2002 Renault Scenic 2.0 petrol from South Africa

Summary:

Still innovative, pity about the breakdowns

Faults:

Air conditioner fan unit replaced under warranty.

Hydraulic gearbox pressure sensor replaced under warranty.

Accelerator control (electronic) replaced.

Creaking brakes.

General Comments:

Great space and versatility.

Decent build quality.

Driving pleasure is spoiled by component failures.

The dealer has been more than willing to carry out the repairs, but I'm left wondering what will go wrong next.

The fuel consumption is little high at 9.5l/100 Km.

The car's computer detects faults and selects a 'limp mode' - effectively giving a top speed of 40 Km/hr. This is very weird when it happens and could be dangerous - for example when you are in the fast lane on a highway. The selection of limp mode is characterised by a sharp 'thump' from the engine and a sudden loss of speed and power. Surely a warning that limp mode is going to be selected could be given - to enable the driver to move into the emergency lane?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th January, 2004

2002 Renault Scenic Privelege + 2.0L from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great family car,very roomy

Faults:

Only one fault - within the first week the alarm kept sounding because the bonnet alarm switch required adjusting.

General Comments:

Quick, flexible and economical engine. High driving position is great, loads of room in the rear - a genuine 5 seater, with plenty of legroom. Only critisms are its soft suspension makes it roll in corners, it's a little too noisy on the motorway (road noise) and the hazard warning light switch is hidden by the steering wheel!

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

Review Date: 27th May, 2003

8th Feb 2005, 16:56

I've now had the car 2 1/2 years and it's now covered 56,000 miles.I'm still pleased with the car, although recently I've had trouble with the brakes, at 47,000 miles the pads were worn to the metal, so new disks and pads all round, really these need replacing at 36,000 miles, the 18k service intervals really are too far apart to expect the brakes to last to 54k. it seems to be getting more economical too, I'm getting 35+ mpg on mixed driving, and that's with a boot-full of tools.

6th Dec 2005, 05:16

The car has now finished its 3 year lease period, and has sadly been returned to its lease company. It had covered 75000 miles, more recently it had ignition problems (all ignition modules were replaced under warranty) and failed the MOT on exhaust emissions (sensor faulty). It was more reliable than the Vauxhall Vectra SRI it replaced, and the family are genuinely sorry to see it go. It's been a good workhorse, and I would recommend one to anyone, as long as you're not bothered by its poor ride quality.

2002 Renault Scenic RX-4 1.9dCi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great alternative to a Freelander!

Faults:

Drive Belt tensioner failed at 9000miles. This was replaced by the dealer (who didn't have much faith with Renault Head Office).

Front Fog lights and headlamps suffer from condensation which is a 'feature' of the car according to Renault UK.

Rear Sunroof failed at 9200 miles and would not close. Fortunately, the weather was OK when this happened as the dealer could not check the car for 7 days.

Front sunroof failed (following repair of rear sunroof!). The sunroom faults needed 4 trips to the dealer - the car being off the road for a total of 6 days (well it is supposed to be an 'Off-Road' Scenic!

Water leak to boot area. Cured by adjusting the rear door.

Cd changer stopped working at 8000 miles. Renault said that this would need to be repaired! Totally unacceptable for a new car under warranty! Eventually (8 weeks later) they replaced the unit as Alpine said it was not repairable. Three cheers to Alpine!

Driver's seatbelt fixing rattles - but not when it goes to the dealer!

General Comments:

Off-road capabilities have been better than expected! This vehicle has been 'up to the axles in mud' and got itself out of the mire. It has redeemed itself on more than one occasion Off-Road.

Better than Freelander and has more ground clearance, but would benefit from a lower first gear for off road use, although I would imagine many buyers would not want to go too far away from tarmac.

Build quality could be improved (see faults) as our model, the Scenic RX-4 Privelege Monaco, costs far too much for the build quality.

No wonder Renault now only have one model in this range...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th May, 2003