2005 Renault Grand Scenic Maxim review from UK and Ireland

Whistling sunroof, above 65MPH. Now fixed after 5 attempts by two different Renault dealers. However, I'd not recommend this large 'panoramic sunroof' as an option, as having driven a similar spec Grand Scenic (whilst my was being fixed!), it's clear the sunroof compromises the dynamics, increasing the overall cabin noise from the road, engine, etc.

Unpleasant vibration from engine being transmitted through clutch pedal and to a lesser degree, through drivers seat. Still remains unresolved despite Renault HQ technical involvement. Independent inspection suggests unbalanced flywheel may be the cause of the vibration and Renault initially agreed, and booked the car in to replace it. However, for some reason the dealer decided this wasn't the reason (based on Renault HQ intervention!) settling just to change an engine mount (part of a general recall). Lease company now involved to try to resolve as Renault has described the vibration as 'within tolerance' yet sitting in traffic (with left leg on clutch) for more than 20 minutes results in numb foot! This is my company car, I cover around 20K miles a year and the prospect of putting up with this problem for the duration of the 4 year lease is not a option!!

Great car, good finish and everything we wanted in a family car. 7 seats handy and our 'Maxim' model was hard to beat for value (no longer available I don't think though).

However the ongoing vibration issue has really tainted the first 11 months of ownership, especially as so far, everything else has been reliable. Makes driving long distance a chore rather than the joy it could be.

Renault dealers (and possibly other manufacturers too) seem to look at symptoms rather than the route cause of faults reported and therefore seem to spend time looking at faults in the wrong way. Example - the vibration issue has focused attention on the sunroof (it rattles sometimes) and the cabin noise (created by the vibration) but not what might be causing the vibration...eh, the engine!?!