First car - Max 1.4 and €2000: Scenic VS Megane?

20-02-2013 06:03PM #1

Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone could offer any advice here. I should probably state that I, in general, have no real interest in cars/driving/etc. but I realise that every day that passes, applying for a test, meeting minimum requirements, etc. is going to get harder and harder.

So I did the theory test and got the learner permit 2 years ago (due renewal at the end of March). I turn 25 in June and I plan to have a car bought and insured and a date set to do the test by the end of June.

So, I've been flicking through random car search websites and two cars that keep re-appearing are the Renault Megane and the Renault Scenic. I've been told (anecdotally) that I should stick to 1.2 or 1.4 to avoid ludicrous insurance prices on a first car, and I plan to try and spend no more than €4,000 between car, insurance, tax and whatever other miscellaneous charges there are (which I can't think of any, except the actual test cost, but not including that in the €4,000).

I reckon this leaves me with around €2,000 to spend on the actual vehicle itself.

I was initially looking a this before deciding to scale back a bit.

So, the Megane and Scenic both seem to appear within my search criteria. I was wondering if anyone would happen to have any comments on either of them, or if people would have any advice in general regarding purchasing a first car?

Quick examples:

Megane:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Megane/1.4-AUTH/15613406203669610/advert?channel=CARS

Scenic:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Renault/Scenic/1.4-PETR/32013498596630830/advert?channel=CARS

My brother has a Megane and I've practiced in it once or twice and it seems grand. He also hasn't had much trouble with it (though I'm aware that's real luck of the draw stuff a lot of the time).

I'd like a car that I can lay the seats flat in the back and have a little bit of storage space (for carrying photography gear around, and just for general handiness, etc.).

Ford Focus seems to appear a few times too, and I've been a passenger in one a few times and they seem very comfortable/roomy, but for some reason I have it in my head a Focus is generally a more expensive car and anything in my price range will be riddled with problems (which, incidentally, is why I plan to purchase from a dealer and not privately).

Apologies if this post is all over the place. Just trying to find my feet in the world of purchasing a car.

Cheers to anyone with any advice or ability to help here at all.

Alanstrainor · 20-02-2013 06:19PM

That Scenic is an absolute joke at that price. Horrible, horrible car and would almost certainly break your heart. I wouldn't be wild on the Megane either, but to be honest, I don't know much about them.

A 1.4/1.6 focus would suit your needs to the ground. Good reliable cars, plenty around and it'll be easy enough to find a good one with your budget.

You should be using DoneDeal to search for cars, and also should be looking to buy privately. Buying from dealers in that price range is a waste of time. The warranty they give simply will not be worth the paper it's written on.

EDIT: Also, don't be put off by 1.6 and above cars, the idea that this will double your premium is completely false, it will generally have a negligible effect on premiums.

Mister Jingles · 20-02-2013 06:20PM

Stay away from both the Megane & Scenic of that era, piles of junk ! The Megane is also a horrible car to sit in, especially in the back.

The Focus is well worth a look, as is a Corolla, Fiesta or an Astra (though it's not that easy to come across a clean one).

Boom_Bap · 20-02-2013 06:28PM

I've just got rid of a Megane similar to what you have found. I would never get one again. Prepare to replace coils every few months (about 70 euro at a Renault Dealership), head light bulbs are nearly impossible to replace unless you have really really thin arms, there's the old age problem of the window reg. It never happened to me, but there is always the fear. The key fobs have issues from time to time as well.

On a positive side, it is a very comfortable car to drive straight, turning is a bit heavier than other 1.4 cars. There are a few nice gadgets like aircon, auto dipping rear view mirror, auto lights, auto wipers.....but these are just things that can break!
There is also plenty of space in the boot when you put the rear seats down.

What I found is that the car is more hassle than it's worth.

coolisin · 20-02-2013 06:30PM

As a first car a corolla can be a good option, if you don't care about driving it should suit your needs. Mazda 323 usually are a good bet and a few clean ones in the bangernomics thread.

Personally I'd rather walk then have anything to do with a scenic.
If it needs to be renault why don't you look at a Clio or go the other way and look at a Laguna.
Although the Laguna is equally as muck as the scenic but it's a little better to drive at least.

What you need to do is look at cars and start testing the car insurance websites.
See the difference in quotes for yourself.
You'll be shocked by the changes and lack of changes in premiums between brands and there perceived image.
The pub talk of your mad to consider anything over 1.4 as your first car is bull****.

bazz26 · 20-02-2013 06:30PM

Have a look at the Ford Fusion if you need a little extra space and height.

dgt · 20-02-2013 06:31PM

Scenic? Megane???

Bpmull · 20-02-2013 06:35PM

I'm a big renault fan. But I wouldn't touch either the megane or scenic of that era they cause serious trouble. As already suggested a focus may suit your needs well.

20-02-2013 06:38PM

Well I quite liked the Megane (by liked, I mean I couldn't find anything to complain about from driving it in circles for an hour

).

