Faults:

Brakes - Rear wheel cylinder now leaking.

Exhaust manifold gasket leaking slightly, and the rest of the exhaust is not much better. The catalytic converter still original and intact (8 years on).

Heater blower only works on Number 4 (a common fault on Mondeos as well).

Bonnet release catches, left and right side, have both seized, resulting in the bonnet not locking down - this is a very common fault - WD40 frees them, and then spray grease them, unless you want your bonnet opening and smashing the windscreen on the motorway!

General Comments:

It's a very good car for 8 years old, and the above points could relate to any make or model of this age. It's really comfy and good looking - why did Renault spoil these lovely lines to produce the new Megane?

It's a superb engine for its size - the best in its class at 110 BHP for a 1.6, and although it's no Ferrari, it will still reach 118 MPH (on the test track that is!!).

Mine has slightly noisy tappets now, so try Slick 50 to prolong yours, as this car will go on for ages, as the bodywork is still corrosion free (apart from the obvious bits in the underside).

Air-con is great, and all the electrics apart from the blower fan still work OK.

Faults:

Front wheel bearing.

Front track rod end.

General Comments:

The faults the car had were sorted by the dealer as part of the purchase.

No new faults at all.

This model has all the bells and whistles, including the talking computer which I thought was a gimmick at first, but is really clever as it even knows when a bulb goes.

Very comfortable, not as quick as my old vectra, but I like this car.

Faults:

Very little! Once it went totally mad on start up -all I did was disconnect the battery for 2 minutes and it re-set the ECU - problem solved.

The back seats are very flimsy and poor quailty, but I can live with it.

General Comments:

Paid £2500 for a 4 year old car -has to be the best bargain on the planet (and it came with FULL renault history) 1 company owner. Very comfy and the 1.8 16v engine is very sweet. As a bargain run around it is perfect. Additionally it has all the toys you would ever need, Aircon, CD, Electric Roof etc. I had a look recently to replace it with a £5000 budget, but have decided that I shall keep it for at least another year.

Faults:

THE alternator tensioner failed, this caused the belt to snap. Taking the cam belt out as well!this caused lots of damage. About £900 to repair!

Annoying as I replaced the cam belt and tensioners only 2000miles ago.

General Comments:

The car drives nice, quite comfy, but handling is a bit soft. Brakes are very strong.