Renault Megane (2002 – 2008) At A Glance
Bold styling, a decent drive and good value for money. Estate version has a roomy cargo bay. Excellent crash test rating.
The hatchback's load bay isn't big. Electrical, mechanical and build quality problems are common.
What do owners think of the Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)? Check out our
Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.
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Real MPG average for a Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
Satisfaction Index
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Reviews for Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
Ask Honest John
Why does my Renault Megane pull to the right?
"I've got a 2004 Renault Megane. The car is pulling to the right when accelerating. And after braking the car feels like it's dragging. I'm confused, any suggestions?"
This could be caused by a few things. So check your tyre pressures first before moving onto things like wheel alignment and even bearings. If that doesn’t sort it, then it could be caused by worn out suspension parts.
Fitting a Renault Megane Heater Resistor (3R68K 1R71K R41K)
"Is there a special method for refitting the Heater Resistor (3R68K 1R71K R41K) in a Renault Megane without having to completely remove the dashboard?
The positioning / design of the resistor connector has meant that the part is seemingly impossible to re-attach to the dashboard without it breaking in an attempt to mount it.
Any help would be most appreciated. "
Don't ever mess about with a heater resistor. If it has failed, the reason is usually that the motor has failed, so replacing it without replacing the failed motor may well lead to a Zafira-like electrical fire.
Renault Megane emitting lots of black smoke
"I have a problem with my 2003 Renault Megane. It consumes too much engine oil and there is also a lot of black smoke. What could the problem be?"
One possible reason is a failed turbo bearing oil seal so the engine oil is getting into the engine and being burned by it. Another possibility is failed valve stem oil seals.
Electronic fault on Renault Megane
"After I turn the ignition on my Renault Megane (2004) shows a reading on the dashboard that says 'electronic fault' and the orange 'service' rectangle comes on all of the time. Any idea what might be wrong? "
The instruments of these can play tricks and cry wolf but still wise to get it checked by an independent Renault specialist - someone who knows the quirks of the cars. Not a Renault dealer.
More Questions
Driving Renault Megane (2002 – 2008)
We have to thank the bravery of BMW and Renault. Just as car styling was becoming samey and safe, along came Chris Bangle and Patrick le Quemant. Their designs have polarised opinion, but at least they got people talking and no one can accuse either of them of building boring Euro boxes.
However, youll find no bustle bottom poking out of the back of the Renault Megane Sport Tourer. Instead, and unlike the Laguna Sport Tourer, its squared off as a station wagon should be and offers an impressive 1,600 litres of loadspace.
That makes it quite a big car. At 4,500mm its longer than the average family hatchback-derived wagon, though not quite as long as a 4,804mm Mondeo estate.
This length and strong self-centring variable ratio steering give it a very secure feeling on straight roads; better than the Megane hatchback. But in the rain the front-end can get a bit unruly, seemingly wanting to unstick itself and forcing a slower pace through the twisties than normal. It could all balance itself out with a load in the back, of course, but I didnt try that. And Renault does offer an optional understeer reducer as part of its £750 handling option pack.
The 136bhp 2.0 litre VVTi version I drove had plenty of power, fed through a six-speed box giving about 23.5 mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th. Prices arent crazy either because its quite a lot of car for list prices from £12,613 to £16,813, off which you should be able to chip £2,000 - £3,000 in todays market.
Obviously the reason to buy this car is as a traditional estate car load-lugger (otherwise youd buy the hatchback, the sport saloon, the coupe cabriolet or the Scenic). So, though the luggage space is big and well-shaped it was disappointing to find the back seats fiddly to fold, difficult to fold flat, and the loadspace carpet very cheap looking. Really it needs to be coated in tough, ribbed plastic.
But the car is undeniably good value for money. The 1.5 diesel is very economical. The 1.9 DCI 120 goes very well indeed and is the obvious engine of choice. The 2.0 136bhp petrol model I had is quick enough to satisfy the driver in most people. With the Megane range, Renault seems to have covered every niche in the medium family car market, which is probably why it is now one of Europes top sellers.
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