1998 Renault Megane RXE review from UK and Ireland

Petrol smells in cabin caused by insufficent clamping of pipe to engine connection.

Battery did not charge properly - new battery fitted.

Occasional clunking noise from front n/s.

Occasional exhaust rattle due to poor fitting of a replacement (cheap) tail pipe.

Comfortable to drive and handles fairly good - better than the Vectra I had previously (which suffered from the infamous /annoying Vectra steering knock).

Has a 2 litre 8 valve engine, which is adequate, but no more.

Interior is OK, but has a slightly fragile feel about it, but all the gadgets work OK so far.

Spare plip key expensive - £140 including coding in by Renault dealer.

RXE model has air con, electric roof, electric windows all round, alloys, immobiliser, drivers airbag only, electric mirrors.

5 door hatchback has good sized boot and rear passenger space is OK. Had a cambelt change at 64000 before I got it (check this first - it is essential). Underside of the car is starting to show signs of rust.

Fuel economy pretty good overall for a 2 litre in both town and motorway.

Overall, a nice car to drive, but not exciting. Car is nearly 8 years old and is probably not worth repairing if anything major goes wrong. Get one cheap with a full service history if you can.