Why are older Renaults apparently such good value?

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a cheap secondhand (second) family car. Renault Mégane hatchbacks, Scenics and Grand Scenics and even Vel satis from 2003, 2004 and 2005 seem very good value with low mileage NCTed models available from €2k to €3,400 in garages. Much cheaper than similarly specced Japanese or German alternatives. Are they that risky? If the timing belt is done and the electrics seem ok is there anything else I should be wary of or are Renaults that old just not worth the grief?

John McMahon (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: reliability

---

Expert answer

Hi John,

You know what? Just avoid the lot of them. In the early 2000s Renault was going through a period of very poor build quality that wasn't really resolved until the launch of the current Mégane in 2008. Older Renaults are generally just to be avoided. Electrical problems are commonplace and frustrating, and just because they're working now doesn't mean they'll stay working. These cars are marked down in price for a reason.

Hope we were in time to stop you buying!

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe