Faults:

130.000km - One of the timing belt pulleys came out and took the engine along with it. As it was already past the warranty period, the Renault dealer didn't take responsibility for what it was clearly a design flaw (the 1.4 engines that followed, the pulleys were fused into the engine block, rather than bolted to it, at least according to the mechanic who rebuilt the engine...).

170.000km - Camshaft position sensor went. 20€ on eBay for a new one.

190.000km - Replaced both front shock absorbers and engine mounts.

200.000km - One gearbox screw came loose and needed a new one. Nothing major.

215.000km - One of the heating's bulkheads started this "hammering" noise every time I started the motor. Fortunately, it was only 20€ to have it repaired.

220.000km - The rear right electric window went, mostly because a passenger closed the door a "bit" too strongly.

General Comments:

The Renault Megane Grandtour (aka Megane Break) is a very comfortable ride. Very pleasant to drive and it has proven to be a fairly reliable car throughout the 15 years I've owned it.

The 1.4 16V engine delivers 95HP, making it quite responsive and offering good acceleration and a top speed of over 200km/h (it topped 215 km/h going slightly down once, but you didn't hear it from me... :-) )

At the same time, it's very economical for a 1.4 considering its kerb weight sits at around 1200kg. I used to get 6.5lt/100km in town driving slow, and managed to get 5.5/100km on the motorway under 120km/h.

It's a great family car with a boot offering plenty of room and very comfortable 5 seats. Build quality is very good, as most materials used proved sturdy over time, even for a car that sat under the Portuguese sun for 15 years.

The only downside is that the suspension and ground clearance have been designed for comfort, so if you push it, chances are the car will understeer.

Faults:

Automatic transmission.

Car stopped on the highway - no real reason - then started two hours later.

Car regularly will not start. It is thought to be an immobiliser problem. I am told to take it to a Renault dealer - either 4 hours north, or 12 hours south. Transport trucks will not take it unless it starts. No one in Mackay will look at it. Motor turns, apparently the signal gets through to the plugs, but it won't fire.

General Comments:

The car is really nice to drive, and I don't want to part with it, however, I am to the point where I now leave the motor running as often as I can, so that at least I know it will go.

Faults:

I bought the car second hand and have only had it for 6 months, but problems are emerging. Unfortunately I do not have a warranty!

Brakes are squeaking when lightly pressed - very annoying, but turning up the stereo takes care of this.

The airbag service light came on about a 2 months ago - took it to Renault who said it was something to do with the seat belts. They fixed this (for free!) but it has now come on again.

There is a rattling sound coming from the wheel arch area on the passenger side. I took it to National Auto's to have a look at, but they couldn't find the problem. It now has to go to Renault for them to attempt to solve the problem.

The print on the gear knob has worn off.

There is also a slight rattle coming from the interior roof trim in the back.

The Cd player occasionally jumps even on new Cds.

General Comments:

The actual performance of the car is pretty good. MPG often exceeds 52 and it is perfect for motorway driving.

It is also kitted out very well with a multi stack Cd player, electric windows -front and back etc.

The key less entry works perfectly and is very useful.

It could do with more legroom in the back and a bit more boot space, but overall it is a good drive with plenty of power.

The only real problem with the car is that I just don't trust it. I'm always expecting something to go wrong and with the airbag warning light coming on it is a concern that maybe the airbags won't work.

If Renault could sort out the reliability problems then this would be a superb purchase.