Buying a Used 2011 Renault Megane, What's Your Experience?

Litstuan on 03/01/2016 - 16:59

Hi All
I'm looking for a first car for the missus with budget around $10K. Yes, few people have talked me out of European car, specially French car. The usual Jap car is more reliable and cheap maintenance. But I've set my eyes on the 2011 Renault Megane with 1 year manufacturer warranty left for $12,000. Seems like a good price for a recent car with all the handy features (GPS, 5 star safety, bluetooth etc..)
So, any Renault owner here (or know someone who is), can you give me piece of advice? Should I get it? If not, why?

Thanks in advance :)

Automotive

Comments

  • saine on 03/01/2016 - 17:41
    +1

    My first car was a Renault. Great when things were good, but when things weren't they were expensive or slow to fix. I had to wait ages for parts to be shipped from France, during which time I didn't have a car.

  • spackbace on 03/01/2016 - 18:07

    Have you checked how much the GPS costs to update? Pointless mentioning that it has 4yo maps that can only be updated by Renault

    • itstuan on 03/01/2016 - 19:07

      No, but thanks for mentioning, I'll call the dealership tomorrow to find out.

    • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 20:41

      It cost something between 200-400 (once off setup fee) to update the map from renault.

      • spackbace on 04/01/2016 - 20:56

        Yep and I would bet my left nut it's not as up to date as you'd hope ;)

  • oscargamer on 03/01/2016 - 19:18

    don't

  • [Deactivated] on 03/01/2016 - 19:21
    +1

    wouldnt bother
    expensive to fix run and maintain
    also needing to run 95 or 98 ron makes it a pretty silly choice

    spend the cash on a suzuki swift navigator or something better on fuel

    your pocket will thank you and so will your wallet (:

    • itstuan on 03/01/2016 - 19:54

      European car runs premium fuel, that's not an issue. Even Jap car owners choose best fuel for their car.
      I know it's expensive to repair when things go wrong, that's why I'm hesitating. But anyone bought a lemon here? I want to know :)

      • oscargamer on 03/01/2016 - 20:45

        "I know it's expensive to repair when things go wrong, that's why I'm hesitating."

        you just answered your own question

        the car is already 5 years old….time for timing belt (if it has one), exhaust, brakes, clutch (if manual) etc…etc…etc…

        you would be SO MUCH BETTER buying a Toyota, Mazda, or Hyundai

        the Megane is a good car, no question, but I would not touch one that is 5 years old, unless i was a mechanic, with a French relative !

        don't do it, just don't

        • itstuan on 03/01/2016 - 23:21

          I dont think Korean makes better car than French. But Toyota I agree a more reliable car, but then again its a used car, who knows why the previous owner selling it.
          At least the Renault Megane I'm looking at still has 1 year manufacturer warranty left. And buying from a dealer, I may be offered extended warranty for extra grand.

        • oscargamer on 04/01/2016 - 09:20
          +1

          hyundai used to be of questionable quality

          personally i do not like the brand

          if you think poor quality is still the case, you need to update your thinking - they are now very very very well built with great modern technology (i still don't like them though)

        • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 12:35

          @oscargamer: I know Hyundai has come a long way, but like you, hate the brand. I want something with personality :)
          Quality is not an issue for most cars these days, not with Renault nor VW specially. downside of European brands is repair cost unfortunately..

  • notcreative on 03/01/2016 - 21:15

    My wife has a 2014 clio, hasn't had any issues so far. The only issue we have has is that it requires engine oil top ups in between services("top up oil" message in the instrument cluster), thats something I've never experienced in a Japanese car. Maybe its a turbo or euro thing since the dealer seems to act like its not a big deal.

    Does the one you're looking at have a turbocharged or diesel engine ? They seem to have more issues.

    How important is reliability to you? I wouldn't trust it as much a Japanese car …

    • itstuan on 03/01/2016 - 23:16

      It's just a 2.0ltr petrol. I had a VW Golf (2.0ltr petrol) that does same thing, top up oil between service. They said its "normal" for a Golf. Who knows…
      Of course reliability is important, I dont think French car lack of it though. Every car has issue to be fair. Repair bill on the other hand…
      It still has 1 year manufacturer warranty that's why I'm considering.

      • PVA on 03/01/2016 - 23:39

        a new car that you need to top up with oil between services? I have never had to do that, it isnt normal at all (but I bet they say it is, just like Jeep say up to 2 litres of oil between services is in spec).

