2004 Renault Megane Dynamique 1.5 dCi turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

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 5 Door Saloon 1.6 petrol from Seychelles

Summary:

Overall good value for money, definitely a winner if Renault rectify those teething issues

Faults:

At 3 months, the maintenance free battery went dead and I was left stranded on the road.

After approx 4000 Km, the front brakes started squealing at low speed.

About the same time the steering wheel started clanking when turned through a full turn.

At 4500 Km (approx. 6 months), the 10000 Km service alarm came up.

The windscreen wiper water tank split at the point where the water pump motor is mounted.

The RHS front indicator signal failed.

The RHS window switch went faulty.

All windows have stopped functioning at different intervals.

General Comments:

With the exception of the brake squeals and the clanking of the steering wheel when in full turn lock, the local Renault dealer has been quick and efficient in rectifying the other problems. I would appreciate any lead on how these two outstanding niggles can be sorted out.

The windows faults were mainly due to the guide rails lubricant drying up, thus jamming the smooth travel of the window tracks.

Handling on bumpy roads is fairly good compared to the excellent holding performance on smooth road surfaces.

Very comfortable interior with plenty of leg room.

Poorly designed jack - a shame really.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2006

22nd Apr 2007, 16:04

Can't imagine how a (5) doors Saloon would look like!

2004 Renault Megane 2.0 Cabriolet 2.0 from South Africa

Summary:

Very expensive for its quality and service from both manufacturer and dealer

Faults:

The car go like the clutch is burnt. the car is a year old, but it has had cluch problems twice. they say its driver negligence, but they can't find a fault with it.

General Comments:

This car is very slow from start when you turn on a bumpy road it just jumps around.

Renault does not provide a shuttle service, so if you want to take it for service you better know the taxi routes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th December, 2005