Brother has had a few problems with it but seems to be grand now for the most part.

So the Scenic should be ruled out in favour of a Ford Focus? I like the idea of the Scenic, to be honest. It looks comfortable regardless where you sit (passenger or driver) and seems spacious. If it's only gonna be a money spinner then I wouldn't be at all interested though. I've heard bad things, but I know someone who drives one and never really says anything bad, so I was hoping it'd get a nice word said about it.

Boom_Bap wrote: »

there's the old age problem of the window reg.

What is that, out of curiousity?

Is there any real difference between Carzone and Done deal? I find Carzone easier to navigate?

What about this, then?

Ford Focus
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/LX-1.4-%23/33413611915094000/advert?channel=CARS

20-02-2013 06:44PM

By the way, sincerely appreciate all the replies and information so far (and so fast!). Thank you!

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 07:03PM

Save yourself a lot of heartache and forget those renaults. For hassle free motoring get a Toyota Corolla.

Frankie Lee · 20-02-2013 07:52PM

The Megane/Scenic II are surely the worst built/designed cars in the last 20 years from a mechanical perspective, hard to think of anything worse from a major manufacturer.

Oafley Jones · 20-02-2013 08:05PM

Frankie Lee wrote: »

The Megane/Scenic II are surely the worst built/designed cars in the last 20 years from a mechanical perspective, hard to think of anything worse from a major manufacturer.

The Laguna II was an absolutely joke of a car as well. You have to wonder what was going on at Renault during those years. Current megane and the much unloved Laguna 3 are solid out.

Nissan doctor · 20-02-2013 08:13PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Well I quite liked the Megane (by liked, I mean I couldn't find anything to complain about from driving it in circles for an hour ).

Brother has had a few problems with it but seems to be grand now for the most part.

So the Scenic should be ruled out in favour of a Ford Focus? I like the idea of the Scenic, to be honest. It looks comfortable regardless where you sit (passenger or driver) and seems spacious. If it's only gonna be a money spinner then I wouldn't be at all interested though. I've heard bad things, but I know someone who drives one and never really says anything bad, so I was hoping it'd get a nice word said about it.

What is that, out of curiousity?

Is there any real difference between Carzone and Done deal? I find Carzone easier to navigate?

What about this, then?

Ford Focus
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Focus/LX-1.4-%23/33413611915094000/advert?channel=CARS

IMO, for anyone's first car you need something reliable and as trouble free as possible as when gaining experience behind the wheel the last thing you need is warning lights and break downs getting in the way.

The two Renaults you are looking at would be so far down any list of recommended first cars they wouldn't even be visible!

As mentioned, the likes of a Focus or Corolla would be much better bets.

Stinicker · 20-02-2013 08:18PM

Stay well away from Renault or matter of fact any French car (Peugeot and Citroen too) absolute piles of junk and only ready for the scrapyard as soon as they leave the factory.

dougie-lampkin · 20-02-2013 08:19PM

Deleted User wrote: »

...

Why are you looking at a 1.4 people carrier if you just need a runaround. You'll regret it when you're at the pumps every week (and at the auto electricians every other :pac:). Engine size often has little to do with insurance costs also, I went from a 1.2 Punto to a 1.8 Focus saloon and my insurance went down €150 on renewal (I'm 21 with 3 years no claims). Tax is the only major difference.

A Focus really won't steer you wrong, mine pulls a car transporter with an autotest car about once a month with a full complement of spares in the boot. They're huge inside for what you'd need. It's a '00 with almost 275k km on the clock and passed an NCT last October with literally no work done since the last other than tyres and servicing. Compared to similar sized cars of the era it's fairly ahead of its time mechanically I believe.

Then again, if you're just looking to ferry a bit of photography gear around, I'd be getting a Yaris. You'll pick up a tidy example for your budget, and it will be the definition of bullet proof. It's a nice sized car to learn in, and it'll be easier on tyres, petrol, tax and insurance than almost anything else you look at. Just don't get a Scenic or Megane anyway. It'll put you off driving for life.

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 08:25PM

dougie-lampkin wrote: »

Why are you looking at a 1.4 people carrier if you just need a runaround. You'll regret it when you're at the pumps every week (and at the auto electricians every other :pac:). Engine size often has little to do with insurance costs also, I went from a 1.2 Punto to a 1.8 Focus saloon and my insurance went down €150 on renewal (I'm 21 with 3 years no claims). Tax is the only major difference.

A Focus really won't steer you wrong, mine pulls a car transporter with an autotest car about once a month with a full complement of spares in the boot. They're huge inside for what you'd need. It's a '00 with almost 275k km on the clock and passed an NCT last October with literally no work done since the last other than tyres and servicing. Compared to similar sized cars of the era it's fairly ahead of its time mechanically I believe.

Then again, if you're just looking to ferry a bit of photography gear around, I'd be getting a Yaris. You'll pick up a tidy example for your budget, and it will be the definition of bullet proof. It's a nice sized car to learn in, and it'll be easier on tyres, petrol, tax and insurance than almost anything else you look at. Just don't get a Scenic or Megane anyway. It'll put you off driving for life.

