1998 Renault Megane RT 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Definitely for the Renault fan

Faults:

Rear wheel bearings have failed, towbar has fallen off (main dealer fault), battery failed in second the year, rattles in the front suspension, head gasket joint leaking oil, immobiliser is unreliable and a few bulbs have blown.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car to travel in. Corners and handles like a dream.

Suspicious build quality.

Beautiful looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2001

11th Jul 2004, 13:48

I now have 82k miles on this car and no intentions of changing it. Meanwhile I've replaced both rear wheel bearings-again! The gearbox can be frustratingly notchy in the first 3 gears, but its been like that since new. The starter motor slowed down and it had to be dismantled ind greased and new brushes fitted around 60k. Immobiliser stops working about once a year, then an hour later (or day) it starts working again... A few small rattles here and there, but still a beautiful car that passes its NCT test every time.

1998 Renault Megane Coupe Sport 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The worst owning experience ever!

Faults:

The speed regulator for the rear wash wipe failed.

A completely new exhaust system needed fitting after only 18 months.

Second gear is sometimes extremely 'reluctant' to engage.

The oxygen sensor failed causing the car to stall repeatedly and run erratically.

The speedo and rev counter failed on the dashboard requiring a new speed regulator chip in the engine management system.

The injection management system failed requiring a new computer module to be fitted (very expensive).

General Comments:

The aesthetics of the car are very nice with a good cabin layout.

You seem to get extra features for your money with Renault such as column mounted radio controls, speed sensitive wipers and electric everything. This is all let down however by the very poor build quality and parts used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd September, 2001

12th Sep 2007, 16:10

I find it difficult to get in to 2nd gear aswell.

1998 Renault Megane Sport Coupe 1.6 8v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I've been mugged several times by Renault

Faults:

Late delivery. Complaints to Renault fall on deaf ears.

Free insurance offer revoked AFTER car purchase (due to insurance company error). Of course, free insurance was part of my budgeting when buying this car. Complaints to Renault fall on deaf ears.

Wheel bearings needed replacing within 10k miles. Complaints to Renault fall on deaf ears.

Driveshaft needed replacing after 20k miles. Complaints to Renault fall on deaf ears.

12/2000: Fuse connectors MELTED leading to failure of the rear window demister. This happened "coincidentally" after a routine service (& not to mention 10 cm from my right knee). To fix the fusebox was costly (450GBP).

When fixing the fusebox, the Renault service agent disconnected my alarm ECU. This reset the alarm & was unfixable. A replacement ECU was needed but at my expense "because it was not their fault". Total cost now 580GBP. Service agent resistant to my suggestions that they look at a reduction on this charge, even though car only just over 2 years old & has been serviced with them every 10k miles as per advice. Finally get a (small) cost allowance from Renault.

General Comments:

Suckered when purchasing this car.

Suckered since.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th December, 2000

15th Dec 2000, 04:08

Things that break at such an early stage and they don't fix it????????

You should have taken some steps further down the line because normally they change without discussion.

15th Dec 2000, 07:22

From the original poster:

Wheel bearings were replaced under warranty.

Drive shaft - partially covered by warranty.

Renault don't seem to think these faults unreasonable in a 2-&-a-bit year old car. They're standing firm on me paying for the replacement fusebox etc.

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1998 Renault Megane RXE Monaco 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Useful family car, but rather poor ownership experience

Faults:

Indicator lens fell off.

Power steering whines when turning from lock to lock.

General Comments:

Mixed feelings... very well equipped in Monaco trim (leather, AC, twin roofs, CD, etc), but average build quality, average performance, poor handling, poor engine (low power, really struggles when the car is loaded), lots of rattles and squeaks.

The kids love sitting up high, they like the handy storage units, and I've had cause to remove the rear seats and it's surprising how much stuff will fit in the back!

I had a 406 before, and that was much more fun to drive, and offered better economy and was quieter on the motorway, and looked better too. I think the Megane's got to go....!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2000