Renault Scenic (2003 - 2009) 1.6 VVT Dynamique 5d (06) (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A bit of a mug that did not do his home-work and research the many woes and issues with this car before purchase, or simply 'more money than sense'.

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

They all know it is a money pit (and they think I am stupid for not getting rid of it before big money began to be sunk into repairs).

Would you buy this car again and why?

NO. These things are time-bombs / money pits. You have been warned!!

What are you likely to buy next?

Petrol versions of the Citroen C4 Picasso or Vauxhall Zafira (either of which I should have bought instead of the Scenic).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2016

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a very good deal from a main Reanault dealer. The car was a P/X to clear with FSH, 12mts MOT, and very low miles. Paid around £500 less than internet valuation suggested.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Superb interior space for overall size of vehicle (can seat 5 adults with luggage), very bright and airy interior, smart modern design, modern v v t engine, comfort, and very cheap to buy for such a specification.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent dealer with full franchised main dealer services and plush showroom. Very polite no pressure sales, and slick purchase procedures.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent to drive, with good handling and willing V V T petrol engine. High seating position with excellent visibility. The visibility is useful when parking and when waiting to spot the breakdown service (which you will likely need often in one of these).

What's it like to park?

Very easy indeed.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I would love to say that this was a good car, as it is superbly designed, very practical, spacious, and comfortable. However it is one of the most poorly built and unreliable cars I have ever owned. It is comparable to the old 1980's Ford Escort I had when I was a teenager. Rubbish mechanically and electrically. Just about everthing 'major' has gone wrong with this car since we have had it, including the clutch (£800 to replace!!!!), the heater fans (£400!!!), air-con (£400!!!), airbag sensors (£600!!!), VVT Pully (£750!!!!), brakes (£200), battery (several at £105 each), flimsey key-cards get bent and cost £155 each, electric windows (£000's each), engine valve stem seals (£800), the list goes on and on, and on.

What's most practical about your car?

The Interior. It is a superbly practical and well designed car. It is just a shame Renault could not follow through from design to build. It is just poorly and cheaply made and ALL of the electrics eventually fail. Sadly almost everything is electric, including the 'hand brake' which is a joke and is text-book overcomplication for the sake of it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The 3 separate rear seats. They are mechanical and work. Everything else is electrical and either does not work at all, or only works when it feels like it.