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Original poster

Would I be really mad to buy a Renault Megane Scenic ??

54 replies

CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:21

I know there was a thread on here about the recently about them and up until that point that was the car I wanted to buy once I passed my test.

That thread really put me off but I can't find anything else similar that I like, is a similar size/shape and fits my tiny budget (£1500 tops at the mo).

I liked the scenic because it wasn't huge overall but had lots of boot space and decent room in the back.

I can't go for a typical 1st car because I have 3 dc and will more often than not have my mum with me too, and if dd2 gets her way, a dog too eventually.

So, would I be really mad to buy one of these ?? If so, is there anything similar that I could look at ?? Have already seen the Daewoo Tacuma but they all seem to have huge engines, and have also looked at the Honda Civic is it, but thats out of my price range.

OP posts:
BexieID · 19/02/2009 17:29

I do like mine and we've had a few repairs since we got it Nov'07. Cost us £1400 for a W-reg. We had our old car for the same length of time we've now had the Scenic, and the only thing that needed replacing was a tyre, lol. Shame some swine broke into it and wrote it off.

sweetkitty · 19/02/2009 17:33

I have heard that the old shape are fine but the newer shape are known to have electrical problems, a friend of mine got one a few months before I was going to get one and she has had nothing but trouble with it including the electrics keep failing and the brakes.

We looked at them and decided on a CMAX instead, similar size and I think you maybe could get one for your budget.

herbietea · 19/02/2009 17:35

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Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:35

Hmm see this is what is putting me off.

My dad is fab with cars, can do pretty much anything to them that needs doing and knows a good mechanic for anything he can't do, but I can't afford to buy a car that will end up needing stuff done all the time, especially as my dad puts it 'i won't always be around to fix these things for you' lol.

My dad doesn't think I need a big boot but I do. If i was to take the kids away for the weekend and my mum came that would need loads of boot space, and plus he hasn't seen me and my mum when we go shopping.

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LIZS · 19/02/2009 17:36

How old ? I would say they are expensive to service and for parts and have typical faults which are costly to repair (ignition coils and timing belt for example) and much worse if they aren't fixed in good time. Fine to drive although you can get almost as much storage space in smaller models now. You need a 1.6 engine as a minimum or it feels heavy going.

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:37

I like the CMax, but haven't found any within budget yet.
The picasso i'm not sure about as t me it looks quite alot bigger than a scenic.

I don't really want to go any bigger on overall size than a scenic or similar.

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LIZS · 19/02/2009 17:39

How about a Nissan, Toyota or Mazda - tend to be reliable and cheaper to maintain - or a Ford Focus.

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:39

Not sure on exact age LIZ but it would definatly be the older shape one.

I just don't wan to buy something smaller and then regret it cos I can't get evryone and everything in.

Perhaps I should buy a bus

OP posts:
jura · 19/02/2009 17:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:40

I like the Nissan Almera Tino, but they are out of budget.

I cannot for the life of me decide if I like the Ford Focus or not. I know my dad doesn't but that doesn't matter.

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Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:42

Really Jura, perhaps it's just me then. I need to go look at a Picasso i think.

My dad is of the opinion that something, ie anything will come along, but I want something I like at least.

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MinkyBorage · 19/02/2009 17:43

We have a renault scenic, new shape, and it is FABULOUS!!! I haven't read the other thread, but would be interested to.
The space is immense, you can fit three car seats in the back with no trouble, and it doesn't feel like a big car to drive, easy to park etc etc. If we change cars we could get a renault espace.

About six months ago we had an electrical problem, which was fixed easily under guarantee and hasn't happened since. I guess that's what you're worried about, so I don't suppose that's reassuring.

I must say that I have never heard of any problems with them until reading this thread, but perhaps we've been lucky.

I have to say I love driving it, and think it's a really nicely designed car. The nicest of it's type we looked at.

jura · 19/02/2009 17:43

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LIZS · 19/02/2009 17:44

Agree not much difference in size although the shape at front is slightly different so cabin looks longer. I like the flexibilty of the Scenic seats but plenty of other manufacturers have copied that since.

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:46

Oh I don't know. It is so confusing.

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herbietea · 19/02/2009 17:47

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Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 17:47

My dads top choice at the mo is a Ford Escort.

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LIZS · 19/02/2009 17:51

That sounds a sensible choice - in terms of your budget to buy, insure and relative ease to maintain.

LIZS · 19/02/2009 17:53

French cars are traditionally expensive to maintain btw.

MinkyBorage · 19/02/2009 18:02

Jura, since when has 5'9" been bigger than 5'11", or am I missing something???
They are higher, the extra space is in the height, and they also have several compartments in the floor.

Whilst the middle seat in the back might not look like a full sized seat, I reckon it is. I use the middle and side seats for car seats which leaves a full size space on the other side (which is plenty big enough for a full sized car seat)

MinkyBorage · 19/02/2009 18:05

We used to have DH's Dads old Ford Mondeo which felt like about twice the size to drive, and it had a fraction of the space in it. We went camping in France in our scenic last year, with 2 small dc, so not travelling light, plus tent, cooking stuff, etc etc, and it was brilliant!

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 20:11

An Escort is a good choice size wise etc yes, I agree and if my dad found a nice one then I would have it no problem, I just want to see what else I can get for my money.

There is a Mondeo for sale by me but I find them too big.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 19/02/2009 20:15

Yes, because they're ugly.

sweetkitty · 19/02/2009 20:20

Expat - have you seen anything in the people carrying class that isn't ugly,you sure don't buy them for looks you buy them to ferry loads of DC and related stuff about.

Original poster
CrackerNut · 19/02/2009 20:20

LOL Expat, looks is actually a requirement, but I do like them. Not keen on the new shape ones though.

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