Advice about buying a used megane

[dreamywings]

Hi all,

Ive been looking to purchase a megane on a 05/06 plate but am abit confused as to which model to get.

The car will mostly be doing country roads (to and from work) the school run and the ocassional 400 mile round trip on the motorway visiting the parents.

Are there any problems I should look out for as I want a reliable car as I wont be able to replace it for afew years!

Also im female so basic terms would be good lol

[Clone]

Any of the megane models will do but if you aren't bothered with speed and acceleration go for the 1.5DCi, its a 1.5 litre common rail diesel engine which will average 55mpg and road tax is only £35 a year. Basically its very very economical therefore dead cheap to run, tax and insure. Its also very smooth and quiet, which makes it a pleasure to drive.

The 1.5DCi comes in a few versions, the most common being the 80bhp or the 106bhp versions. The 80bhp is slightly more economical but slightly slower then the 106bhp version. I dont think there is a whole lot in it so it doesnt overly matter which one you get. Always go for the 'dynamique' model as it will come with a few extra option standard, like a central armrest, automatic lights/wipers etc and in many cases is not much more expensive then the other models.

Happy hunting.

[Gav]

There was a facelift in 2006, when spec levels changed slightly, and engines got an overhaul (1.5dci versions went from 80 and 100 to 86 and 106). I'd suggest trying to get a facelifted one if you can as some issues had been solved.

If you do a significant annual mileage (over about 15k) then a diesel is the way to go, under about 12k and the lower cost of maintaining a petrol model offsets the extra fuel expense. As Clone says, Dynamique is a decent spec, Expression or Oasis having less kit and Priviledge having everything except the kitchen sink.

I enjoy driving my Megane down country roads, and when I used to commute using them was averaging 58mpg with a dCi106 (and I don't dawdle). Mine has been reliable - it had a couple of warranty issues when the car was younger, which is better than the 307 it replaced which seemed to always be at the dealership! As long as it's maintained properly then a 4/5 eyar old Megane should be fine.

[Clone]

Gav, is it only the facelift model that can have 106 bhp? I have a 2006 megane, ph 1 and its on the books as having 106bhp...

[pex]

I am also looking for a 1.5DCI at the moment... I have the impression than 86 (and 106) are also pre-facelift...

Is there any (dis-)advantage to go for the 80 instead of the 86 (or 100 instead of 106)?

Thank you!

[Gav]

I'd assumed that Renault packaged up all the changes with the facelift, but they might not have done. I know that when I test drove a 100 70mph was just over 2krpm, but in my 106 it's closer to 2k5, so that might be an indication as to the engine.

pex: I believe the 80/86 all have 5 speed gearboxes, which if you forget that a 100/106 has a 6th gear (like my Mother-in-law did with her Scenic) will give better economy. The gearing between 100 and 106 is different (106 is closer ratio), but I don't know on the 80/86.

[pex]

Tanks for the reply but are you sure the 100 has 6 gears?
With the closer ratios on the 106, it would make sense to have a 6th but I haven't read it for the 100.
According to the official figures, the 80-86 are more econimical (combined cycle) than the 100-106... haven't checked at mway speed only...

[moon_monkie]

I have a 1.5dci 100 with the 5 speed box and it's definitely at least 2500 rpm in 5th at 70mph. I think the engine power v's economy is brilliant on these and the only thing I would look for is a 6 speeder if poss as it would be a more peaceful cruise. (don't get me wrong the 5sp isn't a problem but I think the extra gear would lower the revs nicely when doing 70-80).

Jon

[Clone]

I have a 1.5dci 100 with the 5 speed box and it's definitely at least 2500 rpm in 5th at 70mph. I think the engine power v's economy is brilliant on these and the only thing I would look for is a 6 speeder if poss as it would be a more peaceful cruise. (don't get me wrong the 5sp isn't a problem but I think the extra gear would lower the revs nicely when doing 70-80).

Jon

Apart from fuel economy the 6spd gear box is meant to deal with the torque load better then the 5spd and therefore, according to the renault dealer inballymena, has longer life span then the 5spd.

[TODDY]

I want a reliable car

dont buy a renault then lol

[pex]

I want a reliable car

dont buy a renault then lol

that is my problem too... this car will be the working tool of my gf, she needs it every day! maybe I should consider something else...

[Megy]

I'd assumed that Renault packaged up all the changes with the facelift, but they might not have done. I know that when I test drove a 100 70mph was just over 2krpm, but in my 106 it's closer to 2k5, so that might be an indication as to the engine.

pex: I believe the 80/86 all have 5 speed gearboxes, which if you forget that a 100/106 has a 6th gear (like my Mother-in-law did with her Scenic) will give better economy. The gearing between 100 and 106 is different (106 is closer ratio), but I don't know on the 80/86.

Hello,
I think 80 and 100 are pre-facelift, while the 86 and 106 are facelift. Also, only the 106 has 6th gear, while all other (80, 86, 100) have 5 gears. So, I dont understand how you managed to get "just over 2k" in 5th gear on the 100, while in 106 "closer to 2k5" if you put it into the 6th.
Can you explain little more?

[morganjake1544]

The change from 80 to 86 and from 100 to 106 happened pre facelift, so phase one.

It was to do with Euro IV emissions compliance.

[Megy]

What is the date of facelift? I know the 106 version started about may 2005.

[morganjake1544]

Facelift was Feb/Mar 2006.