Renault Megane Hatchback (2002 - 2006) 1.9 dCi Dynamique (120bhp) 5d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It's a sensible car, but still looks a little outrageous... possibly a bit like me.

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

They can't tell it's done so many miles! Think it's a good-looking car. Surprised we've not experienced any electrical gremlins (we had dire warnings from a friend).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Given the same budget limitations, yes. Has been as good as could be expected and better than our previous (theoretically superior in reviews) Focus. Obviously was never one of the faulty/troublesome ones, as has lasted this long fine. Hopefully will have more money next time to buy a fresher car.

What are you likely to buy next?

We're going to need a second car so would like something slightly larger and something smaller - a Megane Sport Tourer will be on the list for the former (probably wouldn't have been before we tried this), along with Ford Focus Estate, Volvo V50, etc.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,450

When did you buy the car?

October 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

We needed a reasonable sized, economical, safe car on a very tight budget.

What was the dealer like?

Pleasant and friendly (despite this being a cheap, low margin car for them). Not too pushy.

What's it like to drive?

Better than I was expecting - had seen it lambasted for its rear torsion beam, but the only issue we've had with the ride and handling is the tendency for the back to feel a little skittish over expansion joints at speed. Feels safe and planted otherwise, not too much roll. Steering not that bad for an early electric setup but a little lacking in feel. Fast enough to keep up (or better!) - engine warms up quickly and is not gutless before that. Fuel economy - we do mostly motorway miles, but with regular country thrashes and city driving too, and still average a real 48-49mpg (car is pessimistic and claims 44!). Slightly better than similarly powered/aged Focus in same conditions.

What's it like to park?

Easy once you work out how far the bum sticks out! Steering very light at parking speeds.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes - we bought it with 150k on the clock but full service history, and have since done over 15k more. OSF Track rod and wishbone needed replacing. 2 engine mounts needed replacing and a glow plug. Exhaust brackets needed replacing. Blew a headlamp bulb which was a pain to get to. Rain-sensing wipers aren't that clever, would prefer simple intermittent ones. Since found out that these are all fairly common issues with the Megane, but hadn't seen them in buyer guides while I was looking to buy so be warned! Still, no more trouble than I was expecting given the mileage and was able to do the minor things cheaply DIY. Compares well with the 110k 2004 Ford Focus we had before.

What's most practical about your car?

It's nominally smaller than our previous 2004 Focus but actually more usable space. Good cubby holes (under footwells) and generally better thought out (except the headlamp bulb access) e.g. headrests will come out of rear seats without you having to partially fold them first, and boot doesn't need to be separately opened. Flat folding rear seats are a bonus.Full size spare wheel - we had to use it and are grateful for it! So much better than a space saver (or a tin of glue and a compressor). Does what's asked of it - even manages unsurfaced byways (up to a point).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Both front and rear side thorax airbags and pretensioners and a curtain (as well as the rest of the safety kit).