Looking for advice on second hand Renaults

Archer

Archer

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So I'm in the market for a "new"car (in other words used) and a 2014 Renault Megane caught my eye. Seems spacious with a decent looking interior, but are there any big issues that one should look out for on these models? Also note that I'm in the Netherlands where Renault is the second most popular brand so I am assuming servicing and parts is not the issue it is (or was?) in SA.

Are there any alternatives in the same segment that warrant a look? I know pricing is way different so I'll figure out that part but for interests sake I'm wanting to spend less than 13k, and could go to 15k if it is something really amazing. This vehicle is supposed to be more of a short term plan (2-3 years) after which we may look at something nicer depending on a few big life decisions.
My requirements are as follows:
Must seat a family of 4, with a dog. We prefer the dog in the boot so sedans are a no go, unless there is ample leg room in the interior.
Must handle at least two large suitcases for family visitors.
Diesels not preferred, due to driving short distances and there being additional taxes involved.
Must have parking sensors at a minimum, although rear camera is preferred
Some creature comforts like USB port, bluetooth etc. Navigation is a nice bonus but one can always use a phone for that
 
renualts fall apart rapidly in SA, also zero resale value, unless you can find a good independent mechanic.
all french cars are endless money holes where people suffer. maybe a reason Citroen left SA,

Im sure other forum members will tell you all about it quite quickly.
 
eg2505 said:
renualts fall apart rapidly in SA, also zero resale value, unless you can find a good independent mechanic.
all french cars are endless money holes where people suffer. maybe a reason Citroen left SA,

Im sure other forum members will tell you all about it quite quickly.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure you actually read the OP, since talking about SA is irrelevant to me
 
Go for it. Renault service in the EU is quite good from what I've heard. I also have a Renault runaround car from 2012 and it's not costly to maintain at all.
 
Drifter said:
Why not look at the Focus estate?
Click to expand...

Maybe I should be more clear, the Megane was simply the first one that caught my eye. At the moment there is no reason why I won't consider something else and am open to all suggestions. I'm simply out of my depth looking at anything outside of the big German brands.

At first glance the Focus looks decent, I will certainly have a look into it
 
When I lived in the UK I had a few Renaults as my wife was working for them. Apart from the three I owned, she also got a new one as a company car every 9000 miles, so we kind of went through the list of available Renaults.
The biggest issue though is if something goes seriously wrong if the car is out of warranty (but I suppose this goes for all makes). My 2005 Laguna (bought in 2006 with 12,000 miles at half the list price) had an airbag replaced under warranty. A few months out of warranty the ABS computer blew and the initial quote was something like GBP1300 to fix.
Also, when I sold it in 2009 I only got about a 35% of what I paid for it, so they do depreciate rapidly.
 
I heard the saying that friends don't let friends buy French. Luckily none of us here knows you so why not, go ahead. They make pretty cars.
 
Nothing wrong with newer Renaults. They share parts with Nissan so reliability is good. And they now have a local warehouse so getting parts quickly is no longer an issue...
 
European cars in Europe aren't half the nightmare they are down here in Cape Town.

That being said a more typical car like a Ford or Mazda or even German is probably a safer more sensible bet.

A mate of mine though in the UK has a Renault Megane and has had zero issues with it, so maybe it's worth the risk and you can report back to us how it differs over there?

****

You are in the Netherlands right? Why not look at SEAT?
 
I have a Sandero Stepway (2016), and no real complaints. My local Renault dealership has been awesome. But then again, it's just a Dacia.
 
Archer said:
So I'm in the market for a "new"car (in other words used) and a 2014 Renault Megane caught my eye. Seems spacious with a decent looking interior, but are there any big issues that one should look out for on these models? Also note that I'm in the Netherlands where Renault is the second most popular brand so I am assuming servicing and parts is not the issue it is (or was?) in SA.

Are there any alternatives in the same segment that warrant a look? I know pricing is way different so I'll figure out that part but for interests sake I'm wanting to spend less than 13k, and could go to 15k if it is something really amazing. This vehicle is supposed to be more of a short term plan (2-3 years) after which we may look at something nicer depending on a few big life decisions.
My requirements are as follows:
Must seat a family of 4, with a dog. We prefer the dog in the boot so sedans are a no go, unless there is ample leg room in the interior.
Must handle at least two large suitcases for family visitors.
Diesels not preferred, due to driving short distances and there being additional taxes involved.
Must have parking sensors at a minimum, although rear camera is preferred
Some creature comforts like USB port, bluetooth etc. Navigation is a nice bonus but one can always use a phone for that
Click to expand...

Fantastic value for money. Very reliable. Stunning car all round.

Being in Netherlands, look at SEAT or even better Skoda for similar (if not more) value for money.
 
pinball wizard said:
Fantastic value for money. Very reliable. Stunning car all round.

Being in Netherlands, look at SEAT or even better Skoda for similar (if not more) value for money.
Click to expand...

So I checked out SEAT and Skoda, the interior is very dated. I understand that is how they provide the value proposition but I think I'm going to pass on these.

I have added a Peugeot 308 to the list however, and a Focus Estate (although the wife hates Ford so not much hope there :p). I need to do some more homework to see what ownership costs are like on these brands in the NL. If it is similar to a VW Golf then I think I'll be happy to pull the trigger
 
Archer said:
So I checked out SEAT and Skoda, the interior is very dated. I understand that is how they provide the value proposition but I think I'm going to pass on these.

I have added a Peugeot 308 to the list however, and a Focus Estate (although the wife hates Ford so not much hope there :p). I need to do some more homework to see what ownership costs are like on these brands in the NL. If it is similar to a VW Golf then I think I'll be happy to pull the trigger
Click to expand...

Fair point. I had a Megane, and I currently have a 5008 and a Polo. I love the Peugeot. I loved the Renault.
 
Archer said:
So I checked out SEAT and Skoda, the interior is very dated. I understand that is how they provide the value proposition but I think I'm going to pass on these.

I have added a Peugeot 308 to the list however, and a Focus Estate (although the wife hates Ford so not much hope there :p). I need to do some more homework to see what ownership costs are like on these brands in the NL. If it is similar to a VW Golf then I think I'll be happy to pull the trigger
Click to expand...
Is that the previous gen or current gen 308(2014 - present) ?
 
Drifter said:
Let your wife drive the new Focus. It really is an awesome car.
Click to expand...

It's one of those completely illogical brand perception things, will be a very hard sell :/

Sumen said:
Is that the previous gen or current gen 308(2014 - present) ?
Click to expand...

Seems like it's the newer gen that fits inside my budget. Is there something I need to keep in mind between the two?
 
Archer said:
Seems like it's the newer gen that fits inside my budget. Is there something I need to keep in mind between the two?
Click to expand...
Nothing much - it's just that the rear seating is a bit cramped according to reviews.
 
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