Comments on: 2008 Renault Megane Review

By: Elfin

Elfin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:47:25 +0000

u can currently buy a new diesel/auto for $22k driveaway

thats the cheapest diesel/auto in australia

be warned its 2007, but new

By: David

David — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:44:50 +0000

My Megane is five years old, has 40,000 km, has gone through three electric windows in the first three years but apart from that has been fine. The windows seem to be a real problem with this car. The good points are the fantastic seats, the clever storage areas, the build quality, the huge boot, the safety gear and the motor. The negatives are the auto box, some buzzing from the dash and the bloody annoying seat belt chime. Theyd do far better with some decent marketing and motivated dealerships.

By: mike rose

mike rose — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:29:07 +0000

I bought a 2004 model 5 door new in Jan 2004. So it’s 5 years 2 months old, 112,000km. Top of the line model with leather and glass roof, 6 speed manual. I paid too much as it was off the first shipment, but prices now seem very fair.
Problems have been 2 engine mounts, a dirty crank angle sensor (cleaned by the dealer at no charge)and the clock spring in the steering wheel hub at 70,000km ($600). Otherwise just regular servicing, costs about average. I bought it because it was ugly enough to interest me. I’ve been a motor and marine mechanic for over 35 years, and didn’t really expect it to be as good as it is. It’s been as reliable as my Toyota HiAce, which after 14 years is about to be replaced with a Renault Trafic.
If I replaced the Megane with anything but another one my wife would make me wish I was dead.

By: swampdawg

swampdawg — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:19:15 +0000

Very sorry to hear that BeeGee,
a few reports i have read state that french cars will give you grief, i wonder how reliable the low cost Renault Dacia would be?

By: Ravith

Ravith — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:19:50 +0000

BeeGee you saved me from trouble.
I was considering buying a new Megane – given their specs and for the pride of owning an European car. But it looks it is more of a headache than pride.

Such blogs really help people ….
Now considering Impreza or Lancer.

By: BeeGee

BeeGee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:20:33 +0000

I would not purchase another Renault given my experiences with an automatic Tiptronic. These cars are prone to gearbox problems and in my experience if you expect back-up from the dealer and through them from Renault you will not get it. I prurchased a demonstrator from Hornsby Nissan/Renault which has now done 40,000K and is just out of warranty. Suddenly the gearbox goes “clunk” and into limp mode, the service light comes on. Turn the car off and on and it clears – until next time. Research showed it to be a common Renault fault. Mechanics in the local area knew all about it and reported other faults with these autos as well. Full rebuilds,faulty pulleys, damaged bell housings etc. I was told by one the solenoids played up and fixing these was expensive. However the only place where there was no admission of these problems was at the dealers! They charged me $66 to tell me the solenoids needed replacing and it would cost over $800 dollars. When booking the car in the only thing the person attending seemed interested in was getting my signature to pay and ensuring we picked the car up so they could go home. These are not isolated problems. This mirrors Renault’s response to expensive defects in their product reported elsewhere. I will not be puchasing another Megane or another Renault and have severe doubts about the quality of the product. Hornsby Nissan/Renault will not see me as a customer again.

By: John M

John M — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:58:15 +0000

Wow , what a car, just purchase last week a manual 2.0 Petrol Sedan in Slate Grey for $20K drive away. Didnt even take it for a test drive, so impressed .

By: Carl

Carl — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:45:46 +0000

Hi – I like the Megane – the auto diesel interests me – love the sedan styling. However I am concerned about the spare parts and servicing situation – a friend has a Clio – was reversed into in a carpark needing a bumper – car off road for 6 weeks waiting for a part from france, same deal with a clutch…this is the only thing that makes me hesitate. I must add though, that we have a 2006 Golf – and the quality has been terrible – rust in the hinge bolts on the door – dealers told me to take it to a body shop to get fixed!! Brake pads $400!! 20 000km service $540!! Wiper blades…$110 – needless to say we refused that one….
Maybe we should try a Renault next time.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:26:54 +0000

I’m happy for Mandy and Mr Mojo but its a shame to hear Daphne has had such a problem with his Mégane. I had the last gen sedan (which isnt availible in Aus, I was back in South Africa back then) and it was all good! Had no problems at all, but the 1st gen phase two car wasn’t nearly as nice as the 2nd gen… I can’t wait for the 3rd to be unveiled for the first time. It’ll be nice to see the changes…

Thanks,
Steve

By: daphne

daphne — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:17:04 +0000

Well you guys might be hard to convince otherwise!! I was once a very happy and loyal Renault owner and have been let down by the company completely. I have just put in my complaint to Renault in France. It looks like I was sold a lemon. I have never had more problems with a car. Not even 3 years old yet and I have has several gearbox problems and it has been in and out of the service centre all year, with them still advising that these things just happen. Bullshit!!! Anyway it is not cheap to maintain, however said that is wrong! They are overpriced to service and replacement parts are herendous. Good luck to all of you who are still wanting to buy one, however after the experience I have had and with the lack of professionalism from the service centre staff I will be glad to say good bye to me Renault. even with how much I did love it!!

By: Mr Mojo

Mr Mojo — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:17:36 +0000

Just about to pick up my new 2008 Manual Petrol Megane
Absolute bargain at $20650 drive away for a “demonstrator” with 20kms on the clock. That’s 20 not 20,000! It’s a 2007 build but who cares?

