1996 Renault Megane 1.6e RT from UK and Ireland - Comments

Before purchase, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.

Motors in both electric mirrors are shot, the electric windows are slow and unwilling at times and the lights have a habit of turning on and off as the brakes are used. Bad design or bad build?

Very slow when cold, a rattle appears from the engine when revs exceed 2000 rpm at times. Shudders too until warmed up.

Awful performance with regard to engine pull at any time, is exacerbated by lack-lustre feedback in steering. This is somewhat conpensated for by better than average road grip and handling.

Very comfortable at most speeds, engine is quite good in 5th gear, clever design (e.g. audio controls on steering wheel) make life a little easier in traffic.

Economy is quite bad for a 1.4 engine, averaging 33 in town, 36ish on journeys, combined about 35ish.

If considering purchasing, would do well to think about Laguna 1.6 ~1998, much better car, not much more money.

You might have a short in the electrical system.

Laguna with 1.6 liter engine will disapoint you. It's too heavy for that engine and fuel consumption will be high.

Your lack in power is due to the 1.4 all car surveys and guides say the 1.4 is severly underpowered as the 1.6 only has 90 break and in the 1.4 your trying to drag a ton of car with 75 bhp which is less than most standard 1.4's. luguna won't be better just get a bigger engine.

Mr K.

My Megane is a 97 1.6.e model, and has done 120,000 miles without a single hiccup up! Key to it is to look after it well, regular oil changes, regular servicing. I cannot fault economy or performance. Plan to keep mine for another 120,000 miles!

To the last review made; I totally agree with you. I also own a 1.6e Renault Megane, which I have owned for three years, and apart from normal wear and tear, has never let me down. Some reviewers on this site say that the Renault Megane is crap and they have had nothing but trouble with them, but at the end of the day, you either buy a peach or a lemon. I plan on keeping mine for a while yet, and just hope nothing expensive does go wrong.