Used Renault Megane Hatchback 1996 - 2003 reliability
Category: Family car
The Renault Megane is a safe, cheap and spacious small family car
What should I look for in a used Renault Megane hatchback?
The Renault Megane is fundamentally a tough, long-lasting car, but some parts fail before time and cost plenty to fix.
Heating systems, for instance, can corrode and start to leak after a few years. Replacing the unit inside the cabin puts things right, but this is expensive.
Clutches last a long time, but cost more than average to replace because the job takes so long. On top of that, head gaskets on 1.4s can fail and wreck the engine if the problem is neglected, while imobiliser faults can strand cars, although repairs can often be carried out at the roadside.
Auto gearboxes have a nasty knack of failing, and rebuilds are dear. But, while shock absorbers don't last that long, at least they're relatively cheap to renew.
