poor, the bottom edge of the rear window is very high and hides low walls or the front of the car behind you. It's impossible to judge where any of the four corners are, even if you lean out the door to look! Parking sensors are a worthwhile investment, and are easy to fit on this car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

YES!! Always major components too, not little things like light bulbs! List so far (Dec 06 - Oct 07): - Diesel injection pump (horrendously expensive!) - 2 driveshafts (very hard to get hold of for this car) - 2 front wheel bearings (also hard to acquire) - Wheel hub, incl. drive flange & ABS sensor - Front brake caliper (sticking - failed MOT as a result) - Exhaust fallen off its mounts more times than I care to remember - Battery and possibly alternator about to be replaced

What's most practical about your car?

Diesel engine gives about 55mpg, big boot although it has a high load lip.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Electric mirrors or height-adjustable driver's seat. My wife is much smaller than me so we're always having to move them and this makes it a lot easier.