Renault Megane

Despite looking a bit dated, the Renault Megane provides reliable transport for legions of loyal owners

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2002

The French car's beauty is in its prices - depreciation is steeper than on its Ford Focus and VW Golf rivals, so you can pick one up for a song.
Other benefits include a supple ride and, on larger-engined models, lively performance. The range includes a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon, plus a stylish coupe and cabriolet, with the latter two holding their value far better.
Megane checklist
* Tempting fleet deals mean lots of diesel high-milers around. Check service history and beware of smoky injectors.
* No rust problems reported as yet, but paint is susceptible to fading and stonechips, especially flat reds and white. Look out for accident damage.
* Trim can be flimsy, so listen for dash rattles and clunky parcel shelves. Seat fabrics on low-spec versions wear fast.
* A few owners have had problems with autos. Check all ratios engage and look for smooth power take-up.
Glass's view
Screen prices are low, but the Megane is one of the poorer cars in its class in terms of depreciation and dynamics, says trade bible Glass's Consumer Values. Coupes and cabrios are a different story. High demand, especially for open-tops, means values are more stable.
My Megane...
Lee and Bryony Musgrave have had their Megane for the past four years, after swapping Lee's Peugeot 205 GTi for something more suited to the needs of their growing family.
Lee, a 29-year-old video games designer from Leicestershire, and Bryony, 28, a full-time mum, were attracted by Renault's free insurance deal and a good trade-in price for the Pug. Since then, the R-reg 1.6 RT Sport has done 35,000 miles and been reliable - its only trip to the garage for anything other than routine servicing was after a minor accident.
"The car is a family workhorse," said Lee. "It does exactly what we ask of it." But while they like the Renault's comfortable cabin and useful interior, the couple have a couple of gripes. "The trim is rattly, the clock's packed up and the air-con smells like old dishcloths when you use it," said Lee.
Despite these faults, the Musgraves are satisfied with the car and won't be replacing it for a long while. "We intend to drive our Megane into the ground," Lee added. "That way, we'll avoid the levels of depreciation faced by most new car buyers."