Compared to Focus,Corolla etc it wins hands down. Looks great and feels exclusive.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:48:58 +0000

I purchased my Renault Magane, auto, in January this year and really love it. I happened to see an ad for it in the newspaper when going to Melbourne for a wedding and also look at car possibilities. Got all the brochures (didn’t do any test drives as it was a 42C day), compared all the cars and the Megane came out the best for features and price. Returned and test drove the next week. They certainly had great deals in January.
The only problem I have had is the reverse parking sensors (optional extra, part of the sport’s pack, I think), eventually a non Renault type was fitted as they tried a few and they didn’t work.
I too, think that Renault needs to up its advertising to spread the word of this fantastic car and also have some rural dealerships as I have to travel to Melb (400km return) for servicing (yes, I know, my choice!!).

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:23:34 +0000

I’m truely surprised with the amount of people who love the Mégane! It is a truely great car which deserves a little more attention from the public, but it almost seems like a good thing that nobody else has one. They seem so rare, which makes them even more beautiful (and HEAPS exclusive!)
I went to test drive the new Laguna III two weekends ago and it is just as great as the Mégane! Not as many storage spaces and such but the luxury items are brilliant! I loved the panoramic sunroof, it was great! I advise anyone who wants a Mégane or Laguna to opt for it! It’s great! The Mégane is a beaut of a car and I’m glad the people here recognise it for that and more!
Thanks,
Steve

By: Dicko

Dicko — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:58:09 +0000

Hi there

Just ordered a Megane 2-0ltr Petrol Auto, My wife was wanting to upgrade her vehicle to a Mazda 3 which worked out about $26500 I just happen to see the Renault promotion in Saturdays paper so we went to have a look. We were totally impressed! excellent value the mazda,toyota etc have not got a inch on this vehicle at $28000 drive away. the only worry I have is all the electrics we live in Tully wettest place in Oz

By: David

David — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:06:46 +0000

As a first time owner of a Megane this year I have been mightily impressed by this little known and poorly advertised bargain. Renault Australia should take note.

I shopped it against Focus, Corolla, Lancer and similar but none of them come near it on features, nor on it being something “different” that doesn’t look all the other cars on the road.

It is an absolute delight to drive, fuel econ in the 2.0 petrol averages 8.4l/100 (which is only about 1.0 litre/100k worse than the diesel I have also driven).

There are just so many featues in the car that 3 months after purchase I am still finding the stuff the car industry calls “surprise and delight” features. Many of the features don’t seem to rate a mention in the official publicity or specs for the car e.g heated external mirrors, auto dimming interior lights, door/footwell lights, map lights front and rear, 6 (SIX) cup holders and a glove box big enough to stuff a Melways in and still have room for more. The car also has a global close for the power windows – another feature not listed by Renault. Advertised features like the cruise control are excellent – by far the best one I have ever had on any car – and the speed limiter is also a useful device. Storage is excellent. The radio is brilliant and holds radio stations extremely well away from the city.

The biggest unseen feature (bad pun) is the visibility which is excellent in all directions for a modern car and light years ahead of the Corolla – a small thing I know, but it makes a huge difference in tight spots, when reversing out of a parking spot and for general safety on the road. On the road itself, it is quiet at any speed, comfortable and rides heaps better than most. It provides a very reassuring feeling of being stuck to the road at all speeds. At 100ks an hour the engine is ticking at 2500RPM and even in 6th it will still pull like a train and accelerate away from 100 + to whatever speed you want. The seats are also very comfortable.

The initially weird stuff like the Renault card is very easy to get used to, as are the seemingly complex steering wheel satellite controls, but all become very simple and intuitive after some initial fumbling.

Compared to my last new car (which was a Mazda and the worst heap of junk God ever put on the earth), this car is a revelation and has also attracted lots of interest from family and friends for it’s unique, quirky French design and features. It’s something different in a world where so many cars are indistinguishable and have little or no personality. Buy one – you won’t be disappointed.

By: hollow man

hollow man — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:11:02 +0000

hi guys how are you doing? hope all of are ok however..

i bought full option renault megane sedan 2008 it’s really good
comfort and powerfull bothe doors sides made in steel actually green color this from outside but inside it has nice page color skin chair and automaitic and maniuall gear
it has Slot above the ceiling and finally it’s comfort in driving…

Unfortunately, the prolongation but i want to share with the information about renault megane sedan to be clear for every body..
thank you everybody>>
you can visit my profile in netlog to see the picture if my car …
http://www.netlog.com/intosasuke

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:05:24 +0000

Ive owned a Megane Privilage for three years. So far the score has been 30,000 km, three electric windows replaced, roughly 8 litres/100 km in cruise control at 100 kph. Aircon is great, the engine is great, the auto gearbox is rubbish, the ride is so-so and the resale value is between 13 and 18K for a car that went for 35K in 2005. The only really annoying thing is the rattles and squeaks. No non Renault dealer wants it because the idea of a french car terrifies them.

By: Darrin

Darrin — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:02:13 +0000

We are currently awaiting the finance approval for our first megane petrol manual, which we picked up for $23000 standard!
We looked at all the other vehicles in its range, and the megane was the most practical AND stylish of the lot, by far.
I too have been looking out for them on the road, but see very few, and I can’t work out why. We look forward very much to getting ours this week!

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:40 +0000

Hi Carly
I have had Renaults for many years, and the service bills are no dearer than the Japanese or “Aussie” brands.
The parts for the new models are all similar in price to the Japanese and Aussie rivals.
Apart from being amazing cars in terms of style and cleverness, it’s the only brand that I have actually wanted to drive and get back in and drive again, and again, and again.
I agree, I just don’t understand why there aren’t many more on the road.
I think advertising would make a huge difference.
Cheers

By: carly

carly — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:45:53 +0000

Hi all,

looking at buying 2008 renault, LOVE THE BACK, but worrying about reliability and expensive servicing, do any of the renault owners out there feel they have had problems????

cheers