Anyone own a Renault Fluence?

ScarletFeather

Looking at upgrading to a family car from a 3 door which is not suitable now with baby on the way.
I am swaying between a few cars but the best 'value' we can find is a 12 Renault Fluence. We have test driven it and it seems like a good car (bearing in mind we are kinda clueless about cars) and meets criteria we need (a very big boot)

I have read a few negative reviews and just wondering if any current owners of a Fluence can give me some feedback (good and bad)

Thanks a million

toyotaavensis

what sort of warranty comes with the car and how long do you plan to keep it.
Remember that a vw or toyota will hold its value better when you come to sell it.

ian87

My mother had one for 2 years, bought it brand new. Never gave her an ounce of bother. They are slow as Christmas. A 1.5 is a small engine to haul around a large body but it was good on juice all the same.

She always gave out about the quality of the interior. She felt it was very plasticy and the quality of said plastics were cheap and flimsy. She came out of a 06 primera into her fluence in 10 so what she was coming from wouldnt have been the best to start with so really highlighted how cheap they are inside.

I sold it privately for her and the phone rang just the once, thankfully the same guy bought it, but she took a bad enough hit on residuals.

All in all, a comfy car, with loads of space but interior can be a bit of a let down and you're not going to set the world alight.

El Kabong!

If family is on the way the I recommend you get a large hatch or estate. The megane estate would be similar to the fluence but a bit pricier.

JimmyChew

2010 Avensis or a verso is the budget allows..

repsol

If you are clueless about cars, I suggest you get a friend or relative with a bit of knowledge to guide you. I would avoid anything with a Renault badge like the plague. If you are looking at 12 plates, you obviously have a reasonable budget which should get you a decent car. A Focus or Golf is a much nicer car and will easily sell on for you in 2 or 3 years. Qashqais and Corolla Verso are worth a look if you prefer more headroom Try selling your by then 5 year old Fluence and see what you will get for it.

GusGus

My dad is on his second and my sister has a 2010. Neither have had any trouble with them. My sister had three young kids and they are on a farm. Loads of space . Very good on fuel but don't be expecting a fast car . It's slow .try very hard not to buy basic model go for at least a dynamique version. The basic version is awful in my opinion

rovoagho

Dumbest car name since the Carisma that had none.

ABajaninCork

I'd recommend a Focus. With the new shape model, the boot space is huge and the interior roomy enough to accommodate all your needs.

I wouldn't touch a Renault with a barge pole!

coolbeans

repsol wrote: »

If you are clueless about cars, I suggest you get a friend or relative with a bit of knowledge to guide you. I would avoid anything with a Renault badge like the plague. If you are looking at 12 plates, you obviously have a reasonable budget which should get you a decent car. A Focus or Golf is a much nicer car and will easily sell on for you in 2 or 3 years. Qashqais and Corolla Verso are worth a look if you prefer more headroom Try selling your by then 5 year old Fluence and see what you will get for it.

This isn't right at all. Renault have been pretty unbreakable since about 2008 when they had a massive quality overhaul beginning with the new Laguna and then the Megane. Sure the Fluence isn't a charismatic ball of excitement but they're cheap and reliable. I'd look at a Laguna if I were the OP. Lots of value, peerless safety and the 2008 on is one of the most trouble free cars in its class.

For Forks Sake

rovoagho wrote: »

Dumbest car name since the Carisma that had none.

I was very disappointed they didn't call the electric version ....the eFluence

naughtysmurf

Have one since May 2011, +70K on it now, no issues, frugal on fuel. Always found Renault very comfortable on long drives

I don't find it slow tbh, tips along nicely at 125km/hr with cruise control on, it will be fine as a family car, rallying not so great

They come with a 5 yr manufacturer warranty so you would still have what remains of that

Don't listen to those about Renault reliability issues, yes between 03 & 08 there were plenty of lemons but there has been a huge improvement since then

Agree the Dynamique level is the minimum you want, decent spec.
I'd have no issue buying another one, you will take a hit on resale value but if you plan to mind it & hold onto it for a good few years this won't matter so much so if it ticks most of your box's and suits your budget, then I'd say work away

Just to add as is mentioned a lot on here, modern diesels may not / don't like lots of short trips so make sure a diesel is what you need

Jesus.

Its a nice looking car IMO but I've heard so many people say its dog slow. Is there a more powerful unit available with them, like a 2 liter or something?

