2003 Renault Kangoo Trekka 1.6 petrol
Summary:
A seriously good car despite some problems
Faults:
Minor problem with canvas sunroof, needs adjusting to stretch fabric tight. Renault agents and Renault unable to provide solution as this is a car imported from Cyprus and UK spec doesn't list it.
First serviced at 2 years from purchase, (at end of warranty) no problems. Mileage 11,000.
Second service at 18,000 miles 1 year later. This is forced by the car breaking down 3 times in 1 week. The problem was the 'Top Dead Center' sensor failing when the engine was hot. When cold it would start and run fine when hot it would stall at road junctions and then would not start till cold. Sensor replaced no problems with it since.
Third service at 26,000 miles. This was forced on by the 'Toxic Fumes from Exhaust' sensor coming on as the car reverted to firing on only 3 cylinders. I managed to complete short local journey with 4 people in the car, about 6 miles without problems. Problem was with 2 of the ignition coils. 1 failed completely, 1 intermittent. Told local non-franchised garage to change all 4 coils.
General Comments:
This car is about the 16th/17th I have owned over the years and I like it a lot.
I like the permanent 4 wheel drive, it is very sure footed in the wet and on ice. It holds the road well and has nice positive steering.
The 5 speed gearbox is fast and precise.
The engine is very willing and although the top speed is limited at just over 90 mph it would cruise flat out.
The seats are really excellent and visibility is good.
Braking is disks all round and very good. The car doesn't mind if it is empty or loaded fully.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th May, 2008
8th Feb 2011, 10:10
Had my Kangoo Trekka 1.9 diesel for 7 years - I am very happy with the car, which has been taken to some extremely rough mountainous places cross-country and actually performed stunningly well, and is a vehicle particularly suited to narrow mountain tracks. I haven't found Renault service very good from any of the garages I've used over the years -- I much prefer my local garage especially now I'm out of any warranty; much, much cheaper and much more helpful. It would have been better if Renault had spent less on F1 racing and bit more on recording which make of starter motor they fitted in which car... To have to pay to have the car taken apart and put back together just to read the serial number on the broken starter motor was, well, dispiriting.
9th Feb 2011, 07:14
Everything in the engine bay of the Kangoo is crammed, so I'm not surprised that start engine is hard to get to.
12th Apr 2011, 09:55
We have a September 2003 Kangoo 1.5 DCI and we love it!
It's a French spec with a folding back electric sunroof. This was repaired under warranty, but then became faulty again. We were quoted over 1000 Euros plus labour for a new "cassette" for the roof to be replaced by Renault. It seems to be a common fault. After searching on the internet, we found a guy in the North of Germany who fabricates the faulty parts, so we bought 2 for 129 Euros and then had the parts fitted in the Renault garage. Success, the sunroof is now as good as new and with more substantial parts!
24th Feb 2010, 11:07
I got one as well, so far after 6 months, jammed handbrake is the only problem.
I love it to bits in the Swedish snow.