New used car, limit of €3500 - looking at Megane

Kintarō Hattori · 01-06-2021 11:28am #1

Hi Folks,

The missus currently drives a 2005 BMW 320i which has been a great car but between insurance and tax it's costing €1500 before it moves anywhere. Add in that it's not exactly economical and she spends 95% of her time driving my 2015 Nissan Note.

She needs a new car but as we're looking to move home in the near future she doesn't want to spend much. There's a limit of around €3500 which isn't much to play with but it does give some options. She'd have long enough runs to warrant a diesel but petrol is fine too.

Having a look around and the Megane Mk III comes into budget. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think this model had the issues it's predecessor had? Unless I'm wrong (I hope not) the something like the below would seem to fit the bill. Estate would be her least desireable body style but it's fine. The main criteria is it needs to have rear doors as we have a four year old:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-grand-megane-1-5dci-2010-new-nct/27266472 - Doesn't seem to have rear parking sensors?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-grand-megane-1-5dci-tom-tom/28287275 - Seems to be a better option perhaps?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-1-5-dci-2010-new-nct-tax-08-21/28305210 - Says it has sensors but I can't see them? Also find it odd that it has Bluetooth but no steering wheel buttons?

Anything I should look out for with the above? I'm not set on a Renault by any means but the above and to a lesser extent the Fluence seem to come in on budget, though most of the Fluence seem to have huge mileage on them.

Many thanks.

colm_mcm · 01-06-2021 12:29pm

The steering wheel controls on a lot of renaults are actually on a stalk down to the right, as they have been since the late 80s.

colm_mcm · 01-06-2021 12:31pm

First one is an Expression 86bhp. Worth getting one with higher bhp
It looks to be in the dealer since January, which is unusual for a cheap car.
1 owner car though , which is a big plus at this price.

Second one is a Tom Tom which is a good spec to get but again it only has the 86bhp engine.
3 owners, which isn’t outrageous.
Last change of ownership in October 2020 which might potentially be a red flag. Private sale so no comeback.

Last one is an Expression 106bhp, I think the higher bhp has a 6 speed box too vs 5 speed on the 86?
This ones a UK import, 3 owners in Ireland already plus whatever in the UK. only in that garage a few days by the looks of it. Timing belt being done is a plus.

ba_barabus · 01-06-2021 12:36pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

The steering wheel controls on a lot of renaults are actually on a stalk down to the right, as they have been since the late 80s.

And it's so much easier to use than steering wheel mounted systems.

As regards the Megane, service history is key with these. It's a great engine but doesn't do well if neglected. The cars are very solid so should wear well.

Things to watch for:
Keycards fall apart but a case can be bought seperately to fix them, make sure they all work as a replacement can be expensive
As Colm points out, a little more power makes them nice to drive, 6 speed box is good for motorway MPG but 5 speed is better on A and B road for MPG,
I rate them highly, very cheap to run and service. Never had an issue with ours.
Earlier Meganes don't have a DPF which is a consideration, I know out 2010 didn't have one.

02-06-2021 10:47am

I had a 2010 Megane Coupe and I can genuinely say it never gave me an ounce of trouble it was a decent spec as well and was unbelievable on fuel. The only gripe I had was that the front on the buttons would fade easily but was a cracking little car

Kintarō Hattori · 14-06-2021 11:52am

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-grand-megane-1-5-dci-tom-tom-tax-nct/28204589

Folks, could I get your opinion on this? Rather than hassling you all, is there someway I can check the power output myself?

I see they are a Naas Road dealer so doesn't that ring alarm bells?

blackbird98 · 14-06-2021 11:58am

We have had a number of Meganes, the diesel engine is excellent, very economical and trouble-free. 300k is no problem to them

blackbird98 · 14-06-2021 12:04pm

Also, for the sake of a few euro, do a history check before you buy

Tzardine · 14-06-2021 12:07pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-grand-megane-1-5-dci-tom-tom-tax-nct/28204589

Folks, could I get your opinion on this? Rather than hassling you all, is there someway I can check the power output myself?

I see they are a Naas Road dealer so doesn't that ring alarm bells?

Interesting that they say it is worth €4k but are selling at €3500 without a warranty.

