Renault Megane convertible?

ladymolly

Hi,

Im considering buying a Renault Megane convertible but a lot of people are telling me to stay clear?? I really like the look of the car and its in my price range but am hearing a lot of problems about electrics etc.

can anyone offer any help please??

For Forks Sake

Assuming it's the 03-09 model and not the earlier one you're looking at. Probably best avoided, those Meganes (and the regular hatch/saloon versions) are fairly notorious for the amount of electrical issues they had (windows in particular).

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/renault/megane-coupe-cabriolet-2003/?section=good

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/renault/mk_cit-md_64/?section=good

bazz26

I wouldn't fancy the repair bill on that electric roof if something went wrong with it, given that model's reputation with dodgy electrics. Astra Twin Top or Focus CC would probably be a safer bet imo.

ladymolly

ye its a 06 model!

magentis

had an 03 megane bought it new.
Never again.
electrical gremlins are a problem on these.
That said if its cheap enough........

Reati

ladymolly wrote: »

ye its a 06 model!

Da mother has one, 04 or 05 I think. Can't put down the windows anymore because they won't go back up. Been "fixed" many a time by the dealer (and for free the times we had to go back after the first "fix") and always comes back to effect either the same or a different window eventually. Don't go near it.

Never had a problem with the roof though :P

Renegade Mechanic

Nice car to look at. Comfortable. Not overly sporty or efficient and tbh the 1.6 ones that the Irish bought because, apparently, no other engine had been invented yet are slow under the cars heavy bracing. The roof is cool as you like though:) Folding metal/glass assembly made by Karmann itself- normally found on much higher end vehicles like Porsche. Its reliable enough, a little wind noise and the odd few might leak when it really pours down.

However.

And this is genuine.
The steering components, like any Megane of that era (03-09) give trouble, developing play with regularity and requiring replacement often.

Windows as mentioned are infamous at this stage for their impact on the motoring population.

Engine trouble is common enough. While the core engine itself is actually a hardy unit, its the ancillarys that let it down. Oxegen sensors, Crank pick-ups and in particular, ignition coils, wich give even BMW a run for their money with the amount of trouble they give (though new designs of unit are helping).

Rear brakes are prone to premature degradation in a number of expensive ways (though the system as a whole never fails to stop the car confidently)

The wheels. They are simply too soft for this countries below par road surface. Fully expect a buckled set under every model that isnt confined to a city.

Safety system (Air bag, etc...). Very prone to faults here, usually with connectors under the seat, connectors to the seat belt tensioners in both seat and pillar, or the units themselves.

Electrical. Just... keep an open mind..






They are a lovely car to look at, theyre ok tp drive and theyre a nice car to be in. Generally quieter too than any soft top. But you really really have to want it. To be an enthusiast for it. And to know that you will need to keep something aside for any mishaps, much moreso than more reliable marques. Otherwise the benefit may be outweighed by any problems you could encounter.
Now, the chances of you winding up with a Cabrio with all of the above problems is slim to none. But as much as I like them myself, I have to be honest here: They are much more likely to experience those faults than almost any other make.
Id still have one though

BMJD

get an MX-5, about fifty million times better