I can't help with the convertible side of things but I do run that model of Megane as my daily driver, albeit with 5 doors. My commute is approx 120 miles round trip and most of that is motorway tbh, but with 146K on the clock it's still going strong. Renualt electrics can be a bit ropey but probably no worse than alot of other cars out there.
Renault Megane Convertible... Good? Or Bad?
Pretty much as the title really, has anyone out there in Nutzer Land had any past experience with the Renault Megane Convertible? Anything to look out for when buying one?
My GF is looking to sell her Tigra and get a convertible (mid life crisis, same as me, ha ha!) so has started shopping around. Preferences were initially for an MGF or MG TF, but the well documented head gasket issues made her a bit nervous. Then thought about an MX-5 (woohoo!) but her budget won't quite stretch to a new enough model with low mileage. Now she is looking at the Megane Convertible because they seem to offer really good value for money, and she quite likes the slightly quirky styling. Looks like decent examples are selling for around ?2500-ish, which seems a bargain to me.
I would imagine the running gear to be pretty much bullet proof, and most seem to be in good cosmetic condition, but are there any particular weaknesses or potential problems we should know about? The only thing that springs to mind for me would be if the roof is electric and goes wrong. I can just imagine what a nightmare that would be to sort out... Possibly best to opt for a manual roof if possible?
Anyone got any thoughts, or recommendations? All help appreciated guys, cheers
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As an example, this is the sort of car she would be looking at: Mmmm, Yellow... or here: Mmmm, Silver... (might be going to view this one in the next few days...) Or even here: Mmmm, Burgundy...
My GF is looking to sell her Tigra and get a convertible (mid life crisis, same as me, ha ha!) so has started shopping around. Preferences were initially for an MGF or MG TF, but the well documented head gasket issues made her a bit nervous. Then thought about an MX-5 (woohoo!) but her budget won't quite stretch to a new enough model with low mileage. Now she is looking at the Megane Convertible because they seem to offer really good value for money, and she quite likes the slightly quirky styling. Looks like decent examples are selling for around ?2500-ish, which seems a bargain to me.
I would imagine the running gear to be pretty much bullet proof, and most seem to be in good cosmetic condition, but are there any particular weaknesses or potential problems we should know about? The only thing that springs to mind for me would be if the roof is electric and goes wrong. I can just imagine what a nightmare that would be to sort out... Possibly best to opt for a manual roof if possible?
Anyone got any thoughts, or recommendations? All help appreciated guys, cheers
As an example, this is the sort of car she would be looking at: Mmmm, Yellow... or here: Mmmm, Silver... (might be going to view this one in the next few days...) Or even here: Mmmm, Burgundy...
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Cheers mate, good to know the engine is likely to be decent at least
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Ha ha, I desperately want her to get a yellow one as well
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We might go and test drive the silver one first though, 'cos it's just down the road in Peterborough
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We might go and test drive the silver one first though, 'cos it's just down the road in Peterborough
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I had a Megane Coupe 1.6 16v for 4 years.
Would recommend coupe-club forum. Great site, I learnt a lot there.
The 8 valve ones are slow. Bearings go like crazy (7). Driveshaft died twice. 5 Coilpacks died. Got my timing belt changed- 700 miles later snapped and wrecked the entire engine.
I still loved it tho.. looks nice, great fun to drive hard.
I like them, I really do. But i spent a fortune on mine, and really looked after it.
I would recommend driving one, making sure you do full lock on each side, listen the the gearbox too. (Any clunking avoid) Also check that the Timing belt has been changed AND driven for a good bit. (and water pumps replaced too!!)
After my coupe I needed something reliable, but still fun and sporty. Bring on the Mx5
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Good luck in your viewing! Defo dont buy an mg!
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Would recommend coupe-club forum. Great site, I learnt a lot there.
The 8 valve ones are slow. Bearings go like crazy (7). Driveshaft died twice. 5 Coilpacks died. Got my timing belt changed- 700 miles later snapped and wrecked the entire engine.
I still loved it tho.. looks nice, great fun to drive hard.
I like them, I really do. But i spent a fortune on mine, and really looked after it.
I would recommend driving one, making sure you do full lock on each side, listen the the gearbox too. (Any clunking avoid) Also check that the Timing belt has been changed AND driven for a good bit. (and water pumps replaced too!!)
After my coupe I needed something reliable, but still fun and sporty. Bring on the Mx5
Good luck in your viewing! Defo dont buy an mg!
2
Cheers mate, some good advice there, much appreciated
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You thought about one of these?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1563131.htm
Had one when they first came out and really enjoyed it. Nice cabin, different styling and a great sounding engine... I know Alfas get a bit of a slating but mine didn't miss a beat.
Just a thought
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http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1563131.htm
Had one when they first came out and really enjoyed it. Nice cabin, different styling and a great sounding engine... I know Alfas get a bit of a slating but mine didn't miss a beat.
Just a thought
Jesus, don't add more alternatives mate, it's bad enough that she isn't looking for an MX-5 any more!
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The Alfa looks really nice, but I'd be almost as nervous about reliability as the MGF....
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The Alfa looks really nice, but I'd be almost as nervous about reliability as the MGF....
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lol... sorry mate.
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If it's been looked after and has a full service history I wouldn't worry much about reliability... nice cars.
If it's been looked after and has a full service history I wouldn't worry much about reliability... nice cars.
Well, that told me!
I do agree with what you say though, and if it was my choice I'd go for an MX-5 over any other car, no question (OK, I am biased because I bloody LOVE mine...
Who knows, next week I might be asking about Peugeots!
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They're terrible mate.
Oddly enough though the newer versions are even worse.
Get a good 30 min test drive at the very least before you decide, also get a drive in the coupe to have a good comparison.
The body and chassis flex is bad enough to be unnerving, a good mate has the Megane II cabrio, and as the Mrs has a Megane II and had the 226 i thought it'd be interesting to compare.
There is absolutely no comparison, the standard Megane drives a million times better, gets better MPG, handles better, is faster and is more stable.
Driving over fairly rough roads i swear you can feel the car flex around you
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So if ya Mrs has absolutely no idea about cars, puts looks and having a cabrio over, performance, economy driving etc then it'd be ideal.
Oddly enough though the newer versions are even worse.
Get a good 30 min test drive at the very least before you decide, also get a drive in the coupe to have a good comparison.
The body and chassis flex is bad enough to be unnerving, a good mate has the Megane II cabrio, and as the Mrs has a Megane II and had the 226 i thought it'd be interesting to compare.
There is absolutely no comparison, the standard Megane drives a million times better, gets better MPG, handles better, is faster and is more stable.
Driving over fairly rough roads i swear you can feel the car flex around you
So if ya Mrs has absolutely no idea about cars, puts looks and having a cabrio over, performance, economy driving etc then it'd be ideal.
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