1998 Renault Scenic RTE 1.9dti from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's brilliant. I'd buy another tomorrow!

Faults:

Recently a shock absorber snapped. However I do tow a largish caravan so this may have been a contributing factor.

A little wear on the drivers seat - rather more than expected.

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable and apart from replacing the shockers and normal servicing, it has never been back to the dealer for anything.

It is the most comfortable car I have owned and has acres of space both front and back. The boot is also very roomy and the extra cubby-holes in the floors are invaluable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2002

1998 Renault Scenic 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good idea without the quality of product to back it up

Faults:

Paint flaking of the bumpers.

Interior trim poor.

Head gasket blew at 30,000.

General Comments:

This was a replacement for an original car which was rubbish.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th February, 2001

1998 Renault Scenic RT 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant concept, let down by poor reliability and lousy build quality

Faults:

Where do I start?

Rattling trim - various parts of car - ongoing despite various attempts by the dealer to rectify.

Key lost coding - car could not be started (replaced by dealer - no charge).

Rear exhaust section at 21,000 miles, followed shortly later by...

Middle exhaust section (to be followed soon, I am told by dealer, by the front section, including the catalytic convertor - whoopee, can't wait for THAT bill).

Total ignition seizure - needed a new barrel fitted.

Wiper motor failure - 'wrong batch number' so not covered by the dealer. Complained bitterly - eventually coughed up a refund.

Paintwork very poor - scratches if you look at it too hard!

General Comments:

I had been getting reasonably good treatment from the dealer but had to go to a different (Renault) dealer for recent work and got appalling treatment from both the dealer and Renault UK customer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th January, 2001

1998 Renault Scenic RXE Monaco 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, economical and so much space

Faults:

Piece of plastic trim on the side of the driver's seat came loose. Apart from that, nothing.

Much better build quality than any new Ford or Vauxhall I've owned.

General Comments:

Amazing fuel economy - 45 to 50mpg if you keep below 3000rpm.

Driver's seat position is critical for long drives. There is a zone of perfect comfort between the pain in the shoulders region and the pain in the lower back region, but finding it is difficult.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2001

1998 Renault Scenic RXE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Proved to be unreliable

Faults:

Automatic gearbox had to be replaced.

General Comments:

I was stunned to be landed with a near £1900 bill (LATER REDUCED TO £950 as a goodwill gesture) to replace an automatic gearbox that had done only 28,000 miles. How many other people have had this problem I wonder. Is there a design fault? I'd like to know.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th September, 2000

4th Mar 2001, 10:05

You must be unlucky. My car has now done 36,000 miles with the same autobox and never had a problem. In fact it is the best box I have ever had. Could it be the driver?

13th Jun 2001, 11:01

Bought a 2.0 16v Sport Alize with 2800 miles on the 'clock' from new, in 6 months.

2000 miles later (never taken over 3000 rpm by me) the 5 speed manual gearbox had to be replaced following investigation into a low whining noise.

To be fair, Renault were very good and did the work without any problem.

1998 Renault Scenic RT Sport 1.9 DTI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Practical family fun car

Faults:

CD player failing to remember which track it was on, repaired under warranty.

Indicator stalk cancelling too hard and indicating the other way, also repaired even though out of warranty.

General Comments:

Excellent family car, tows brilliantly all the way to Southern France and back to Northern Ireland each year.

Could do with a couple of inches extra on the seat to give better under leg support, otherwise no criticisms.

Turbo Diesel almost a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Best buy - an import from Southern Ireland saved me £4000 and still no problems with the warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2000

1998 Renault Scenic RXE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice car, shame about the gearbox

Faults:

Beware the auto gear boxes.

My car is a fantastic drive, could use armrests in the front. For comfort, fuel and economy it's great!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately the downside is 2 gearbox overhauls in 2 years, each one costing £2000. Please let me know if you have had the same problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th August, 2000

4th Mar 2001, 09:59

I have the same vehicle but have never had a problem with the auto box.

The heater is the only useless thing together with the alloy wheels.