Renault MEGANE RANGE (1996 - 1999)
MODELS COVERED 5DR HATCHBACK, 5DR SCENIC, 4DR SALOON, 2DR COUPE, 2DR CABRIOLET: FIRST GENERATION APRIL 1996 TO APRIL 1999: 1.4, 1.6, 2.0, 2.
0 16V, 1.9, 1.9DTI TURBO DIESEL [RN, RT, RT SPORT, RXE]
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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The Megane has been a major success story for
Renault. Keen pricing, good levels of standard equipment, roominess and strong build quality have all helped, as have clever and constant TV advertising. The range of models on offer has also played a large part in the success with the closely related Scenic (now a separate range in its own right) in particular opening up a whole new market sector, that of the compact and affordable people carrier. For the used buyer, theres never been a better time to pick up a well-priced Megane, with all models on the market in substantial numbers.
As a family car, the five-door hatchback and saloon offer a lot for the money, while the less common coupe and convertible offer distinctive looks for those who want sporty cars at a value price.
A value-for-money compact family-sized car thats the safest thing in its sector. It doesnt feel as classy as some of the alternatives youll find from, say, VW or
Rover, but its better equipped.
If youre looking for a bargain Megane, the 1.4-litre five-door is your car. Early RN N-platers start from about £2,100, with the better-specified RT about another £200. Second generation cars with the 16-valve engine and RT trim start on 99T plates at about £3,500.
The cheapest 1.6-litre five-doors will date from 1996. For these N-platers, expect to pay from around £2,100 for an RT or about £2,400 for a plusher RXE. Second generation prices start around the £3,500 mark for the new 16-valve engine and RT trim.
As for 2.0-litre and diesel five-doors, budget for a minimum of £2,500 for the cheapest N-plate 2.0 RXE, while youll be looking at about £2,200 for an RN D or roughly £2,200 for the turbo-engined RT TD. Second generation diesels start at about £3,900.
Very little goes wrong though automatic transmission problems have been known so make sure the box changes up and down properly on your test drive. Watch for thrashed 16 valve Coupe or convertible models and for the usual family interior damage on Scenics.
(Based on a 1996 Megane 2.0 RXE) A new clutch will be about £140 and a full exhaust system, excluding the catalyst, should be around £250. Brake pads are about £40 a set, an alternator is close to £135, a starter motor should be just under £125 and a headlight is about £65. A replacement radiator (with aircon) is about £150.
On the road, the emphasis once more has been placed upon practical user benefits - refinement and ride quality to be specific, both of which set class standards. If you want ultimate handling and performance, you need to try one of the affordably priced Coupe models.
A fine buy with a huge choice of models, specifications and prices.
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