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renault Scenic Road Test Reports and Car Reviews

renault Scenic

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The Renault Scénic offers a flexible interior enabling everyone to find their ideal comfort level. Enjoy the city country thing with the Scenic Conquest, express yourself with the Scenic and Grand Scenic Expression or go for style and comfort with the Grand Scenic Dynamique S.

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renault Scenic reviews by year of make: 1998  1999  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  Read all reviews

Renault Scenic

1.5 dCi - Renault’s Megane-based Scenic compact MPV is popular in the mid-sized C segment (which includes cars such as the Focus, Astra, Golf, etc). In that part of the market, MPVs constitute 30% of sales acro... read more

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renault Scenic car video reviews, adverts and promotional videos. These car vidoes will allow you to see the renault Scenic in action and let you hear the opinions of all the top road test experts. Featuring car videos from MSN cars, Top Gear and other top sites.

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renault Scenic Car Reviews

Ross, Surrey

Renault Scenic 1.6 Auto Dynamique (Petrol) 2005

1 star review

From the very first day of owning this vehicle we have experienced nothing but problems. 4 x Breakdowns / Injection coils x 4 have all failed individually and been replaced approx £150 each time via Renault. Stalling problems - camshaft sensors failed x 2 types and been replaced. Very noisy clacking on starting due to camshaft dephaser - needs replacing (approx £700). Auto Gearbox failure - New gearbox required (Renaults advise) at approx. £3,000 / we opted for a repair to part of the gearbox by a specialist at £1,000. We have finally given up on this car following many heated conversations with Renault, but do they really care!?!? At face value these cars appear to be good value, but on hindsight if we had spent more money initially on buying a more premium quality car e.g. Toyota / Honda, we would be much better off in the pocket and a great deal happier. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR !!!

Submitted: 18/06/2009 09:07:02

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Adrian, Isle of Anglesey

Renault Scenic 1.9dti sport 1999

1 star review

This is the worst car we have had, and I have had it a year. It was in garage for 7 months of that; head gasket went, it came back and wouldn’t start; gasket went again, still no good; had new fuel pump, crankshaft, speed sensor, injector fuel filter, set plugs x 3, alternator, battery, sunroof leaked. In the end we traded it in as we couldn’t trust it. I lost a lot of money we didn’t have in just 13 months.

Submitted: 17/06/2009 15:31:51

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Julie Holland, Cheshire

Renault Scenic Grand Dymanique 2004

1 star review

Giving a star rating of 1 for this car is being very generous. We have had a ridiculous amount of problems with this it ending in it needing a new engine and so I am at last getting rid! We have a number of friends who also have a Grand Scenic and all but one have also had problems. When it is working it is great but this is sadly very rare! I will NEVER buy another Renault. Bought from Arnold Clarke in Warrington, never again!!!

Submitted: 18/05/2009 08:42:17

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Roy Tustin, Gloucestershire

Renault Scenic 2000T 2005

3 star review

Car has a lot going for it, lovely car to drive, roomy, comfy, plenty of power even in sixth gear and controls are well placed and easy to operate (my wife loves driving it). Even though it is a big car it is still easy to park. The down side is the high petrol consumption, only 20 mpg in town and 42 to 45 for motorway driving when you can stay in sixth gear. It really is a car for long distance driving, although it is great for the big supermarket shopping trip!! The big shock was when I came to replace a tyre; they are 205/55R17V. Choice is limited to about three manufacturers and they are all the top end of the market. The cheapest I could find was £120 each tyre and that is a Dunlop Fastresponse. Looking at reviews on other websites, until recently, Continental were the only suppliers of this size of tyre and of course, loaded the cost of their tyres. As usual Renault have little interest in after sale support - why? They make some super cars why spoil it by poor support? I shall buy a Japanese car next time, friends tell me they get superb support and no nasty surprises. PS When I read the reviews on the Renault Scenic not one mentioned the tyre problem, hence the reason for my review.

Submitted: 06/05/2009 12:07:09

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Ruth, England

Renault Scenic 2005

2 star review

I have had my Renault Scenic for three months and in that time it has never started first time, it’s terrible. I have taken it to two garages and they say it has no problems. It’s now with the company I bought it from they said its OK too, we told them to keep it till it goes wrong so they can fix it. Gone off it a bit because of this can’t afford to change it, not sure what to do, the whole thing is very stressful and I feel like ramming it up a wall.

Submitted: 21/04/2009 11:44:01

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Nick Schemanoff, England

Renault Scenic Expression dci80 2004

4 star review

Well... Don’t believe all that Renault and their dealers say as they fib (to put it mildly). I bought my Scenic last October to save some money on fuel... It’s averaged around 55 mpg which I’m delighted with... my BIG problem came when I pulled out of my supermarket car park and lots of alarm bells and flashing lights told me I had a parking brake problem (now is this a case of Renault overcoming a problem that never existed or what!!!... an automatic hand brake)... I took it to my main dealer who told me the motor unit was sealed (first fib) and it needed replacing at a cost of £370 for the unit (plus VAT) plus fitting (another £200 quid)... I asked my dealer in Plymouth if I could get a refurbished one or one from a breaker... The answer was no as it needed to be programmed to my car and it was a one-off system that couldn’t be reprogrammed (second fib). I wasn’t happy with that so I called Renault... they said the same (third fib)... I tried the dealer in Saltash... same answer (fourth fib). I then by chance ended up at a Renault specialist in Exmouth (Carlton Garage... excellent guys). I asked them if I could use a part from a breaker... they said no problem; they’ve done a few... I got one for £40 and they reprogrammed and fitted it for £80... Problem solved... apart from that the cars excellent, very reliable, comfortable and cheap to run.

