2004 Renault Megane Dynamique 1.5 dCi turbo diesel

Summary:

Smooth and comfortable, but appallingly made

Faults:

Clutch switch for starting system has failed twice.

Prominent buzz from centre console trim which the dealer cannot fix.

Rear seat catch broke the second time I used it.

Two pixels gone in the computer display.

Fuel filler cap faded to a different colour (affects all Meganes according to dealer - like that helps me!)

Rear wheels not balanced correctly at factory.

CD player skips.

ASR light comes on at random together with the SERVICE light. Nobody knows why. I have to live with it.

Creaks and groans from door trim, rear loadspace cover, tailgate, rear seats and headlining.

General Comments:

Looks good and goes well. Brilliantly refined, responsive and smooth diesel engine.

Smooth and precise six speed gearbox.

Supple ride, good seats and low noise levels make for a good cruiser.

Wallowy and soggy in the corners with dreadfully artificial steering.

Economical when driven gently (56 mpg) but you can knock 10 mpg off this if you keep up with the flow of traffic, and 15 mpg if you boot it.

Shocking build quality and component reliability. Dealers indifferent to hopeless depending on where you go.

Interior looks quite nice, but feels secondhand very quickly. Assembly quality is disgraceful (uneven gaps, loose trim, low rent fabrics)

A typical Renault. Basically a decent car spoiled by "lowest bidder" parts and assembly quality that British Leyland would have been ashamed of in the 1970's.

A disappointment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th January, 2006

11th Mar 2008, 08:03

I can relate too many of the points raised by the above. Just got rid of our 2004 Megane DCI having suffered far too many problems in less than 40,000 miles. Badly assembled, hopeless electrics and the beginnings of expensive mechanical problems including turbo.

Got a Focus now - a far better car in all respects in my opinion. It may not look so trendy, but it's far better built. Lost a fortune on trade-in, but it's a huge relief off my shoulders and it's worth every penny to be shot of the Megane.

I feel sorry for the next owner of it, and you can probably guess it will be a long time - if ever - before another Renault darkens my driveway.

A shame because the Megane was in many ways an excellent car, but if mine was representative then Renault have got some serious work to do.

2004 Renault Megane dci 1.9

Summary:

Not a reliable car. Poor after sales customer service from Renault UK Head office

Faults:

Megane was bought from Swansea renault. It had done 12 miles. At 3000 miles the bottom arm came out of the socket and resulted in collapsed suspension. On closer inspection at the repair centre, the alloy wheel had a 2" crack, but the tyre itself was not damaged!!. My immediate thought therefore-was there a crack in the wheel when I bought this Car? My partner luckily was doing only 20-30 mph, and was therefore not injured. We contacted renault, but our comments fell on deaf ears. 2 letters have since been sent with no reply. Poor customer service. I would strongly suggest you think carefully before purchasing a Renault. I have now sold the car and own a very reliable Seat Leon.

General Comments:

Poor customer service. All queries fall on deaf ears.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th November, 2005

2004 Renault Megane Dinamique 1.6 16v

Summary:

Money well spent

Faults:

Nothing, this car has been completely fault free.

General Comments:

Decently priced car, I really like the exterior design and the interior materials, way better than my old Alfa 145TS.

The 1.6 16v engine gives a good amount of power to move this rather heavy car around town, however a 2.0 16v engine option would be the best choice.

Luckily I got a good Renault garage that takes good care of my car, can't complain there.

I'm looking forward buying a Megane Sport Tourer next year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2005

2004 Renault Megane Dynamique 2.0 VVT 136

Summary:

Great car, have never been so pleased with new car before

Faults:

Nothing so far has gone wrong with the car.

I have only found one minor fault in the paintwork, just below the offside front light. The paint appears to have 'run' very slightly leaving a very discreet line, I have now cleaned the car thoroughly four times and only noticed it the last time, so it's obviously not too concerning.

General Comments:

This is a very good car, with a lot of equipment for the price compared too many similar cars.

The seats have a very easy to use handle to pull the chair forward for access to the rear.

The cabin is very light and airy, aided mainly by the panoramic sunroof, the children enjoy sitting in the back seats gazing at the sky.

Everything on the dashboard is well lit and easy to use, and the steering wheel is very comfortable being fully adjustable.

The car is not as quick as I had anticipated, but I think it still needs running in, it's loosening up all the time, this is proved by the fact that the miles per gallon reading is increasing daily, with our routes changing little.

To summarize, this is a super car, handles very well, looks great (personal opinion) and provides a very smooth and quiet ride, my only gripe is that the steering provides little feedback.

I've never been so pleased with a new car, and the dealer made the process very enjoyable this time too.

Since owning this car, my grandparents have bought one on the basis of mine, and my parents are considering one also... does that not say enough?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2005