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2004 Renault Megane - Are they all that bad?

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  • 26-05-2010 9:49am
    #1
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users Posts: 841 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm thinking of buying a new(er) car and I have had my heart set on a 2004 or 2005 Renault Megane estate. I was all set to go down the country this weekend and buy one that I've been looking at. Said it to my brother-in-law last night and he told me under no circumstances to even consider it. He said the electrics/computer are notoriously unreliable on them and I will be calling out a Renault engineer with his laptop regularly when the car refuses to start or stops dead, mid-journey (among other problems).

    Is this serious warning justified or is it just an example of one person's experience (anecdotal evidence)? Do you have one? How have you found it?

    (Because I really love the look of this car and it ticks all the boxes otherwise)

    Thanks,
    Brian
    Tagged:


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    #2
    Henry Ford III
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,705 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    This has potential :D


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    #3
    eringobragh
    Registered Users Posts: 3,668 ✭✭✭eringobragh


    'Me no likie' Renault Megune :P
    Henry Ford III wrote: »
    This has potential :D

    Epic indeed! :)


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    #4
    BrianD3
    Registered Users Posts: 8,370 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    Petrol or diesel? The petrol engine is relatively simple and reliable but there are a couple of known issues (plugs coils and flywheel sensor) which can affect running and starting. The diesel engines are more complex and there is potential for big bills if something goes wrong, same thing applies to many modern diesels from various makes.

    Also on the Megane the headlight bulbs are difficult to change and electric window regulators fail quite often.


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    #5
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    BrianD3 wrote: »
    Petrol or diesel?

    Petrol, anything from 1.4L to 1.6L.. I wouldn't mind things like changing the bulbs or even the electric windows fault all that much because I kind of enjoy getting out the Haynes manual on a Saturday afternoon and plugging away at such things! Serious engine or starting problems are no fun though ;)


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    #6
    BrianD3
    Registered Users Posts: 8,370 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    Dr Pepper wrote: »
    Petrol, anything from 1.4L to 1.6L.. I wouldn't mind things like changing the bulbs or even the electric windows fault all that much because I kind of enjoy getting out the Haynes manual on a Saturday afternoon and plugging away at such things! Serious engine or starting problems are no fun though ;)
    The plug coil and flywheel sensor faults are both minor IMO. A flywheel sensor that needs cleaning or replacing may result in difficult starting. A faulty plug coil will result in the car starting and running but on 3 cylinders. One replacement coil is about 40-50 quid and takes 5 minutes to fit.


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    #7
    jayjay2010
    Registered Users Posts: 505 ✭✭✭jayjay2010


    I've just bought a Megane CC 06, as you can see from me ''My new car...you likie?'' Thread.

    To be honest I have only sat in the SW Meganes. But all the dials and switches should be the same (or very similar) to my CC.

    Everything inside the car is easy to use, clearly marked and the build quality is great. I have the 1.6L, not very punchy, kinda slow at startup but once you've gone into 3rd gear the car feels fine to drive!

    The Meganes SW dont have a reputation for superb reliability, but they arent terrible either. Things like windows not working are meant to be a common fault, but not expensive to fix.

    I think you should test drive one, make sure its equipment ticks all your boxes and if you like it -go for it! :)


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    #8
    Zubeneschamali
    Registered Users Posts: 16,686 ✭✭✭✭Zubeneschamali


    See first post in this thread


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    #9
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,538 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    My mother has a 2006 megan 4 door with. On its third complete wiring loom....unreliable is not the word.


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    #10
    Berty
    Registered Users Posts: 26,149 ✭✭✭✭Berty


    My father had a 2004 Megane and the cars only problems were recalls. The only major issue the car had was its depreciation.

    The rear electrics went and a sparks said he gets quite a lot of meganes with that problem. He just put up the window and disconnected the electrics. Nobody ever sits in the back.

