Dukestar25 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 A question...I've just spent a weekend looking for a small MPV and the missus quite likes the Megane Scenic (big boot, versatile interior, etc. ). The thing is though, I found a few within my budget and with less than 100k on them. One was overpriced for the condition and the other two I actually liked (1.6 RN with 86k and a 2.0 RXE with 88k) both had empty expansion bottles. This in my mind suggests non-caring ownwership or a leak in the system. The engines on both sounded healthy with no sign of smoke.Is this a 'Renault' thing or should I just keep looking?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrDuke Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Absolutely atrocious records for reliability, even by Renault standards. Trust me, don't even consider one.And yes, I do have personal experience of them, I'm not just repeating rumours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Ted Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 NoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooBuy a berlingo instead. Much bigger boot. Just dont get a DW8 powered one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 My Dad's had two - one of the first and one of the first facelift model. The biggest problem he's had in many years of ownership is that on the first one, the heated rear window packed up and it needed a new fusebox to cure it. So obviously that just got ignored!Horrendously unreliable? Ain't necessarily so.Whereas Berlingos, I know quite a few people who've had bloody irritating problems with them (like the heater fan jamming on to the fastest setting!).I'd rather have a Toyota Space Cruiser for maximum shite points though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pogweasel Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Heard plenty of horror stories about these...Citroens are the only viable alternative for the same cash - whilst the Berlingo and Picasso have pretty slapdash quality, maladies tend to be towards the 'annoying' end of the spectrum rather than the 'financially ruinous' end...oh and unless you have 3 small kids in car seats, don't bloody bother at all - a normal estate will do all you need better for less money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollywobbler Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Surely this is the best alternative? http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index ... read=54507 GR8 4 DRIFTING. Even when you don't want it to. Farting exhaust FTW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Lobster Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 They certainly can be very unreliable but if you find one thats been looked after then they aren't all that bad. 2.0 is reasonably lively as well.That said I'd go for a Berlingo Multispace everytime or even a small (Focus, Xsara) estate personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukestar25 Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Surely this is the best alternative?http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index ... read=54507GR8 4 DRIFTING. Even when you don't want it to. Farting exhaust FTW! My brother still drives an 03-reg one of these at work and, going by the way he talks about it's lack of reliability, it sounds as bad as the Scenic from all accounts. I may have to get another Nissan Serena at this rate... Thanks for the response everyone, just got to talk SWMBO out of it now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shite_meister Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 When I worked for Renault the Scenics were terrible for what they call body control modules, its the fuseboard with added control units for lights and wipers etc-very expensive.Autoboxes always ate a part called a Hydraulic Distributors-again muchos wonga.And 16-valvers had an issue with coil packs-about 36quid each although I expect many have now been replaced.Other than that it was always cam or crank sensors to go on them-not massively expensive but its the time dicking about sorting it, My experience from working with them is to buy something else but recommending a Citroen or a Pug isn't much of a better deal. Having said that I'm sure many people have owned them without any issues, my mate had a Megane without major incident or cost.If its reliability you want I'm liking Jap myself, just cannot beat them in my book. Does it have to be an MPV? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukestar25 Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 shite_meister wrote:If its reliability you want I'm liking Jap myself, just cannot beat them in my book. Does it have to be an MPV?Not neccasarily, I mentioned the Serena as I had one last year and like it a lot (the insurance was a bit steep though which is why I sold it in the end ) and I like Jap cars, but the only Jap I've seen like the Scenic is the Mitsi Spacestar which didn't really appeal. Frog tin isn't usually my bag but I'm looking for something roomy but not externally huge, which is why the Scenic came into question.A small estate would be a good alternative. There are a couple of Focuses (and a Daewoo Nubria ) in the locality which I plan on checking out but if your good self (or anyone else reading this) has any suggestions, post them up, pleeze? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pogweasel Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Focus estate has to be the piick of the pops really. Nice to drive, j-esque reliability, volvo-esque build, and now cheap as chips to buy. One with a clattery old DI engine will run and run, sips fuel and is DIY-able with ease. Later TDCi ones are quicker and quieter but potentially ruinous if something goes pop.J stuff is all well and good, but tends to carry a hefty premium on the price, which is not what they were supposed to be about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shite_meister Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Thats why I said I'm liking Jap stuff myself and in my book etc, not everyone likes Jap but I'm just using my ten years experience in the motor trade. J stuff is all well and good, but tends to carry a hefty premium on the price, which is not what they were supposed to be about. Depends where you look, this hasn't been my experience at all. Generally I've had enough shite cars that were supposedly well built that my general opinion is that a car is only as good as its been looked after although my professional experience of working for many franchises is that the Japs really do know how to screw a car together nicely hence why I recommened Jap. The Serena wasn't one of the Japs best examples. I always thought the Vauxhall Zafira was alright, what would you pay for one of them over there now? Mazda Premacy? or are they still a bit pricey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renault18 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Well I've only had 3, plus god knows how many Meganes, so for what it's worth, I'd quite happily trade my current 07 plate Megane tourer for another 03/53 plate Scenic. In 3 Scenics - all of which were the later ones - 16 valve petrols and a DCi, I covered I did just over 100k. The only parts replaced were the centre exhaust section (under warranty)and a bottom suspension arm. The DCi still had it's original Michelin front tyres on at 42k.I've had one 1.6 16 valve Megane which ate individual ignition coils, but all the others have been fine. The 02 plate Cabriolet I bought last October has done 120k on it's original exhaust and battery - there's no big replacement bills - apart from cambelt - and it's been dealer serviced. Story has been the same for various friends and neighbours with 99- models, except an Auto which only managed 25k before dying.Earlier 1.6 8valves do have a weak point on the headgasket that allows a waterleak and this has done for two 98 plate cars I know of - likewise the heater matrix quitely leaks, although the cars smell rancid inside when this starts.There's good and bad in all - especially Renault, but I enjoyed my Meganes and Scenics - which is why I've still got a couple! