MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
To add to all the current car topics....
I've been looking at the usual suspects for a mini mpv (S-Max, Mazda 5, Touran, Zafira, Pug 5008) and the Renault has seemed to sneak into the mix, even though it didn't initially spring to mind.
It seems to be quite well specced and while I'm awaiting a test drive, does anyone have experiences of them? Pref first hand, but I know this is STW I'm asking!
Yes I realisew it's French and at some stage the electrics will give up etc, with a shrug of it's wheelarches! And some bits will fall off (if it's like my 307!!
we had a 2004 one, bought new and sold in 08. Was a pretty good car, but eventually the electrics did go crazy and it was out of warranty, so we got rid of it. It was a 130 dci - drove well and great for the kids. averaged around 28mpg, mainly short stop start town driving during teh week and some longer runs with bikes on roof at weekends etc.
I would have another one. Currently have a CMax - better built, nicer to drive, smaller and not so child friendly.
I have a 307SW with the two small back seats (very limited and only for little ones) however it is 3 years old, 55mpg on a run and so far no problems. Not very sexy but very practical and all the toys.
Never thought I would recommend it to anyone but I have owned a lot worse.
We have a standard scenic, has been pretty good for a couple of years, inc trips down through France, great family wagon - despite all the nay sayers
I drive a Renault Megane and will never buy another Renault again. It has been a constant battle with electrical problems which all seem to mean the car won’t start and I get hammered for lots of money. The garage that I deal with (an auto electrics specialist) has said that the electrics on Renaults are like no other manufacturer and are just horrendous. I know it’s not related to that specific model but I would go nowhere near a Renault.
I owned a renault megane (1.9Dci i think they share engines) until december, and would say that if you're buying new then go for it, as then you've got a warranty to fall back on but second hand...avoid, as mine was a litany of stuff going wrong:
Fuel pump went within a week - fixed by dealer under warranty
Belt tensioner failed - jumped cam belt and destroyed top end, fixed my me & my dad
Engine mount broke
Randomly cutting out - fixed, eventually, by an aa man who managed to trace it to a split wiring loom.
Alternator pulley bearing let go - another new cambelt (fortunately didn't do the top end again)
EGR valve fell apart
MAP sensor stopped working
Fuel leak
Turbo blowing lots of oil through it seals (when they go it's bye bye engine)
It also went through 3 or 4 wheel bearings as well
And the clutch was/is on the way out (which you have to remove the whole engine to replace)
Fortunately my dad was so annoyed by the trade in value offered on his car when he went to get a new one that he gave me his car and traded in the megane! On the plus side:
The seats were comfy
The fuel economy was good (despite the leak)
The heater worked well.
It was purple, so you'd never loose it in a car park.
Two of the Wife's friends have them, although they've only had them for a year or so they have no problems to report.
I've no doubt I'll get caned for this, but what about a Toyota Verso ?
Having been in both the Renaults mentioned above I'd say our Verso is leagues ahead in terms of build quality. A stone split a hose last summer, but that aside its done almost 100k in 6yrs, & only ever been in the workshop for Servicing & tyres. The last of the older shaped ones would make a good buy, especially the 180bhp D4D version.
I have an 06 grand scenic (co.car) and i love it!
8" longer than the standard scenic - was the reason for choosing it!
put 2 dh bikes in the back, upright minus front wheels and all the kit with the back seats folded down (have never used seats 6&7) - have slept in it comfortably with rear seats out!
storage compartments everywhere!
40+ mpg, 130dci so quite pokey, been to the alps a few times fully laden, very comfy (soft) ride and nice seat position.
only gripe is heater/aircon performance.... apart from that nowt at all
Ron Skinners in south wales were a good place to buy slightly used ones.
Had an 05 plate for 3 yrs. Think it was 120 or 130 1.9dci. Never had any problems with it. 18k service intervals mean it was cheap to service. We looked at lots (wife wanted a big sunroof which was a £ option so not many have it) and the insides do show wear - scratches etc but we found a nice low mileage and I would have another. Average 41mpg on mainly short journeys. When I was looking there was a debate about the exhaust filter which is meant to regenerate. Can't remember the details but might be worth doing a bit of googling. Just got rid of it as we don't need the 7 seats anymore and now drive a Citroen Berlingo.