Car for 5, Renault Scenic possibly.
Discussion
On the lookout for a genuine 5 seater for the family and as we have used the old Renault Scenic in France on hols, I wondered if any of you lot owned the post 2003 version and what do you think of it.
I see that they do various diesel versions from as low as 86 hp upto 120 hp so I would be interested in your opinions.
Looking at spending no more than £4K for something with around 30K on the clock.
Cheers.
I see that they do various diesel versions from as low as 86 hp upto 120 hp so I would be interested in your opinions.
Looking at spending no more than £4K for something with around 30K on the clock.
Cheers.
had an older 1999 1.6 16v. generally a good car and very practical. bodywork and engine were all fine and never caused any problem apart from a dead battery once (cell failed). the brakes were a constrant nightmare - always squealing. the brake pistons also used to bind a lot. also suspension joints were poor or the car was hard on them as every year at least one ball joint would fail on the mot - pretty easy to change though.
The wife's mate has just bought a 2004 scenic diesel, on the test drive there was a warning light lit up which the dealer insisted was just a blown fuse. They insisted on the car being taken to a renault dealer for a check over before money changing hands. The car needed 1500 quids worth of work done on it 
The renault dealer suggestd that the wifes friend take out a decent warranty package on it as it would definitely be needed 
Amazingly, although everyone she asked for advice about the car told her to walk away and buy a corolla verso, she still bought it.
The renault dealer suggestd that the wifes friend take out a decent warranty package on it as it would definitely be needed Amazingly, although everyone she asked for advice about the car told her to walk away and buy a corolla verso, she still bought it. We are on our 5th Scenic. Ranging in years from a 1999 to 2008 plate. (Last 3 are post 2004).
Look out for the end of season 2004 plate as they chucked every option known to man on it. Auto wipers, auto headlights etc.
Also some versions have leather. But the best is full leather, aircon plus twin sunroof.
As for engines AVOID the 1.4L as its so gutless it can barely pull itself along. The 1.6 is nice and quite economical and the Diesels seem to run of fresh air.
Problems: Water in footwells, sqeeky brakes, poor wipers (watchout for the cost of replacement, they are not a £4.99 jobbie).
Going abroad? Then the digital dash is a pain as setting/resetting to and from MPH/KPH is a right pain.
Apart from that and a few other niggles I like them. One of the few cars that can be packed with adults but still feels spacious.
One thing I do find a pain on Scenics is the constant windowscreen fogging.
Look out for the end of season 2004 plate as they chucked every option known to man on it. Auto wipers, auto headlights etc.
Also some versions have leather. But the best is full leather, aircon plus twin sunroof.
As for engines AVOID the 1.4L as its so gutless it can barely pull itself along. The 1.6 is nice and quite economical and the Diesels seem to run of fresh air.
Problems: Water in footwells, sqeeky brakes, poor wipers (watchout for the cost of replacement, they are not a £4.99 jobbie).
Going abroad? Then the digital dash is a pain as setting/resetting to and from MPH/KPH is a right pain.
Apart from that and a few other niggles I like them. One of the few cars that can be packed with adults but still feels spacious.
One thing I do find a pain on Scenics is the constant windowscreen fogging.
Edited by Morningside on Monday 13th April 09:39
1.9 DCi's have a bit of a reputation.
It's dull but a Toyota Verso of some sort would be a more reliable bet.
Mazda 5's are also worth a look but i'm unsure that they will be in budget
or what about a large old merc....cant go wrong, and veg oil works with them to, that would be my choice
It's dull but a Toyota Verso of some sort would be a more reliable bet.
Mazda 5's are also worth a look but i'm unsure that they will be in budget
or what about a large old merc....cant go wrong, and veg oil works with them to, that would be my choice
croyde said:
Thanks but why have you had 3 in 5 years? 
Always worries me that.
Ah, I can explain that: Always worries me that.2004 Already had one. 1.4L
2006 Purchased a manual Scenic. 1.4L - Had everything chucked in as standard.
2007 Purchased an auto Megane as wifes heath (Leg etc) getting much worse and required wheelchair 1.6L
Dreadful car. No space in the back, boot found out to be useless.
2008 Could not get on with it, so got an auto Scenic instead. 1.6L.
What annoyed me about this, was that Renault decided to upgrade the stereo into an MP3 version free 2 weeks after purchase
I like them, but that Diesel caused me no end of trouble.
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