    Traded last week. Now its Frank Hogans garage in Limericks problem. :D


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    #11
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    Thanks all for the tips. Well, the final nail is in the coffin for my potential Megane purchase. I just spoke to my regular mechanic and he (like my brother-in-law) said that under no circumstances should I buy one of these. He too was very insistent almost to the point of threatening disownership of me as a customer :p

    He listed off a litany of offences (a bit too technical for me to describe). Basically, there are a few around the area and he's had them in regularly with all sorts of problems.

    Sorry, Megane drivers :(
    Thanks to all for sharing your info!


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    #12
    LordSutch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,078 ✭✭✭✭LordSutch


    Interesting thread indeed as I am also after one! preferably a 1.6 petrol or a 1.5 diesel (1.4s are terrably underpowered), I will still keep looking > cautiously :)


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    #13
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    ... And it was such a pretty car... :p


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    #14
    Fabritzo
    Registered Users Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭Fabritzo


    I'm sure most of you know but here's an 'interesting' video on how to change a Megane bulb.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXCZ2v-nIF4


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    #15
    homer90
    Registered Users Posts: 2,073 ✭✭✭homer90


    Not once but twice today :D:D

    my day is made !!


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    #16
    slimjimmc
    Registered Users Posts: 7,787 ✭✭✭slimjimmc


    Fabritzo wrote: »
    I'm sure most of you know but here's an 'interesting' video on how to change a Megane bulb.
    Yeah saw that before and still get a great laugh at it. I can assure you, any of the bulbs in the headlights can be changed within 5 minutes with just the bonnet open and the wheels turned in to get access through an aperature in the wheel arch. Absolutely no need to start pulling things assunder or taking wheels off. I'm more shocked at the ignorance of that mechanic.


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    #17
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    OP - unless your 'advisor' has ever owned one, then, tbh, he has no experience of the things worth considering....

    Fwiw, i've had 3 x pre-04, and regretted ever selling them, esp the last one (03)......:(

    A friend of ours is now on her............4th one ?....and wouldn't consider anything else.

    As for a garage knocking them, well, just go and ask him about the troubles with any VAG 1.4 petrol, and all their other problems, and see how far that gets you...........

    And, in completely unscientific way, the people who rescue most people - the AA - drive Fiat's.............they're not doing that because they're unreliable, either...........:P

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #18
    Leonard Hofstadter
    Registered Users Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    Those Meganes are serious trouble, as has already been said.

    OP get a 1.6 Focus, though if I was you I'd have kept the Mondeo, (don't get a 1.4 Focus or 1.4 anything that size for that matter as a 1.4 is way too small for anything that size and will guzzle petrol becuase of the lack of power), they are great cars that give very little problems and even if they do give trouble they are very inexpensive to fix.


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    #19
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    galwaytt wrote: »

    And, in completely unscientific way, the people who rescue most people - the AA - drive Fiat's.............they're not doing that because they're unreliable, either...........:P

    Fiats powered by non Fiat engines (in the case of the Scudo)
    I like Fiats though, older ones anyway, the folks had two Ritmos and I was leaning towards an Uno as my first car.


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    #20
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Fiats powered by non Fiat engines (in the case of the Scudo).

    Non-FIAT engine in a Fiat ? Please elaborate, that's news to me.

    I say this in the knowledge that all Multijet in Fiat, cdti in GM products (cars, vans), and TiD in Saab's, as well as all JTDm and JTD in Alfa's are all FIAT. And I'm ignoring all the non-road vehicles they're in.......

    Why on earth the leading diesel engine mfr on the planet wouldn't use one in their own vehicle escapes me. But, I'm open to your response, it's most curious.......

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #21
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Non-FIAT engine in a Fiat ? Please elaborate, that's news to me.

    I say this in the knowledge that all Multijet in Fiat, cdti in GM products (cars, vans), and TiD in Saab's, as well as all JTDm and JTD in Alfa's are all FIAT. And I'm ignoring all the non-road vehicles they're in.......

    Why on earth the leading diesel engine mfr on the planet wouldn't use one in their own vehicle escapes me. But, I'm open to your response, it's most curious.......

    I already elaborated, the Scudo, original one, 1.9 XUD engine.