Submitted: 21/04/2009 11:34:34

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Ady Wood, Kent

Renault Scenic 1600 petrol 2002

1 star review

I will never even drive one again or think of buying one again, this was the worst car ever with ongoing faults that Renault cant even sort. I bought the car with low miles and it needed a cat which Renault say should last at least 5 years but won’t except any of it, it needed a clutch, the dash stopped working, Renault couldn’t fix that. You can’t change the headlight bulbs, Renault have to do it coz you need to remove front panel seats which become very loose. The key packs up the stereo controls. The paint comes off, the dash boot is always loose, ignition coils go every winter and Renault still says there is no problem. They have had the most recalls of any, these cars are terrible- all this happened within 6 months and Renault will not help you or accept any liability. Mine was 2 years old and they classed it as usual wear. Also they loose alot of money-you can actually get an new shape 53 reg for less than an old shape 02 so that says it all. Forgot to mention the stupid handbrake that only works when it wants to and does not understand hills. Please don’t bother buying one, I’ve now got a CRV, same sort of money and twice the car. I would stay away from all Renault vehicles until they decide that all there fancy electrics just don’t work.

Submitted: 07/04/2009 10:49:41

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William Mitchell, Lanarkshire

Renault Scenic 1.6 RT 2008

5 star review

Hi I just bought my blue Renault Scenic 1.6 RT last week. I was just about to tax my car today from my post office. The post office said that the car is still under a disabled class and has to be changed over to private class. Its a 1997 model. Very nice car to drive well untill I get it changed over to private class as the post office said that when they change it over I can taxed it from the DVLA office in glasgow.

Submitted: 07/04/2009 10:14:58

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Martin Hargreaves, Suffolk

Renault Scenic Expression 2005

3 star review

The Grand Scenic is a lovely sized car , with 3 good separate seats in the rear (all separately removable). The rear most 2 fold flat seats are for children only. Good front seats & plenty of under seat & floor storage bins. Door pockets (front) have blocked access when doors are shut... very poor. Overall, for car size, the Grand Scenic is really spacious, cannot find any better elsewhere for the price. I have the 1.9 litre 120DCi Engine, non particulate filter version. Over 50 mpg & a low CO2 thus about £140 tax. BUT HEY, there are faults & plenty of them... I have had 2 engine mounts snap & replaced & I drive relaxed, cruiser style. I have had the glow plugs fail & replaced, oil leaks, electronic faults with front & rear washers, headlamp bulbs fail (needing the car to go into garage as, cannot access headlamp without removal of front panels, big job and costing over 100 pounds !!!!!). Rear light letting in water, manufacture fault etc... Now just to help you out there. Look at getting your extended warranty with www.warrantydirect.co.uk as they are far the best, covering wear & tear , MOT failure parts, labour etc... look on-line for peace of mind & a good price. Using the Renault or AA or others are not so good. Please note the newer Scenic use the DCi130 engine and although better, they use the particulate filter which has to be replaced every 9,000 miles - this is a pain as you still have to come in for those services to engine later . Worth looking into. WELL THAT’S ALL FOLKS!!

Submitted: 23/03/2009 09:27:42

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John Tennant, Lancashire

Renault Scenic 2005

5 star review

Very comfortable, good on fuel; an excellent car. Always said I would have another Renault Scenic after owning one for three years; great to drive and spacious.

Submitted: 18/02/2009 12:42:41

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Eileen Breeze, Sussex

Renault Scenic 2.0 Dynamique petrol 2001

3 star review

Great car! I have an Auto Scenic 2.0 Dynamique petrol which is average of 30mpg. Great car have had 2 in 5 years but prefer the old shape. There is a drive shaft problem with the autos - it pulls to the right when I accelerate, anyone else have this issue? Lots of space for 3 kids and the dog! The auto gearbox can be a bit juddery when accelerating up hill, but great on flat. I have 2 sun roofs which work well and all over vision means I do not miss anyone on the road. Secret compartments in passenger seats great for the kids junk. I have driven through France last year with great ease. Seats are so comfortable that after 3 hours driving I did not ache when getting out like lower model cars. Excellent safety features with air bags in crucial sites, making me feel safe when travelling with the whole family in tow. Air con works efficiently and clears the screen in seconds on cold days. Mine has only done 53K so am waiting for the services to be expensive. One issue is when the coils went all four had to be replaced and not just a pair which happened in my old Y reg one. A good all round family car with enough storage and comfort and extras for any family whatever their ages. Might switch to a diesel for economics looking at other reports for this car.

