Used renault megane iii (2008-2016). Buyer's guide
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Renault Megane III breaks with the stereotype and is not too emergency. However, customers buying used cars will benefit from the stereotype - Megane III depreciated faster than competitors. What is worth paying attention to when buying?
Owners of new French cars have a problem that is also positive for customers looking for a second-hand car. Vehicles from France depreciate faster than their competitors from Germany and Japan, and this is due to the belief that their failure rate is greater. However, if we find one that has lost its value, but is considered failure-free - we can buy a good car and save some money.
This is exactly what we will do when buying a third generation Renault Megane. This one entered the market in 2008 and, like Megane, again surprised with a design that in no way resembled its predecessor. The shapes of the French compact certainly stand out from the competition. After quite a failing second generation, the third installment broke with the bad opinion.
Renault megane iii has been designed in 4 varieties:
- 5-door hatchback
- Cut
- Grandtour (van)
- CC (convertible with folding hardtop)
While the first three variants are really popular, the CC version is hard to find on our roads. Theoretically, the Fluence sedan, which used the same components, could also be considered a variant of the Megane. Megane is distinguished by quite a large trunk, which can accommodate 3 liters in the hatchback, and even 372 liters in the estate car.
In 2012, Megane underwent a slight facelift, which introduced LED lights and slightly more powerful engines, but only the 2013 facelift significantly changed and modernized the appearance of the car.
Inside, you can't really complain about the amount of space in the front, although it's just average in the second row.
While the concept of the dashboard itself and the quality of materials or assembly did not leave much to be desired, ergonomic mishaps occurred. Cruise control operation, for example, is divided into 2 buttons on the steering wheel and 2 on the center tunnel. When switching from other cars, you also have to get used to the radio lever. This control has settled in for good in Renault, so if we later buy another car of this brand, we will probably find a familiar element in it.
Sports versions are quite in demand. The Megane RS is still considered one of the best hot hatchbacks on the track, but it was only available with a coupe body. For those who need a more practical exterior, there was a GT version with a 220 hp engine - you can get it in a coupe, as a hatchback or a Grandtour. While the GT may seem less serious than the RS, it is also a car that is a lot of fun to drive.
Renault Megane III - engines
The list of available engines was really long and There are no engines on it that should be definitely deleted. Among gasoline engines, the most popular was the naturally aspirated 1.6 16V with 100 HP, and later 110 HP. The offer also included the downsizing 1.2 TCe (from 2012), 1.4 TCe and Nissan 2.0 naturally aspirated, although only with continuously variable CVT transmission. As it turns out, this box does not even cause problems.
The 1.5 dCi is a classic among diesels. Although this name does not enjoy a good reputation, it is worth remembering that the 1.5 dCi from the Megane is an improved unit, in which problems appeared much less frequently. After all, it is better to buy a copy in which the oil was changed every 15 thousand. km instead of the recommended 30 thousand. km and continue this tradition after purchase.
Renault Sport made both the engine from the RS and the one from the GT. This makes these engines really durable, even with harsher treatment - provided that the car was used "wisely". Unfortunately, buying an older car with a sporty flair is always more risky.
Gas engines:
- 1.2 TCe 115, 130 hp
- 1.4 TCe 130 hp
- 1.6 16V 100, 110 hp
- 2.0 16V CVT 143 KM
- 2.0 TCe 180 hp
- GT 2.0 16V Turbo 220 KM
- RS 250, 265, 275 hp
Diesel engines:
- 1.5 dCi 85, 105 HP
- 1.5 dCi FAP 90, 110 hp
- 1.6 dCi 130 HP
- 1.9 dCi 130 HP
- 2.0 dCi 150, 160 HP
Renault Megane III - typical faults
Although Renault megane iii it is much less failure-prone than its predecessor, it does not mean that failures do not happen at all. The typical problems of 1.2 TCe include increased oil consumption, which ends up being an expensive repair.
In turn, in the 1.6 16V engine, a known problem is the need to replace the timing variator (KZFR) after driving approx. 150 thousand kilometers. km.
While the 1.5 dCi in the Megane III was significantly improved, the main problem - the rotating shells - has never been completely eliminated. In the 1.9 dCi and 2.0 dCi, the rotating shells and problems with the injection system were also a big problem. It is better to choose the 2012 dCi introduced in 1.6, which provides good dynamics and at the same time is more durable.
Typical of the 1.6 dCi is a failure of the exhaust gas flow control throttle, but the EGR valve itself and the DPF filter remain intact. The timing chain on this engine is extremely durable, but on cars mainly used in the city, it can wear faster - as well as the turbocharger, dual mass wheel and diesel particulate filter.
In older cars (before 2012), the windshield cracked repeatedly. From smaller faults - air conditioning, radio or Hands Free card breakdowns, but much less frequent than in previous models.
The front wishbone bushings, stabilizer links, and tie rods wear out fairly quickly, but they are not expensive repairs. The reflectors of the headlamps are also peeling off, or the rear lamps and the tailgate refuse to obey. It is the tarnished contacts that are to blame.
The funniest problem is probably showing information about defects when they are not physically present. If something like this happens in the purchased copy, the OBD reader and self-checking codes can take care of our peace of mind.
Renault Megane III - fuel consumption
Renault megane iii is quite decent in terms of fuel consumption, but a lot depends on the driving style. Turbo engines can be economical, but if we use their performance, fuel consumption increases quickly. Naturally aspirated engines theoretically burn more, but fluctuations in fuel consumption will be slightly smaller in them. For example: the 1.2 TCe engine consumes an average of 7,2 l / 100 km and the 1.6 16V 7,7 l / 100 km. In 2-liter engines you have to take into account fuel consumption of 11-12 l / 100 km.
On the other hand, diesels are economical and those that interest us the most - 1.5 and 1.6 dCi - do not burn more than 6 l / 100 km.
Full data on fuel consumption can be found in the fuel consumption reports on AutoCentrum.
Renault Megane III - used market
The popularity of Megane III is evidenced by the number of ads. Of the more than 1200 cars on display, half of the cars are diesel. Estate cars account for about 33 percent. offers. For cars from the end of production, you have to pay about 35-40 thousand. zloty.
Renault Megane III, however, was in production for 8 years, so on the other side we have cars from 2008-2012, which cost an average of 15-20 thousand. zloty. However, it is best to choose those produced after 2012, with improved engines, but we must approach the purchase with the amount of at least 20. zloty.
A detailed price report can be found in the dedicated AutoCentrum section.
Is it worth buying a Renault Megane III?
If you don't like overpaying, then Renault megane iii you will buy much cheaper than Golf or Civic. The purchase pays off, because the failure rate of this model is relatively small and you should not be afraid of it - and it is the fear of repeating the predecessor that lowered the price so quickly.
What do the drivers say?
About Renault megane iii over 400 drivers have expressed their opinion on AutoCentrum. Interestingly, the car is rated higher than, for example, the Volkswagen Golf VI. The average of the ratings is 4,25, and as much as 84 percent. drivers would buy the car again.
The engines, suspension, braking system and body turn out to be a positive surprise. The source of nuisance failures, however, are the electrics and the power transmission. The lowest rated element of the car is visibility.