I would offer them €4k and ask for a warranty and see how they react. Will give you an idea of how much faith they have in the car.

colm_mcm · 14-06-2021 12:19pm

Why would you even buy off a garage that’s selling without warranty?

Now to their credit, that garage has been open 4 years, but the fact that they won’t stand over the car as per your consumer rights speaks volumes.

Kintarō Hattori · 14-06-2021 12:26pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Why would you even buy off a garage that’s selling without warranty?

Now to their credit, that garage has been open 4 years, but the fact that they won’t stand over the car as per your consumer rights speaks volumes.

I didn't actually see the 'no warranty' statement. Scrub that so. Thanks for the eagle eyes.

The missus experience a flat yesterday so we'd need to replace two tyres on her E90 which really means now that it's undriveable so there's a bit of pressure to find something to replace it.

Annoyed with myself for missing that.

Kintarō Hattori · 14-06-2021 12:57pm

A few other possibilities, I'm not solely into getting a Megane:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-note-2010/28068859 - Seems quite decent

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-fluence-1-5-dci-new-nct-07-22/28391360 - Suspiciously low mileage and the steering wheel seems to have a fair bit of wear

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-grand-scenic-2011/27197613 - Absolutely more car than she needs but it seems appealing

14-06-2021 1:09pm

I only know them from new and they seemed to be intrinsically reliable, comfortable and economical.
I don't know how they stand up to neglect and poor roads but back street mechanics should know them inside out making servicing inexpensive.

bazz26 · 14-06-2021 1:38pm

I'd be looking at the Laguna also like this one:

eyJidWNrZXQiOiJkb25lZGVhbC5pZS1waG90b3MiLCJrZXkiOiJwaG90b18xODI0NDYwNjgiLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJ0b0Zvcm1hdCI6ImpwZWciLCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjEyMDAsImhlaWdodCI6MTIwMCwiZml0IjoiaW5zaWRlIn19fQ==?signature=def91834de446b3b359d2a1e4727ab8f058273acd76ce2c6c08725878bd1c4de

eyJidWNrZXQiOiJkb25lZGVhbC5pZS1waG90b3MiLCJrZXkiOiJwaG90b18xODI0NDYwNjgiLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJ0b0Zvcm1hdCI6ImpwZWciLCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjEyMDAsImhlaWdodCI6MTIwMCwiZml0IjoiaW5zaWRlIn19fQ==?signature=def91834de446b3b359d2a1e4727ab8f058273acd76ce2c6c08725878bd1c4de

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2012-renault-laguna-high-spec-immaculate-car/28307512

Kintarō Hattori · 14-06-2021 1:55pm

I like that Bazz, I didn't see it as it was outside of the budget set. I know that model was alright and fairly overlooked by the public.

I think I'll give them a shout.

14-06-2021 2:14pm

At that price range consider a Leon/Jetta/Corolla/Jazz/Fit and at the age and miles your looking for something with good regular service history.

bazz26 · 14-06-2021 3:40pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I like that Bazz, I didn't see it as it was outside of the budget set. I know that model was alright and fairly overlooked by the public.

I think I'll give them a shout.

It's above budget alright but I'd say you could haggle a few quid off that price and it's still 2 years younger than the Megane you were looking at earlier. The interior looks very clean but just make sure everything works as it should do.

Kintarō Hattori · 15-06-2021 11:34am

Just after running a cartell report and I have one or two things I'd like to run past you guys (hopefully going to see it today).

NCT pass dates:

18-03-2020 23 months
18-04-2018 21 months
16-07-2016 52 months - flagged

Tax dates:

30-04-2021 28-02-2021 3 Months
31-01-2021 09-02-2020 12 Months
31-01-2020 01-09-2019 6 Months
31-07-2019 02-09-2018 12 Months
31-07-2018 04-03-2018 6 Months
31-01-2018 05-03-2017 23 Months - flagged
29-02-2016 23-03-2015 12 Months
28-02-2015 31-03-2014 12 Months
28-02-2014 02-04-2013 12 Months
28-02-2013 12-03-2012 12 Months

First owner had it for almost 4 years from 2012 to 2016
It then went to trade where seemingly it was held for 11 months
They sold it in 2017 where the 2nd owner had it for over 4 years
It then went to the current trade owner who has held it for 2 months

15-06-2021 1:28pm

That would seem right as it may have been a hard car to shift on. Not uncommon for a trader to have it for 18 months unable to move it. Have you checked nct dates and any history they may have for servicing?