A honda civic of the same era was more advanced than a focus mechanically.

Bigus · 20-02-2013 08:30PM

All well and good telling people to stay away from Renault but the budget is 2 k .

In other words is a 2004 five star NCAP crash rating, low miles megane a better buy than a high miles 02 golf 1.4 for the same money ? I'd take me chances on the Megane.

Op ;Get insurance quotes first online ,to see whats good value to insure,

you might have hit on a good cheap car to insure with the scenic as boy racers don't crash or rob them.

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 08:32PM

Bigus wrote: »

All well and good telling people to stay away from Renault but the budget is 2 k .

In other words is a 2004 five star NCAP crash rating, low miles megane a better buy than a high miles 02 golf 1.4 for the same money ? I'd take me chances on the Megane.

Op ;Get insurance quotes first online ,to see whats good value to insure,

you might have hit on a good cheap car to insure with the scenic as boy racers don't crash or rob them.

Both are bad cars tbh and should be avoided.

Nissan doctor · 20-02-2013 08:33PM

Bigus wrote: »

All well and good telling people to stay away from Renault but the budget is 2 k .

In other words is a 2004 five star NCAP crash rating, low miles megane a better buy than a high miles 02 golf 1.4 for the same money ? I'd take me chances on the Megane.

Op ;Get insurance quotes first online ,to see whats good value to insure,

you might have hit on a good cheap car to insure with the scenic as boy racers don't crash or rob them.

No, people with no interest in cars or knowledge of how to open the bonnet buy them...which can easily be every bit as bad especially when you talking about cars that are touching 10 years old.

dougie-lampkin · 20-02-2013 08:41PM

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

A honda civic of the same era was more advanced than a focus mechanically.

And a Xantia is more advanced again. I didn't say it's the most advanced of its era. It's hardly relevant for the OP anyway, the Focus is still more advanced than the comparable Corolla, Astra, Golf, 306, etc.

The comparable Civic has nothing special over a Focus anyway, unless you mean the EK or older, which would be comparable to an Escort (and consequently more advanced).

Bigus · 20-02-2013 08:43PM

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Both are bad cars tbh and should be avoided.

That's why I used an 02 golf as an example.

Bpmull · 20-02-2013 08:46PM

We had a 2004 megane last year it was a 1.5dci different engine same car. Typical drive in the megane start engine 5mile down the road warning injector fault, 2 miles later stop light, then service light, then oil light. There was nothing wrong with the car only electrics injectors had been checked. To say the dash was like a Christmas tree. Just not a good car. As for electric windows if you buy one you'll learn alot about them as they will be constantly being fixed. After a while you just don't feel safe in the car all the electrics lights on the dash. I'm really only talking about that model megane as many Renault commericals I couldn't praise enough. But just that model megane.

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 08:55PM

dougie-lampkin wrote: »

And a Xantia is more advanced again. I didn't say it's the most advanced of its era. It's hardly relevant for the OP anyway, the Focus is still more advanced than the comparable Corolla, Astra, Golf, 306, etc.

The comparable Civic has nothing special over a Focus anyway, unless you mean the EK or older, which would be comparable to an Escort (and consequently more advanced).

An xantia is in a class above so can't be compared but even an xantia has inferior handling to a civic.

Yes it's the ek/ej civics im on about with it's double wishbone suspension front suspension and fully independent rear suspension.

Both cars were out around the same time so can be comparable.

Even if you compare it to the newer model civic, the civic has a much better range of engines.

The control blade suspension in the focus is overrated imo.

dgt · 20-02-2013 08:57PM

Inferior handling? Even the Activa???

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 08:57PM

Bigus wrote: »

That's why I used an 02 golf as an example.

Yes but if you picked another car, the chances are it would be better than a megane :-)

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 09:04PM

dgt wrote: »

Inferior handling? Even the Activa???

I was strictly speaking about the standard car.

Bigus · 20-02-2013 09:04PM

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Yes but if you picked another car, the chances are it would be better than a megane :-)

Maybe something like a British built Civic that the gearboxes fall out of ?

Bigus · 20-02-2013 09:07PM

Best car mentioned so far for reliability is Focus, if 2k is the budget.

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 09:18PM

Bigus wrote: »

Maybe something like a British built Civic that the gearboxes fall out of ?

Are you seriously suggesting that a megane or a 1.4 golf are better than a civic?

The bearings go in the civic gearboxes. you could hardly define that as the gearbox falling out of them.

Even with gearbox issues a Civic is much better than a golf 1.4 or a megane imo.

JohnBoy26 · 20-02-2013 09:19PM

Bigus wrote: »

Best car mentioned so far for reliability is Focus, if 2k is the budget.

There was also a Corolla mentioned. Which is more reliable than a focus imo.

First car - Max 1.4 and €2000: Scenic VS Megane?

Comments