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Ted Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Whereas Berlingos, I know quite a few people who've had bloody irritating problems with them (like the heater fan jamming on to the fastest setting!).Front springs onn early models, rear arm bearings at over 120K mileages and the heater blower motor transistors (fix it yourself for about a tenner, or buy a whole new module for about 70 quid) Otherwise quite tough if basic beasts. No worse than any other Francophile tin really. You get the same heater motor problem on the Partner, 406, Xantia, C8, 807 and so on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnthonyG Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 What about the Nissan Almera Tino? Didn't exactly set the market on fire, plus Almera 'image' can't make them that expensive. Personally it would be Focus estate all the way though. More space? just get a Mondeo/406 estate. I must admit, I don't get MPVs, but then I have no children!! Ultimate shite points would a Fiat Multipla, but I can't imagine what the reliability is like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Betaphile Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I like Multiplas. They're better to drive than you might think - great visibility, wide stance, wheel at each corner - and the reliability is actually pretty good as well, ditto build quality (and that's in absolute terms, not just "good...for a Fiat"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trigger Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Vauxhall Zafira?, You can pick them up for Scenic money, plus they are more reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
155V6 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Vauxhall Zafira?, You can pick them up for Scenic money, plus they are more reliable.Didn't they make a crazy 2.0 Turbo version as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 J-tat people sheds for max future obscurity: Toymotor Pickernick Nissan Prairie MkII Or if you're feeling REALLY braveGriffin-rebadged Yank toss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trigger Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Vauxhall Zafira?, You can pick them up for Scenic money, plus they are more reliable.Didn't they make a crazy 2.0 Turbo version as well?Yeah, A bloke at work has a blue one VXR, Quite a flyer, 0-60 in 7.2 sec and 236bhp, Enough to scare you granny and pet dog!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pogweasel Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Zafira's are the devils work.Yeah, you can get a fast one. But what the chuff is the point of a car for carrying kids that 95% of kids car seats don't fit into. The whole 'safety' thing does boil my piss though. I would never ever in a million years pick a Picasso or a Megane or a Zafira or any of them as a decent way to spend money given the choice. But now NCAP points and airbags win over actual quality. Whatever happened to sitting on a cusion and 5 kids crammed into the back of a granada. FFS....PPS: Do any wealthy shiters have experience of the ford c-max/s-max?It's quite important........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew e Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Electronic handbrake makes hillstarts a b'stard, quite nice though and you can fit a handbag in the centre console on the early ones! Drive like a focus really too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 How can electronic handbrakes be legal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Ted Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Zafira = F'king spunk of Bielzibub.  Whilst we have no issues with child seats and double buggy prams fitting in 9and even room in the bot for moody gangly 10 year old) the Euro 4 anti polution system is a bag of wank and has caused many frequent trips to the dealer so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukestar25 Posted February 11, 2009 Author Share Posted February 11, 2009 AnthonyG wrote:Ultimate shite points would a Fiat Multipla, but I can't imagine what the reliability is like.I actually like these myself, they look wierd, are pretty good drivers and hold lots of tat , (unfortunately I'm on my own on this one ). As for reliability, they are typical Fiat, dodgy plastics, spaghetti electrics and diesels (so I read somewhere) can ingest water into the engine if it rains too hard. Would I get bonus points for a urine yellow one with a petrol engine?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Ross Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I work at the local Main Vauxhall dealer. Avoid Zafiras please. They are SHIT!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Ted Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I work at the local Main Vauxhall dealer. Avoid Zafiras please. They are SHIT!!!!On the whole the inside of the car is a lovely place to be, even with 3 kids, the wife and the MIL - however currently the DPF seems to be running full chat all the time and the heat / smell of burning pouring off the underside of car is beyond belief. My local perrys having replaced one DPF due to it being clogged say its perfectly normal.Personaly I hope it goes up in smoke so we can claim off the insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Ross Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Funny you mention Perrys.....................that's who I work for!!!! I prefer Fords, but as Vauxhalls are shit, I stay busy through the recession!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Ted Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Off the top of your head do you know if the zafira B was subject to an ECU reprogramme to make the glowplug light flash when its supposed to go through a DPF cleaning cycle - only ours doesnt. Mind you its screaming hot all the time anyway.Like I said, inside nice, but 4 breakdowns since December is now pissin me orf.I actually wanted a Touran, but the wife, kids MIL and double pram actually fit better in the Zafira. So i got outvoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Ross Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Thankfully I don't get involved with electronic diagnosis too often on the current models. I stick to what I know best. MOT, tyres, fast fit repairs, servicing, that kind of stuff. I prefer points and carbs for my motors. I shrug and act thick when they ask me to get involved. It's worked for 7 years so far!!! The complex stuff like rechassising Land Rovers, gearobx rebuilds, petrol/diesel conversions and the like I do at home where there's more chance of getting the job done without the bloody phone ringing.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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