Kintarō Hattori · 15-06-2021 2:20pm

Deleted User wrote: »

That would seem right as it may have been a hard car to shift on. Not uncommon for a trader to have it for 18 months unable to move it. Have you checked nct dates and any history they may have for servicing?

NCT dates are as per above, it looks to have been serviced on time in the last few years. I haven't checked service history yet- I will do when I get up there.

BrianD3 · 15-06-2021 2:47pm

The Megane III is a very good car. Have nearly 550k kms on mine, no problems apart from normal high mileage wear and tear and not much of that. Solid flywheel on the 86 bhp version (not sure about the higher powered model), no particulate filter before 2011. Result is much less potential for "diesel grief" on these cars than on many others.

You could buy one for around 15-16k new during the Renault scrappage scheme around 10 years ago, these prices will never be repeated and were exceptional value at the time.

If you are in the market for a car in this class it would be foolish to pay more for an Auris, Civic or Golf because of the perception of better reliability, if anything the Megane might be most reliable of this lot as well as being cheaper. Win win.

User1998 · 15-06-2021 3:01pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Just after running a cartell report and I have one or two things I'd like to run past you guys (hopefully going to see it today).

Nothing to see there. As long as mileage finance and accident damage checks out its pretty much good to go

colm_mcm · 15-06-2021 3:34pm

User1998 wrote: »

Nothing to see there. As long as mileage finance and accident damage checks out its pretty much good to go

You’d want to be physically checking for previous adventures too, such is our lack of record keeping on insurance claims.

Kintarō Hattori · 16-06-2021 10:49am

Well I passed on the car. There was absolutely no service history at all with it. Nothing, not even a receipt of any kind. The dealer wasn't there as he was off delivering a car to someone so I was dealing with his right hand man. On the phone he opened up that the car was due a timing belt change soon so he was flexible on the price. He was willing to come down about €500 on the price.
However the lack of any service history and some little niggly points about the car put me off. There was a fair bit of wear to the gear knob/steering wheel. There was a knob missing from the radio, the cubby hole in front of the gear stick wouldn't stay closed. It just made me wonder how well it had been looked after- something I couldn't tell, given the lack of paperwork.

16-06-2021 10:58am

30000km service interval and getting a discount for timing belt renewal are positives.
My experience of the cars was that they didn't burn much oil and was always annoyed at how much the dealer charged for a service when doing so little not that I paid the bills for the cars.

Kintarō Hattori · 16-06-2021 11:54am

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2011-ford-focus-nct-taxed-till-march-2022/28393081

Is there anything to look out for with a Focus?

16-06-2021 12:15pm

UK import. read registration certificate and get uk registration number then go to uk mot website to check milage matches your expectation.

colm_mcm · 16-06-2021 12:36pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2011-ford-focus-nct-taxed-till-march-2022/28393081

Is there anything to look out for with a Focus?

They’re a ball of a yoke. Stick with the Meganes.

16-06-2021 1:50pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

They’re a ball of a yoke. Stick with the Meganes.

Petrol Focus good, diesel Focus not so great.

Kintarō Hattori · 17-06-2021 3:45pm

https://www.adverts.ie/car/skoda/octavia/low-mileage-2010-skoda-octavia-1-4l-petrol-automatic/24110136

Yay or nay folks?

colm_mcm · 17-06-2021 4:14pm

On one hand it’s great. 1.4 TSI engine so nice and torquey, DSG gearbox so lovely quick gear changes and no big drop on fuel economy. Only €400 tax too.

On the other hand, the 1.4 TSI isn’t a paragon of reliability, that said the 122ps version like that is one of the better ones. Same craic with the DSG, if it calves you’ll be crying.

If it was €2k and older or something I’d chance it, I don’t think I’d risk €4K on one though.
Now it might be fine and it might cause no issues and be a great car.