        • oscargamer on 04/01/2016 - 09:18
          +1

          if your clio is using that much oil between services, there is a problem

          it's not the turbo or 'euro' thing (ha ha ha), it's oil passing the pistons and being burnt in the combustion chamber, before being spat out the exhaust (probably ruining your turbo and catalytic converter on the way)

          get it fixed while it is still in warranty

          i guarantee you you will get the "that's just what these engines do" response - that is a BS reply and the only person to suffer by not getting it fixed is you

          read up about the recent Subaru oil use class action lawsuit

          if the dealership don't assist, go straight to the manufacturer

        • PVA on 04/01/2016 - 11:25

          @notcreative:
          exactly, oscargamer. the clio's oil use is no way normal and the dealer is passing the buck. Not Creative dont put up with it and complain next time and if you get no joy go to the manufacturer - Renault Australia themselves should do something.

        • notcreative on 05/01/2016 - 22:32

          I had a look on car forums and a lot of the newer efficient cars with small displacement engines and a turbo seem to suffer from this issue.

          From the user Guide "It is normal for an engine to use oil for lubrication and cooling of moving parts and it is normal to top up the level between oil changes. However, contact your approved Dealer if more than 0.5 litres is being consumed every 600 miles (1,000 km) after the running in period."

          That said, I'll inform them of this in writing and check how much oil has been used, not sure if there is a seperate "top up" and "low oil level" indication.

          Its got 4 years warranty left so hopefully we get it sorted by then.

  • Marcsie on 03/01/2016 - 21:47
    +1

    Buy smart,buy Japanese cars :)

  • PVA on 03/01/2016 - 23:37
    +1

    that renault is based on a nissan and reading up is built by nissan in europe (Turkey?)
    I went to buy one in 2009 but got a Honda instead, the Megane still looks good though.

    Like how our Nissan Xtrail is related to the Renault Koleos.

  • bostie on 04/01/2016 - 10:04
    +1

    Have had a Renault Megane 2011 auto from new - no problems. Check if always serviced by Renault. Of course low klms.

  • PVA on 04/01/2016 - 11:32
    +1

    I wouldn't know of any cars that aren't 5star safety nor have Bluetooth (GPS is another thing) for post 2010 cars. When I looked at the megane they were just over $20,000 new from the local dealer (I only looked at the base auto that had what you says) so 4-5 years old at $12000 is prob a normal price. How many km's on it?
    for the Bluetooth, see if it does Bluetooth audio streaming and your phone works with it, some cars the Bluetooth is only for phone calls and some don't work with all phones.

    • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 12:05

      It's the Privilege model which higher than base, done 90,000km. It's true most of post 2010 cars have 5 star safety and bluetooth these days, but you will be lucky to get anything over 2010 for a Civic, Corolla or Mazda3 for the price. It'll be 07-08 model with very basic features.

      • spackbace on 04/01/2016 - 12:21
        +1

        very basic features

        As has been pointed out:

        • GPS likely out of date and needs updates - $$$s
        • Bluetooth - in 2011 it was sometimes only used for calls (no music streaming), and some don't like modern phones

        Lucky, looks like it's chain driven so no belt to replace

      • PVA on 04/01/2016 - 12:25

        When buying new I chose the civic over the megane as it drove and felt much nicer, was also quieter. Also I remember that the Renault dealer was so pushy it turned me off buying.

        $12000 seems OK, but don't shy away from the Dynamique model as I see some on car sales with much much lower km's for $11k-$12k
        check to see how much new maps are here (i think) https://renault.naviextras.com/shop/portal/newLogin

        • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 21:53

          Renault doesnt hold its value very well hence the price I'm getting for the 2011 model with all the features. I actually prefer the Privilege than Dynamique for the leather, sunroof & GPS. Wouldn't mind a civic myself but all the one I looked at wasn't maintained very well.

        • jackary on 13/01/2016 - 07:19

          @mcp2kpro: have you looked at a similar year Civic Si? Namely the UK built civic, with 2 doors and the triangular exhausts. Still had quite a lot of style and flare, they were quite expensive new so you don't see many around, should be had with similar km's for a similar price? Best of all - It's a Honda.

        • itstuan on 13/01/2016 - 10:27

          @jackary: I didnt really look at it since its $2K above my budget. But its nice, similar to the Type R which I like.

        • jackary on 13/01/2016 - 23:14

          @mcp2kpro: haha also why I like :p

  • spackbace on 04/01/2016 - 12:23

    OP, have you looked at the one with 57,XXX kms?

    Considering negotiating room, I'd be trying to haggle down the price on that first.

    • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 12:37
      +1

      Yes I have, but the wife specifically made it clear "anything black" lol

      • spackbace on 04/01/2016 - 12:38
        +1

        Anything hey? :P lol

        • itstuan on 05/01/2016 - 09:03

          well anything that gets her from A to B haha, she actually doesnt mind driving an old bomb but I refuse for safety reasons

        • TheOneWhoKnocks on 08/01/2016 - 16:51

          ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

      • PVA on 04/01/2016 - 12:39

        White looks th best I think ayway.

        go on, pay a little more and get the soft top :) . great looking car.

        • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 12:55

          Wouldn't say no to this :)
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H0zO8xJZts

        • PVA on 04/01/2016 - 12:58

          @mcp2kpro:
          Clean white with black from trim and tyres looks perfect on this car.

          I think you have already talked yourself into one, get it, seems an OK price. They have fixed service costs but I have no idea on what the cost actually is - honda and nissan are quite reasonable, others arent.

        • itstuan on 05/01/2016 - 09:05

          @PVA:
          Only first few services are capped, minor service costs $330 and major one costs double. It's a hundred more than other japanese cars but you only required to service once a year.

        • PVA on 05/01/2016 - 14:24

          @mcp2kpro:
          Check insurance costs too.

  • ddrex on 04/01/2016 - 16:00
    +1

    my gf's father bought a 2011 renault fluence for her sister 2-3 years ago. Nothing wrong with it so far (knock wood) and still 1 year warranty left. They were so impressed with it that the father bought himself 2013 renault lattitude just before christmas and he got it for a steal considering how much of a luxury car it is. 5yrs warranty ends 2018 but he plans to keep it for next 10 years if all is ok as he loves it. I got to drive it and I'm impressed!
    They are good cars with the only downside being the price and availability of parts when they break down.

    • oscargamer on 04/01/2016 - 21:36
      +1

      "They are good cars with the only downside being the price and availability of parts when they break down."

      Yes and yes……….that is a BIG downside

      • ddrex on 05/01/2016 - 20:38

        Agree, and that's why i wouldnt look at buying a renault myself, but i think how the car is maintained has a lot to do with whether it will give you headaches down the road, and from what i have seen, i think renaults are better built than some local and more popular models ;)

        If i was op, and i found a newish car that looks like it was well cared for, at a good price i wouldn't worry too much about where the parts would come from.

        In saying that, gf's dad paid $14k from memory for the fluence when it was 2 years old and with 30k-ish km, not sure how megane compares to it but $12k for what you listed seems a bit high to me ;)

        • itstuan on 07/01/2016 - 09:23

          You can still find the Fluence within that price, its just that the Megane is a bit higher pricing and the one I looked at is the cheapest around.
          There are more satisfied Renault drivers than the Ford Focus from what I'm reading, I don't believe Renault a bad car.

    • itstuan on 04/01/2016 - 21:57

      That's good to hear. I've heard many happy renault drivers, it's fun to drive and not mainstream like some other japanese. It's a shame Renault entered Aus market so late.

      • JimB on 06/01/2016 - 14:11
        +2

        It's not that entered the Australian Market too late, it's that they left for too long before returning.

        • itstuan on 07/01/2016 - 09:21

          Silly French lol

  • JimB on 06/01/2016 - 14:10
    +1

    The only Renault I'd buy will have a Renault Sport badge on it.

    As a Renault (Sport) fan, go Japanese for a 1st car.

    • itstuan on 07/01/2016 - 09:21

      not that I disagree Japanese for first car is safest choice. I've had looked at 3 civics so far but none are well maintained/pricing. Can't find any Corolla within our budget/preference either. Hate Lancer (seriously, what were they thinking with the interior)
      Will continue keep our option open until I'm convinced the Megane is a better choice :)

      • JimB on 07/01/2016 - 10:33

        Fair enough..

  • JimB on 07/01/2016 - 10:33

    I just read that it's done 90,000km.

    I'd definitely avoid this particular Megane.

    I agree, the lancer is just terrible.

    If you're looking at a mid sized European car for that sort of money, have you considered the Skoda Octavia? This 2011 model with 75k is $10k + stamp duty.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Skoda-Octavia-2011…

  • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 13:05

    Thanks, the Skoda is not my cup of tea, its pretty new and cheap though.
    I will look at another Civic Sport manual this weekend, if no good, I will just get the Megane. Spent too much time on this already

    • spackbace on 08/01/2016 - 13:54

      Just offer them $10k, nothing to lose :)

      Can't imagine there's a huge market for 4-5yo Renaults ;)

      • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 15:47

        haha tried that, they were pretty much firm on price, only able to get down to $11700.

