Used Renault Megane RS 2010-2016 reliability

This is a sporty car that will have been used hard by enthusiastic drivers, so it’ll be worth making the obvious visual checks to the bodywork and the wheels. Check too the exhaust for condition and any signs of blue or black smoke on start up. Also the condition of the brakes, the tyres and all the electrical equipment within the car. Seat bolsters can wear prematurely, so look at those carefully, and of course check the service history carefully.

The good news is that the engine, in its various states of tune, is a strong one, even if it has had a performance upgrade added. Check the cambelt and water pump have been changed (they require it every six years or 75,000 miles) and look for oil leaks around the rocker and sump covers. The gearbox can suffer from noisy bearings, and the flywheel can make a clicking sound. The rubber top-mounts in the suspension can split, and the anti-roll bars wear. Worn lower swivel joints can make a creaking sound on full lock.

Owners report favourably on the RS. Renault as a brand finished in 19th place out of 31 manufacturers in our most recent reliability survey. The RS didn’t feature as a standalone model, but the standard Megane hatchback finished mid-table in the family car class.