HBC08 · 17-06-2021 4:56pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I had a 2010 Megane Coupe and I can genuinely say it never gave me an ounce of trouble it was a decent spec as well and was unbelievable on fuel. The only gripe I had was that the front on the buttons would fade easily but was a cracking little car

I had a 97 Megane when I was a young lad and it had a high spec,lovely looking car aswell.
The 2010 coupe model always stood out to me as a cool looking car,a bit like a cheaper version of a Sirrocho.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 11:08am

colm_mcm wrote: »

On one hand it’s great. 1.4 TSI engine so nice and torquey, DSG gearbox so lovely quick gear changes and no big drop on fuel economy. Only €400 tax too.

On the other hand, the 1.4 TSI isn’t a paragon of reliability, that said the 122ps version like that is one of the better ones. Same craic with the DSG, if it calves you’ll be crying.

If it was €2k and older or something I’d chance it, I don’t think I’d risk €4K on one though.
Now it might be fine and it might cause no issues and be a great car.

Thanks Colm,

I'll pass on it so. As the car isn't for me, anything I get wrong will be thrown at me ad infinitum, so I'm aiming for reliability being a key factor here.

HBC08 · 18-06-2021 11:12am

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Thanks Colm,

I'll pass on it so. As the car isn't for me, anything I get wrong will be thrown at me ad infinitum, so I'm aiming for reliability being a key factor here.

Jeez,tell her to find her own car then.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 11:24am

HBC08 wrote: »

Jeez,tell her to find her own car then.

I have, many times. She's a relic from another era. I've been told 'You're the man, it's a man's job to find a car'.

That's what I have to deal with. I don't want to touch it as there's likely to be complaints but the longer she doesn't have a car, the more mine will be used and the less I'll get to use it.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 12:58pm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/11-superb-elegance-1-6tdi-nct-05-2023-taxed/27822233

Complete curveball and I may be getting off track with this. It's outside of budget but it should last a good few years if it's trouble free. I know the 2 litre would be preferable but she's only doing runs up the M50 to work and back.

Cyclepath · 18-06-2021 1:10pm

Why not buy her a Nissan Note if she likes yours so much?!

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/nissan/note/fpa/202101097807944?SOURCE_ID=SOURCE_ID_FPA_FROM_FEAT_LIST&journey=FeaturedListing

tbh, at that money/year I'd be staying with a Japanese car. 35 years motoring and I've never had a bad one.

Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, I've driven one of each and they were unfailingly good.

BMW and Mercedes (my current car) have been an absolute nightmare. My next car will be a Toyota.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 1:13pm

Cyclepath wrote: »

Why not buy her a Nissan Note if she likes yours so much?!

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/nissan/note/fpa/202101097807944?SOURCE_ID=SOURCE_ID_FPA_FROM_FEAT_LIST&journey=FeaturedListing

tbh, at that money/year I'd be staying with a Japanese car. 35 years motoring and I've never had a bad one.

Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, I've driven one of each and they were unfailingly good.

BMW and Mercedes (my current car) have been an absolute nightmare. My next car will be a Toyota.

I have indeed been looking at Notes as well. Saw what I thought was a decent low mileage one yesterday, did a Cartell report on it and well the seller wasn't upfront with their listing. The above looks promising.... though I suspect she'll say no on the tax rate.

colm_mcm · 18-06-2021 1:25pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/11-superb-elegance-1-6tdi-nct-05-2023-taxed/27822233

Complete curveball and I may be getting off track with this. It's outside of budget but it should last a good few years if it's trouble free. I know the 2 litre would be preferable but she's only doing runs up the M50 to work and back.

That era 1.6 are not worth the risk IMO.

18-06-2021 1:26pm

Kintaro could you purchase a vehicle up the years with monthly payments as opposed to a budget of €3k/€4k?

It's extremely hard to stand over a 8-10 year old car because no matter how good the history of the vehicle is there's always seals, trims and various other items that need to repaired or replaced solely due to age all of a sudden.

You'd get yourself a 2016-2018 car for €10k and be relatively repair cost free. I sold a focus recently 2016 for €9k and it was a grand commuter.

In terms of looking at this price point with all respect it's bottom of the barrel stuff you seen yourself that Laguna looked great on the advert and you go out and there's buttons missing from the radio unfortunately that's common on 10+ year old cars.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 1:30pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Kintaro could you purchase a vehicle up the years with monthly payments as opposed to a budget of €3k/€4k?

It's extremely hard to stand over a 8-10 year old car because no matter how good the history of the vehicle is there's always seals, trims and various other items that need to repaired or replaced solely due to age all of a sudden.