ScarletFeather

Thanks to everyone for opinions. We are not too worried about future trade in value as my husband drives an 03 Nissan Almera and our plan is to buy a family car now (the Fluence is looking most likely for our budget) and use for next few years and then upgrade again in 3-4 as a cash sale and give the Fluence to my husband as his Almera will be worthless.
Nice to hear that people who have one haven't had any major issues. I have driven it and don't find it slow or sluggish. Yes internally its not the most amazing looking car but I don't mind that as its functionality as a car with a baby is more important to me. I actually like the external look. I do prefer the external look of the hatchback insignia but I just dont know can I justify the extra money at this time
It had a 5 year warranty which has 3.5 years left on it so thats a good bonus.

Kristopherus

ScarletFeather wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for opinions. We are not too worried about future trade in value as my husband drives an 03 Nissan Almera and our plan is to buy a family car now (the Fluence is looking most likely for our budget) and use for next few years and then upgrade again in 3-4 as a cash sale and give the Fluence to my husband as his Almera will be worthless.
Nice to hear that people who have one haven't had any major issues. I have driven it and don't find it slow or sluggish. Yes internally its not the most amazing looking car but I don't mind that as its functionality as a car with a baby is more important to me. I actually like the external look. I do prefer the external look of the hatchback insignia but I just dont know can I justify the extra money at this time
It had a 5 year warranty which has 3.5 years left on it so thats a good bonus.

Don't take much notice of the car snobs that are posting here. The Renaults on sale now are centuries ahead of the pre '09 models. The Fluence has the best 1.5 diesel engine on the market. The same engine is also in the Nissan Qashqai and Juke as well as across the Renault, Citroen and Peugeot ranges. So it has a pristine pedigree and is very frugal on fuel. I'm getting over 60mpg on mainly urban driving.

Thats my 2 cents.

bazz26

Kristopherus wrote: »

Don't take much notice of the car snobs that are posting here. The Renaults on sale now are centuries ahead of the pre '09 models. The Fluence has the best 1.5 diesel engine on the market. The same engine is also in the Nissan Qashqai and Juke as well as across the Renault, Citroen and Peugeot ranges. So it has a pristine pedigree and is very frugal on fuel. I'm getting over 60mpg on mainly urban driving.

Thats my 2 cents.

Citroen/Peugeot do not use Renault engines or vice versa.

Fluence was co-developed with Samsung primarily for the Asian market where it is sold as a Samsung and rebadged as a Renault in Europe.

toyotaavensis

bazz is right. Also the 1.5 hyundai/kia engine is better than the nissan/renault dci engine in my opinion.

Henry Ford III

bazz26 wrote: »

Citroen/Peugeot do not use Renault engines or vice versa.

Fluence was co-developed with Samsung primarily for the Asian market where it is sold as a Samsung and rebadged as a Renault in Europe.

Absolutely correct. Fluence is a low quality model, built to a price.

I've no idea what it's like to own, or drive, or even sit in. I'm in no hurry to find out either.

Oafley Jones

Kristopherus wrote: »

Don't take much notice of the car snobs that are posting here. The Renaults on sale now are centuries ahead of the pre '09 models. The Fluence has the best 1.5 diesel engine on the market. The same engine is also in the Nissan Qashqai and Juke as well as across the Renault, Citroen and Peugeot ranges. So it has a pristine pedigree and is very frugal on fuel. I'm getting over 60mpg on mainly urban driving.

Thats my 2 cents.

I really don't think it's snobbery. Just people operating on woefully outdated info. I'd pay as much attention to their input as someone in a financial forum going on about how good the books of Irish banks are.

Don't like the Fluence personally. Hate the look of it and really don't like the standard seats. My father owns one and while he doesn't love it it, it's never given him any bother, is fuel efficient and has decent space. My wife has a gt line grand megane and its a much nicer car. Feels more solid, great seats and fantastic space. Can be had for little more than what you'll pay for the fluence. 6 speed makes a big difference too.

naughtysmurf

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Absolutely correct. Fluence is a low quality model, built to a price.

I've no idea what it's like to own, or drive, or even sit in. I'm in no hurry to find out either.

How can you say it's a low quality model & in your next breath clearly state that you have no idea what it's like to own or drive or even sit in and be taken seriously :rolleyes:

Current owners have given their opinion, we actually know what they are like to own, drive & sit in

Henry Ford III

naughtysmurf wrote: »

How can you say it's a low quality model & in your next breath clearly state that you have no idea what it's like to own or drive or even sit in and be taken seriously :rolleyes:

Current owners have given their opinion, we actually know what they are like to own, drive & sit in

Because it's true. Read what Baz said in post #16.

MidlandsM

OP, look at a Kia Ceed Wagon ....better engine and gearbox - 7 year warranty too. Might suit your needs better.

naughtysmurf

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Because it's true. Read what Baz said in post #16.

bazz26 wrote: »

Citroen/Peugeot do not use Renault engines or vice versa.

