Renault Megane Hatchback (1996 - 2002) 1.6e RT 5d (Elec Pack+SR) (1996/P) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It's a bit of an eccentric.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
I got a lot of stick from my friends for the Megane. It makes a lot of funny noises and sounds rough, so they presumed we were always about to break-down! Although no-one was complaining when they dozed off during the smooth motorway cruises, and awoke to find us at our destination ahead of schedual.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not, there are better cars for the money/insurance group. Just a bit rough and unrefined to live-with, despite the practicality and affordability. Lots of niggly faults made it a hard car to sell-on.
What are you likely to buy next?
I now drive a Saab 9-3 LPT.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,600
When did you buy the car?
September 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
It was a good deal because the dealer had it from a p/x, and wanted to shift it quick.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Not really, just needed something cheep and practical that could transport stuff on long journeys and also act as a town car.
What was the dealer like?
Fine. No frills, a bit dour, but fine.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
A good car for cruising on the motorway, but the suspension is too soft for the twisty stuff. That said there is plenty of grip and the steering feels direct, so it can be fun in its own way. The engine has loads of mid-range torque, so acceleration can be pretty rapid, but it runs out of steam far to quickly. Engine also sounds like a tractor. MPG is excellent for performance.
What's it like to park?
Easy to park. Good visibilty. Steering feels very precise for tight manouvres.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Many annoyances, but no real issues. Alternator belt snapped, which also killed the battery. Passenger door no-longer opens off the central locking, so needs doing manually. Hand-brake occasionally sticks. An exhaust baffle has come lose, so there is now a 'rasp' at about 4500rpm.
What's most practical about your car?
Large load space. Excellent MPG.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Stereo controls on the steering-wheel.