You'd get yourself a 2016-2018 car for €10k and be relatively repair cost free. I sold a focus recently 2016 for €9k and it was a grand commuter.

In terms of looking at this price point with all respect it's bottom of the barrel stuff you seen yourself that Laguna looked great on the advert and you go out and there's buttons missing from the radio unfortunately that's common on 10+ year old cars.

I did that in 2018 and got myself a 2015 Note. The reason there's such a low budget at the moment is that she's hoping we can sell up here and buy a new house some time next year. As a result she doesn't want to spend too much.

She's a head melter in wanting low mileage, low tax and economy in an old car. If it was myself, I'd accept the issues with buying an older car, it's just to be expected. She has different expectations and my difficulty is that I can't leave her to buy a car herself. It's expected of me..... seemingly to work miracles.

bazz26 · 18-06-2021 1:30pm

I think your looking for bit of a unicorn to be honest, your looking at 10 to 12 year old cars which are generally not going to have full documented histories. The older cars tend to get the more owners they inherit where some owners are more meticulous than others at maintaining their cars.

Another idea might be to let your wife keep your current car since you know it best already the spend the money a newer one for yourself where you will have an easier life it it's less than perfect.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 1:31pm

bazz26 wrote: »

I think your looking for bit of a unicorn to be honest, your looking at 10 to 12 year old cars which are generally not going to have full documented histories. The older cars tend to get the more owners they inherit where some owners are more meticulous than others at maintaining their cars.

Another idea might be to let your wife keep your current car since you know it best already, just buy a new one for yourself where you will have an easier life it it's less perfect.

You're 100% correct bazz, which is what's driving me mad.

There's no way in hell I'm letting her have my car. I paid for it and continue to pay the loan back. If she wants a new car she either ups the budget or accepts that there has to be a compromise.

18-06-2021 1:42pm

If your hard set on a budget off €4000 I'd recommend sticking to the 2 door Megane hatchback from 2010-2012 as there is a huge stock of them and parts are cheap.

Best of luck but there's no point looking at German cars that are 10 years old with 150k or so miles on the clock it's awful value for money.

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 1:46pm

Deleted User wrote: »

If your hard set on a budget off €4000 I'd recommend sticking to the 2 door Megane hatchback from 2010-2012 as there is a huge stock of them and parts are cheap.

Best of luck but there's no point looking at German cars that are 10 years old with 150k or so miles on the clock it's awful value for money.

It needs to be 4 door I'm afraid as we have a 4 year old.

18-06-2021 1:49pm

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

It needs to be 4 door I'm afraid as we have a 4 year old.

Take anything you can get then that's local. Your expectations and requirements unfortunately don't align with your budget. Go with Jazz/Fit if you can find one but a decent 2012 model will cost you 5k.

punisher5112 · 18-06-2021 1:52pm

Fluence

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-fluence-1-5dci-low-mileage/28449216

punisher5112 · 18-06-2021 1:52pm

Absolutely bargain in Renault's....

Cyclepath · 18-06-2021 1:59pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Fluence

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-fluence-1-5dci-low-mileage/28449216

That's an honest car and €800 would have the various creases tidied up! The renault 1.5 diesel is an excellent unit and rarely gives trouble.

The only thing I'd check for is clutch judder taking off in first gear (doesn't happen too often but some units had minor oil leaks onto the plate - you can cure it easily enough by revving and slipping the clutch while braked).

Kintarō Hattori · 18-06-2021 2:27pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Fluence

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-fluence-1-5dci-low-mileage/28449216

Gave him a call and he's not Alan from Celbridge and it's had more owners than listed :pac:

Will stick to the Renault's though. That seems to be where the value is. Which would you pick?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-1-5dci-1-prev-owner-nct/28308047 - I'm leaning towards this one

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-diesel-very-low-miles-new-nct/27790432 - Possible second choice

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-megane-1-5-dci-one-owner/27411947

punisher5112 · 18-06-2021 2:46pm

So what if the car checks out, I don't care once it's right.
You are going to come across many that deal a little at this level.

Put in your search engine... Clio, megane, Laguna, fluence and scenic....
Try get as new as possible so with your budget 2011 at least and up.

New used car, limit of €3500 - looking at Megane

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