Fluence was co-developed with Samsung primarily for the Asian market where it is sold as a Samsung and rebadged as a Renault in Europe.

bazz26 made a comment in #16 to clarify who developed & does/doesn't use a Renault engine
Don't see how it backs up your opinion based on your own admitted total lack of knowledge on the Fluence tbf

I'm no expert either, but I do have one for nearly three years so have some knowledge of it & a non Renault main dealer who was servicing my one recently told me himself that it was a pretty decent engine & very good on fuel, which I knew anyway from experience

el pasco

They are cheap and reliable know one with over 320k km on the clock
I have driven it a lot
The seats aren't the most comfortable for long journeys and the bend to one side if your heavy!!
But they are cheap and not the most comfortable car with hard to clean seats
The heater isn't great but if you bought it for €15k with scrapage deal then great
Not the most powerful car but its does the job
A to b car
There can be a problem with the rear lights connector but apart from that they're grand

Henry Ford III

This is what Baz said.

bazz26 wrote: »

Citroen/Peugeot do not use Renault engines or vice versa.

Fluence was co-developed with Samsung primarily for the Asian market where it is sold as a Samsung and rebadged as a Renault in Europe.

I've highlighted the important bit.

The Dagda

Henry Ford III wrote: »

This is what Baz said.



I've highlighted the important bit.

Do you think the involvement of Samsung is a negative?
If anything I'd see it as a positive, they're a world leader in all the fields they operate in.

Henry Ford III

The Dagda wrote: »

Do you think the involvement of Samsung is a negative?
If anything I'd see it as a positive, they're a world leader in all the fields they operate in.

A car developed for the Asian market and sold here as a cheap afterthought wouldn't be up to much if Banksy himself hand painted it.

The Dagda

Henry Ford III wrote: »

A car developed for the Asian market and sold here as a cheap afterthought wouldn't be up to much if Banksy himself hand painted it.

Do you think all cars developed for the Asian market are inferior?

TBi

The Dagda wrote: »

they're a world leader in all the fields they operate in.

World leader at copying the actual leaders you mean?

What exactly are they the world leaders at (apart from TV's)?

riverrock1

OP:My mother has owned one for 3 years.She finds it very economical and reliable. The only minor niggles are the glove box and door pockets are tiny,and its not very comfortable, seats are very hard.

If you're looking for a family car you should have a look at the interior space
in a scenic or something similar. The extra stuff you carry around for a child is unbelievable-nappies, wipes, pushchair, spare clothes. And when they get older its toys,bicycle etc

Oafley Jones

TBi wrote: »

World leader at copying the actual leaders you mean?

What exactly are they the world leaders at (apart from TV's)?

Off topic, but you've got to be ****ting me. This is a company that has a ridiculously vast experience in product innovative. There's not many out there that can claim the depth of their product portfolio. I'm not a fan, but look at their phones for example , almost every aspect is designed and built in house. How many other companies can you say that about.

TBi

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Off topic, but you've got to be ****ting me. This is a company that has a ridiculously vast experience in product innovative. There's not many out there that can claim the depth of their product portfolio. I'm not a fan, but look at their phones for example , almost every aspect is designed and built in house. How many other companies can you say that about.

Phone OS is created and designed by google with the interface Touchwiz initially a direct copy of Apple's iOS. They might have a big product portfolio but innovation they don't have. This is my last off-topic comment here.

byronbay2

riverrock1 wrote: »

OP:My mother has owned one for 3 years.She finds it very economical and reliable. The only minor niggles are the glove box and door pockets are tiny,and its not very comfortable, seats are very hard.

Correct about the glovebox and door pockets (both are annoyingly small) but I don't get the hating on the seats. I have found them absolutely excellent. Have gone for several long drives (Cork-Letterkenny for example) and never had any problem (stiffness/sore back etc) during or at the end of the journey. Drove my FIL's new Honda SUV last week and had a sore back after 20 minutes.

FWIW, I have owned a Fluence for 3 years and have had no problems of any kind during that period - at 60K kilometres now. No problem with speed but acceleration is a bit slow - still, not as bad as people are making out. It was my first time buying a Renault and was worried about reliability but have had no issues. I was one of the "€15K with scrappage" people mentioned earlier and think that I got great value (trade-in value notwithstanding) a that price.

ThisRegard

toyotaavensis wrote: »

Remember that a vw or toyota will hold its value better when you come to sell it.

repsol wrote: »

A Focus or Golf is a much nicer car and will easily sell on for you in 2 or 3 years. Qashqais and Corolla Verso are worth a look if you prefer more headroom Try selling your by then 5 year old Fluence and see what you will get for it.

