Renault Grand Scenic (2004 - 2009) 1.9 dCi Dynamique 5d (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Family man. It's an MPV after all.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Generally positive comments. Most love the styling and the gadgets. MPV's are hardly fashion statements, but it does at least look fresh and different compared to some of its rather bland rivals. Everyone who has ever been in it has commented on the comfort, the smoothness and performance of the engine and

Would you buy this car again and why?

If it weren't for the Ford S-Max, I would say yes, but I am still learning to trust Renault electrics. If it stays reliable, yes I probably would. It's a near perfect family car, but the S-Max does pretty much the same thing with better dynamics, making it very tempting.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium in about 3 years, or maybe another one of these??

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,750

When did you buy the car?

April 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought privately (after successfully completing HPI and DVLA checks). Car still under manufacturers warranty and has a full Renault main dealer history, so risk minimal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Liked the styling and the comfort. Liked the versatility of the 7 seat option, which when not in use gives the car a far bigger boot than the competition.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

The 1.9 dCi engine is fantastic and seems to shrug off the car's weight, even when laden. It's a little "dead" right at the bottom of the rev range, but from 1800 RPM it pulls strongly. Very refined and smooth too with only a distant growl even when worked hard. Electric power steering is awful with a rubbery, numb feel, but the car handles quite well with surprising grip and composure. Brakes feel powerful, but the servo assistance is overdone.

What's it like to park?

Good visibility all round makes parking easy, but it's hard to judge the front end of the car due to the bonnet being completely invisible from the drivers seat, even if you lean right forward. Light steering and gentle clutch are a pleasure when parking. Electric parking brake is downright weird until you get used to it, but in fairness it works perfectly.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Once told us to "Check Airbag" but this has never reoccurred. There's also a bit of noise from the panoramic sunroof. Dealer put it through as a warranty claim, no questions asked, but it's taken 6 weeks (and waiting) to get the part from Renault.

What's most practical about your car?

The flexible seating configuration is tremendous with each of the rear seats independently tiltable or removable. With all seats removed, it offers van-like load carrying capability. Lots of nice touches for family use as well such as the integral rear sunblinds, under floor and under seat storage, refrigerated glovebox and 2 pop up seats in the boot with proper 3 point seatbelts

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Where to start? The car is loaded with gadgets. Favourite has to be the full keyless Renault card, which only requires the card to be on your person to enable unlocking and driving of the car. Little IR sensors in the door handles sense your hand and unlock automatically if the key is present. Also love the full closure of the windows and roof when the car is locked, and the automatic operation of the wipers and lights which works superbly.