2002 Renault Scenic Dynamique 1.9 DCI

Summary:

Good looking all rounder

Faults:

Black smoke pouring from exhaust resulting in a breakdown and £350 repair bill as the fuel injector had failed and all glow plugs had to be replaced.

The front brake disks are severely scored and need replacing at a cost of £200.

The cabin does not warm up for a long time in cold weather, (longer than any other car I have owned).

As I drive off, the doors lock themselves, (they have only been doing this for six months).

The battery stopped working after two years.

Have had two cracks in windscreen at quite low speed.

When idling the engine vibrates erratically and the rev counter dips. It only does this now and again and no garage or diagnostic check have found any fault.

On windy days the car feels very unstable.

General Comments:

Drives well for a diesel, quite nippy.

Good size family car with good interior features.

Been to France twice and the car performed very well, comfortable and efficient.

High driving position means it's easy to step in and out of, and there is good visibility when driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2005

4th Apr 2006, 13:41

It is not a fault that the doors lock themselves when you set off driving, it is a safety feature.

1st Jan 2007, 14:05

I would also add that this person has a Diesel and I have yet to drive a diesel that does not take a lot longer to heat up than a petrol.

14th May 2007, 22:42

I note your problem with the engine running roughly at times and the revs dipping. I have a similar problem with a Rover 45. Full diagnostics through the proper software done in my presence noted that the stepper motor was out of parameter. This was reset, but the fault continued after a brief period where it was OK. A replacement stepper motor was installed. Again it worked OK for a day then developed the same fault running rough and revs hunting to the point of stalling - especially in cold weather. Garage suggested a new ECU - but I drew the line. I suspect a sensor on the intake side as it appears to be OK when the weather is warm.

2002 Renault Scenic 1.6i 16v

Summary:

It's a dog

Faults:

Water ingress from sun roof panel from new.

Clutch replaced at 29,000 miles.

Middle rear seat constantly jams and is hard to remove.

Constant problems with immobiliser.

Poor cold starting.

Poor damp starting.

Constant loss of pile from seats.

Inlet valves burnt out at 39000 miles.

General Comments:

Very uncomfortable driving position.

Fairly poor performance for engine size.

Very slow under load.

Unreliable due to starting problems.

Expensive as valve replacement c. a £1000 within six month of warranty expiring.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th November, 2005

2002 Renault Scenic Fiji 1.6

Summary:

Good value for money, well-equipped, practical and comfortable - if not a little unreliable

Faults:

Automatic gearbox in first 6 months.

Ignition coils (on several occasions)

General Comments:

This is our second Scenic. With two children and a walking disability, the Scenic is such a comfortable, practical and well-equipped car. The specification is also quite impressive.

However, on the downside, the car feels light and insecure - as if you're driving around in a thin, hollow aluminium can - despite all the safety features! The suspension is very soft, which makes tight corners interesting.

Reliability, is fine, but not brilliant. We depend on our car, and when there is a problem - however small - it's a big deal!

We need to change our car soon, but we're not sure what to do. Do we go for the 3G Scenic, or do we wait and buy the New Zafira? Having looked at the 3G Scenic, I think we'll wait! Don't like the cramped interior or the stupid automatic handbrake! The stupid boot door is ridiculous. If you're tall, you run the risk of hitting your head often or suffering from lower back strain. Most disappointing, even though it is filled with impressive gadgetry - which no doubt will fail at some point!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2005

14th Mar 2007, 13:56

I am driving a Zafira now as someone hit my Fidji and it is in for repair.

I can't wait to get our Scenic back. It's more comfortable and economic than the Zafira.

(Got to admit I do like the power of the 1.8 engine on the Zafira, but don't tell anyone :)