Someone with a much better knowledge than I or you posted hard facts in the Duster thread dispelling such claims, it may have been more in relation to the Megane as opposed to the broader Renault range.


OP, might be worth looking at a Grand Megane also, plenty of space for everything the comes with a baby.

ltdslipdiff

In fairness, you can't say Renault got it wrong with the Fluence, they got it 100% right. They ticked all the boxes for the Irish market - cheap tax, diesel, long warranty to silence all the "I had a 2003 Megane - worst car I ever had" nay-sayers, saloon, cheap hard-wearing interior, and most importantly, discounting the bejaysus out of it with a little help from the Greens/Government Scrappage scheme. Problem now is people are going in to dealerships and collapsing in shock on the floor when they see that the cars are now starting at €22,600 and not the magic €16k odd like scrappage days.

What about all the Ssangyong/Daewoo/Chevrolets that were sold in the good times, they still have a loyal following albeit over the age of 50 generally. I would consider the Fluence a much more pleasant drive than any of these.

road_high

I read today Renault were at over 9% of the Irish market which is a super figure for them. Even excludes Dacia which adds another 1.6% or something.
They must be doing something right to be selling so many cars. Sounds like they have actually upped the game hugely in reliability and quality. The Fluence was a lot of car for the money a few years back at €15k scrappage.

are_you_busy

\it is a perfect family car

kala85

Any more opinions on the fluence. Thinking of buying one and just looking for some feedback

I bought a fluence in 2011 New. Very happy with it, no problems bar one issue with Bluetooth that was fixed under warrenty with a software upgrade.

Nice big boot, plenty of space overall, comfortable to drive, fairly economical. Good value for money in my opinion.

NIMAN

I did a days car hunting recently and viewed Focus, Golfs, Leons, Fluence's and I have to say I wasn't mad keen on the Renault at all.

I am sure its probably reliable enough and probably would have suited my needs, but just something about it didn't speak to me. Not mad on the interior styling. Or the exterior for that matter.

Plus the Renault sales guy was giving me a lot less for the trade-in that others.

bazz26

Your local Parish Priest's new company chariot....

Old diesel

With all the talk of the Fluence been a Samsung product - is the Mk 3 Megane (09 on) a Samsung product as well????

slimjimmc

NIMAN wrote: »

Plus the Renault sales guy was giving me a lot less for the trade-in that others.

But what was the cost-to-change in comparison? You might get a higher trade-in value but if you have to pay a higher price for the new car are you really any better off?
I've never owned one and I'm not gone on their exterior styling but I've traveled as a passenger in a few and they seemed grand. Smooth, quiet and comfortable.

bazz26

Old diesel wrote: »

With all the talk of the Fluence been a Samsung product - is the Mk 3 Megane (09 on) a Samsung product as well????

The Megane is designed in Europe for Europe from the ground up.

The Fluence was designed for the emerging Asian markets and adapted for certain European countries where small saloons sell, borrowing bits from the Megane. A bit like the Nissan Tiida except with a bit more thought.

NIMAN

slimjimmc wrote: »

But what was the cost-to-change in comparison? You might get a higher trade-in value but if you have to pay a higher price for the new car are you really any better off?
I've never owned one and I'm not gone on their exterior styling but I've traveled as a passenger in a few and they seemed grand. Smooth, quiet and comfortable.

Well of course the likes of Focus and Golfs were more expensive to trade up to, but that's because I would say they are more desirable than a Fluence.

They are in my book anyway.

kala85

Any more feedback on the fluence from people who bought two years ago?

Toyotafanboi

Despite naysayers, the Fluence is a decent car.

Boot door switches can give trouble, so can front door check straps but both are cheap, easy fixes and should be covered by the five year warranty. Keycards are prone to breaking not that that is a Fluence exclusive, these are expensive and not covered by the warranty so make sure any prospective car has 2x working cards.

Other than that they are fairly solid tbh.

bazz26

For what's it's worth the Fluence is being replaced at the end of this year by the Megane Grand Coupe:




Might be some deals on old Fluence run out models to be had.

naughtysmurf

The check straps will be done under warranty, it's the only thing we had to get done other than regular servicing, 148k on it now, no other issues

kala85

Thanks for the feedback.
Really like the new megane coupe. Wonder will it be available in time for January 2017?

How much would the Keycards cost?
Price to get a Renault is coming in a good bit cheaper than similar Ford or Toyota

naughtysmurf

kala85 wrote: »

How much would the Keycards cost

I got a Megan II key card repaired properly for €70, in fairness the fluence key cards seem a lot sturdier