        • spackbace on 08/01/2016 - 15:59

          It's been that price since you started this thread hasn't it? Money talks, just be in a position to put the offer in writing. Until then they won't consider it

        • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 19:57

          The sale guy I talked to didn't want to negotiate, as soon as I told him the price I want, he said no thank you and walked away lol
          It's been 2 weeks now so if I really want it, maybe this time he will be stick around a bit longer.

        • spackbace on 08/01/2016 - 20:04

          @mcp2kpro:

          Be nice but be forceful, set your own budget but tell him you'll buy it at that. Be prepared to actually put an official offer in.

          If you weren't actually sure if you'd but it for a set amount, yeah he woulda fobbed you off as you weren't serious (I'm just assuming here as you're still on the lookout that you weren't in the position at the time to purchase).

          Go in with the good wife so all decision makers are there, and be firm. Sure, $10k is probably overstepping the mark, but start somewhere and be prepared to meet in the middle.

        • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 21:24

          @Spackbace: he asked me to make an offer first before taking the car out for a spin, I gave him 11k, he walked off, I left and came back later with 11.5k, he again "thankyou" and walked off.
          A bit snob salesman lol

        • spackbace on 08/01/2016 - 21:53

          @mcp2kpro:

          That's just strange :/

    • PVA on 08/01/2016 - 15:51

      i'm not keen on Skoda, not a good looking car.

      so you are still looking ??? I would have thought you have bought by now.

      • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 15:58

        Trying to make decision this weekend, either Megane or an old Civic and save couple grands..

        • PVA on 08/01/2016 - 16:08

          just to confuse things more - this Citroen looks really nice… http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Citroen-C4-2012/S…
          you have Melbourne for location and this has Footscray logbooks

          Metallic blue, not black. seems really good value, 2012 model, only 21,000 km and logbook services.
          nice looking on the outside and great looking interior.

        • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 16:16

          @PVA: Yep pretty confusing as it is lol, its nice but out of my budget anyway.

        • PVA on 08/01/2016 - 16:25

          @mcp2kpro:
          sorry bout that. it seems kinda too cheap.

          I suggest look at cheaper Honda/Toyota and save some money. Cars really are a waste of cash (but nice to have)

        • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 19:59
          +1

          @PVA: I am, tested drive a few Civic so far, hopefully will find something soon, but if not I will just get the Megane, with 1 year warranty & roadside assistance, it can't be that far wrong.

        • PVA on 08/01/2016 - 20:03

          @mcp2kpro:
          let us all know what you end up getting (I hate car shopping, too much pressure)

        • itstuan on 08/01/2016 - 20:06

          @PVA: will do, thanks for all the input guys.
          "I love car shopping, more like, I love looking at cars that I wish I had enough money to buy haha"

  • itstuan on 18/01/2016 - 22:20
    +1

    Hi All. Just an update on my progress. After test drive 4 Civics, Mazda3, Ford Focus. None of them were either well maintained or good pricing. Almost bought the 2012 Focus Trend but the guy wouldn't provide RWC and was on finance. Tested drive the Megane and man, what a smooth drive. Not only that, the Megane beat all its Japanese competitors for its unmatching list of features, such as: Leather seats, Sunroof, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Auto folding mirrors, auto rain sensing wiper and light, Keyless entry & start/stop etc…
    Furthermore, it still has 1 year manufacturer warranty
    Yes, the cons would be potential expensive repair, only if it breaks down after 1 year (hope not)
    There it is folks, thanks for all your inputs. I'll upload some pics if you like and honestly cant wait to pick it up this weekend :)
    Cheers

    • PVA on 18/01/2016 - 22:24

      good on ya. nice car.

      give us a 6 month update on how it's been please.

      • itstuan on 18/01/2016 - 22:36

        Will definitely, hope it won't be a bad experience haha

        • PVA on 18/01/2016 - 23:02

          it'll be great.

        • itstuan on 21/07/2016 - 13:13
          +1

          @PVA: I've come back after 6 months as promise lol. The car has been good and really enjoy driving it.
          The only issue was, It's keyless start so I lost the only key that came with it. Had it towed and ordered new key from French. Only cost me $300 for the key & coding. I've heard horror stories from other Japanese car owners that they paid up to a grand for the key. Over and out lol

        • PVA on 22/07/2016 - 06:14

          @mcp2kpro:

          Good stuff glad it's all cool.

        • TheOneWhoKnocks on 22/07/2016 - 07:06

          @mcp2kpro: Is it the sports model or just the base model?

        • itstuan on 22/07/2016 - 09:28

          @TheOneWhoKnocks: its the Privilege model which has full options.

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