1997 Renault Megane RT 1.6

Summary:

A car's engine should not need replacing after 42,000 miles

Faults:

I paid £4,000 for the car thinking I was making a safe purchase. Whilst driving down the M6 it lost water and with only half a mile to the services I tried to drive at 25 mph to get there.

The AA though it was a water pump that had gone. Took it to a dealership. First they said it needed new belts and quoted around £300. Then they said the core plug had gone and it needed a new cylinder head. The estimate went up to about £1700. Then they said there was movement in the pistons and the pistons were masked; bottom line it needed a new engine. Now the estimate was £2500.

I tried to get help from Renault customer services, but that was a rather frustrating and futile experience. The dealer told me to go to Renault Customer Services and Renault Customer Services told me to go to the dealer.

I feel very angry with Renault as they have cost me so much money. I am writing this to let others know that buying a Renault Megane is a very risky purchase decision and one I wish I had been warned against.

I now have a £4000 Megane that I paid £6500 for.

General Comments:

Customers are treated by Renault with a poor regard.

Never buy a second hand Renault Megane!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd July, 2003

29th Dec 2006, 15:29

It is a common fault with the water pump on them because my water pump went at 50000 mls, but I work for renault so I changed it my self for about £50.

HAHA.

1997 Renault Megane Coupe 1.6

Summary:

Looks great, unreliable beyond belief

Faults:

Here goes:

Exhaust center pipe broke straight away

Exhaust back box snapped off 2 months later.

Since then I've experienced problems with the exhaust on a regular basis. Last night the rear exhaust mount broke (again) and had to be fixed this morning.

Cat broke apart at 42,000 costing £209 for a new one.

Hairline crack in the manifold.

Electric sunroof doesn't work.

Radio occasionally cuts out.

I've experienced problems starting the car on two occasions.

Virtually no leg room for back seat passengers.

General Comments:

The above is a short-list of the problems I have experienced since owning my Renault Megane Coupe. I'm constantly weighing up whether its worth keeping a car that I absolutely love the look of, but is so unreliable.

I have been told by Kwik-fit (where I am now recognised due to my frequent visits) that the exhaust mounts are a design fault with the Couple models. There is not enough support (mounts) and therefore most of the weight is placed on the back box, causing it to snap fairly often?!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th March, 2003

29th Dec 2008, 09:07

This is Not a Design Flaw with the Coupe model, it's a design flaw with the Megane

I have had the hatch back, the coupe and the classic, I have put the exhaust back on to each of them twice. (breaks in various places)

1997 Renault Megane Sport 1.6

Summary:

It's a good all rounder car - ideal for general usage and with a sporty appearance

Faults:

My gasket blew last year even though I had regular servicing.

General Comments:

Overall I felt really comfortable driving this car. It felt right from the moment I sat in the seat. It handled well and served me well. The only problem I had was the gaskets went on a relatively short mileage.

However safety wise after being in a serious crash in this car I found I waked from it with only a few bruises amazing since I ended up in ditch and hit a tree. So thanks Renault your air bag and safety designs saved me - even the garage who lifted the car out of position were impressed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2003

1997 Renault Megane Classic RXE 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

A mechanical disaster!!

Faults:

Engine blew up at 90000 miles.

Air conditioning unit gone faulty.

Radiator sprung a leak.

Immobiliser out of sync.

Heater plugs burnt out twice.

ABS dash light comes on intermittently.

Exhaust needs to be changed, but the cat is integral!

General Comments:

This car has been a total disaster since I bought it (see above)

Apart from all the faults the fuel consumption is excellent.

Good size and equipment for a family car.

Low insurance group.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th April, 2002