1997 Renault Megane 1.6 coupe 'fidji'

Summary:

Looks and road handling are definitely this cars selling point

Faults:

Generally not a lot, having said this I've only owned the car for just over four months.

Bracket broke on the back part of the exhaust (seems to be a common fault)

Middle part of exhaust mounting had to be re-welded, was told that this caused the back bracket to break. £35.00 to fix this. Still seems to rattle though when pulling off.

General Comments:

The best advantage about this car is the way it looks. Positively stylish and I can't help but stare at it when leaving it in the supermarket car park.

It drives superb and can take corners very well, however seems at very low speeds to struggle in 2nd gear and therefore has to go back into 1st.

Seats are very comfortable and although there are only two seats in the back, they 'fit' around you and feel snug.

Wing mirrors may appear to narrow with a large blind spot.

The paintwork appears thin and I am constantly using a touch up pen on stone chips, esp on bonnet.

Annoying immobilizer which sets after a few seconds of opening the car.

Glove box light only works when your headlights are on. Disadvantage.

Very economical and cheap insurance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2005

1997 Renault Megane RT Sport 1.6

Summary:

OK runabout, but nothing special

Faults:

Head gasket blew shortly after I bought it. Rocker cover gasket blew. Oil leak that could never be resolved. Immobilzer problems meaning I could start the car on several occasions. Brakes needed replacing after 35k miles. 4 ripped drive shaft boots. Worn drive shafts (was going to have to replace them, but didn't as I was getting rid of it. £300 each to replace!)

General Comments:

I had an RT Sport for two years up until a couple of months ago. It was OK, but had a hell of a lot of problems for a car with only 37.5k on the clock (when I sold it).

The engine was totally gutless going up hills and when in 5th gear on the motorway. Alright around town however and was nippy enough I suppose. 90bhp was perhaps a little underpowered for a 5 door hatchback.

Just got a Honda Civic Coupe and the difference in quality and performance is very noticeable. 16v over 8v makes a huge difference.

Overall, the Megane is alright for a cheap runabout and parts aren't that expensive. But be prepared for a few trips to the garage!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 2004

1997 Renault Megane Coupe 1.6

Summary:

Good performance, very poor reliability

Faults:

First 6 months

Alarm and immobiliser failed (couldn't start the car).

Key failed so had to replace.

Sunroof leaked.

Brakes needed replacing. Both disks and pads.

Seats broke! wobbled all over the place.

Exhaust went. Front Cat

Front near side drive shaft.

Second 6 months

Exhaust went again, same place.

Front off side drive shaft.

Exhaust kept falling off (brackets)

Car stalled on the motorway!!! due to loose earth wire, although this took at least 4 visits to various garages to sort it out.

All window wipers and washer jets failed

Paint was very poor.

Last 6 months.

Drive shaft again!!!

Front exhaust pipe.

Gear Knob came off in my hand!

General Comments:

This was a fun car to drive when it wasn't in the garage!

I found it quick for its engine size (1.6) and with good handling in the dry. In the wet however was another story! It was hair raising! The back end would fly around all over the place and this was very scary on the motorway! so much so I took it to the garage on a number of occasions, but they couldn't find anything?

This relatively good performance was somewhat out weighed by the serious let down on reliability! It was just total rubbish! I replaced 4 drive shafts in 18 months?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th August, 2004

24th Nov 2006, 04:13

Any solutions on fixing a Renault Megane immobiliser as car will not start be grateful if anybody can help.

24th Aug 2007, 00:20

If your immobilizer has been on the fritz, check your ignition key reader (in the steering column behind the key insertion slot) It may be broken or dirty. Mine cracked so I had to replace it. I had the same problem: sometimes it turns on, sometimes it won't start.