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    #22
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Aha - but AA only use new ones.........

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #23
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Aha - but AA only use new ones.........

    Dunno about that, they had an XUD powered one in Cork City in recent years. They mustn't have been the best diesel engine manufacturer until the 21st century.

    Admit it, you didn't know old Scudos were XUD powered, 'tis obvious from your previous post anyway :p


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    #24
    LordSutch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,078 ✭✭✭✭LordSutch


    I have been test driving 1.6 Megan's (07-08) over the last week, and I must say, 'they are a lovely car', I am still waiting to find a (1.5 Dci 100 BHP) diesel to take out, (which will be a nice comparrison) against the 1.6 petrol. Ideally I would go for the 1.9 diesel, but they are as rare as hens teeth here in the Republic, which leads me onto 'UK Direct' ??? :cool:


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    #25
    TwoShedsJackson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,438 ✭✭✭TwoShedsJackson


    My sister in law has an 04 Megane, endless trouble, electrics giving trouble all the time, window regulators etc. etc. Wouldn't go near one.


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    #26
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    Camelot wrote: »
    I have been test driving 1.6 Megan's (07-08) over the last week, and I must say, 'they are a lovely car', I am still waiting to find a (1.5 Dci 100 BHP) diesel to take out, (which will be a nice comparrison) against the 1.6 petrol. Ideally I would go for the 1.9 diesel, but they are as rare as hens teeth here in the Republic, which leads me onto 'UK Direct' ??? :cool:

    They are a lovely looking car and lovely to drive imo. I'd recommend asking the opinion of a mechanic or two before you buy anything. Best of luck if you do buy!


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    #27
    Guy:Incognito
    Registered Users Posts: 38,247 ✭✭✭✭Guy:Incognito


    BrianD3 wrote: »
    The plug coil and flywheel sensor faults are both minor IMO. A flywheel sensor that needs cleaning or replacing may result in difficult starting. A faulty plug coil will result in the car starting and running but on 3 cylinders. One replacement coil is about 40-50 quid and takes 5 minutes to fit.

    GSF have them for €20 + vat so around €120 for 4 if your that way inclined.:)

    RoverJames wrote: »
    I already elaborated, the Scudo, original one, 1.9 XUD engine.

    Yep another unreliable French piece of muck like all the rest....


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    #28
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Stekelly wrote: »
    Yep another unreliable French piece of muck like all the rest....

    You misinterpret me :), I never once meant that to suggest the XUD was unreliable. I was merely pointing out that many of the AA Fiat vehicles were non Fiat engined.


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    #29
    Henry Ford III
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,705 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    Megane's are a bit like Marmite.


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    #30
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,538 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    Looks solid enough in the jar but inside its a smelly gloopy mess......

    or

    Its a matter of taste, if you like it, you have got none.

    or

    Made of yeast extract.


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    #31
    macroman
    Registered Users Posts: 980 ✭✭✭macroman


    Henry Ford III wrote: »
    Megane's are a bit like Marmite.
    I've had a few Meganes (97, 00, 04) and never had anything more than a minor problem. Okay I have mechanical experience but aside from a window regulator and coil pack in the 04, and the air recirculation valve in the 00 I've never had any electrical faults. The two piece exhause (originally one piece) used to drop at the join where the clamp would loosen a 2 min fix with a spanner and some sealer.

    Headlight bulbs were easily replaced. N/S is the most difficult. Removing the wheel is essential to get the arm all the way in.

    I wouldn't be mad on Ford Focus'. I've had the older shape (04) and newer shape (05) and both had electrical problems such as the ECU immobilising the car on the newer shape. Both suffered from window regulators and coil pack problems and had to do the Lambda sensor on the 04. Most expensive fix was the labour in having the keys rematched to the ECU.

    Golfs have their fair share of problems too, mainly mechanical. But it's usually easier to put them right due to the fact that there are loads of independent VAG specialists about the place.

    Head over to the owners forums and read up on any issues owners have had with their cars.


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