Submitted: 29/10/2008 11:58:14

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Karen Walker, Staffordshire

Renault Scenic Dynamique 2.0 VVT 2006

4 star review

Second Scenic, had a old shape automatic, which was suppose to be troublesome. Mine was great, the only thing that went was the auto gearbox sensor inside the car, which wasn’t expensive. I love my newer one, great drive, and spacious. It does have the usual FRENCH electrics niggles, but hey ho, every one of the 5 or so Renault’s I have had, also did. I find Renaults have a fit one day, and then behave for months after, got a mind of their own. I owned a lot of Ford Granada’s previously, and they were quite troublesome, engines, head gaskets, oil burners. Cars aren’t perfect, but I would have another Scenic tomorrow.

Submitted: 21/10/2008 09:57:51

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Graham Gilbert, Neath Port Talbot

Renault Scenic 1.5 diesel 2004

1 star review

I have a fault in the braking system. I have got about an inch of play in the pedal and then the brake bites making the car tilt forward. I have tried a neighbours scenic and the pedal goes down smoothly.

Submitted: 14/10/2008 11:16:09

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June Heayes, Dorset

Renault Scenic Expression + 2003

2 star review

My first MPV Renault. A lovely car to drive and lots of space. Unfortunately comes with lots of problems, I had to have the coils (all 4) replaced 3 times, I have spent £1000 on repairs in 3 months, cam belt, water pump, drive shaft, constant problems since it was 2 years old. I won’t buy another - I don’t like the new shape anyway.

Submitted: 02/07/2008 10:10:29

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Stephen Honeyball, Essex

Renault Scenic 1.6 Fidji 2003

3 star review

Last of the old shape, bought new. Nice & roomy, lots of little useless storage. Finish & trim cheap & cheerful, some bits like washer bottle broke/release lever for middle rear seat broke/ dodgy rear wiper in 1st couple of years Renault unable to fix under warranty, just put up with them now. Half suede trim does not wear at all well, driver's seat wrecked. Engine management trouble twice - once fixed under warranty, once £200 to fix. Overall OK but wouldn't buy another.

Submitted: 26/06/2008 08:50:15

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Peter Evans, Kent

Renault Scenic 2004

1 star review

Since my last report it has had another electrical fault which stopped it in its tracks, discs and pads, and clutch replaced and now two weeks ago it dropped out of 6th gear on the motorway a couple of times and has now had a brand new gearbox fitted! Total bill for repairs since the warranty ran out is about 15k! Thank God I am not the lease company...

Submitted: 16/05/2008 09:02:37

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Sally Goldsmith, Hampshire

Renault Scenic 1.9 dCi 130 Conquest 2007

5 star review

This is the best MPV, I did a lot of research before parting with my hard-earned money and it was all worth it. The space is very impressive and it can seat 5 adults and still be comfortable. Luggage and storage options cannot be faulted. I have never really been impressed by Renault or by French cars in general but the Scenic has, without doubt, changed my opinion somewhat. There is a feeling of quality that surrounds both the interior and the exterior, the optional parking sensors are recommended as they make parking on supermarket bays a doddle. Then we have the safety aspect, possible the most important factor in my opinion - front, side and full-length window airbags come as standard and the Scenic received the full 4 star EuroNCAP rating. This was the deal clincher. I have now done 10,000 trouble free miles safe in the knowledge that myself and my family are a safe as is possible. Good fuel economy and reasonable insurance costs plus a competitive purchase price make this a no-brainer when choosing a multi person vehicle. The 1.9 litre diesel gives great performance and the Scenic grips the road well. THE best MPV.

Submitted: 08/05/2008 12:08:47

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Simon Dixon, Hampshire

Renault Scenic 1.6 WT Expression 5dr 2006

5 star review

Great family car, bags of space and comes with a good level of kit Ours has taken us to France and back twice and in the 2 years we’ve owned it has given us nothing but trouble free driving. Very reasonable to run and very good safety features. Can’t fault it.

Submitted: 24/04/2008 09:17:42

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William Forsyth, Surrey

Renault Scenic Monaco 1999

1 star review

Very juicy on petrol; only getting 21 miles per gallon.

Submitted: 03/04/2008 15:23:56

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Peter Evans, Kent

Renault Scenic Grande Scenic 2004

1 star review

Got a top spec 2004 Grande Scenic on a lease which whilst the most practical, economical, child friendly and comfy car I have ever had has today broken down for the sixth time in a year. Since the warranty ran out last May the lease company (thank god I took the maintenance package out!!!) have spent £8,600 on repairs. These have been to date Oil pump and turbo (£2,000), complete engine 3 months later due to oil starvation (£5,000), discs, pads, batttery and clutch (£1,600) and today its died again. Its done 80,000 easy motorway cruising miles and hasn’t been thrashed or abused. I am on first name terms with the Renault garage staff and most of the AA in Kent! How can Renault produce cars like this?

Submitted: 25/03/2008 09:18:54

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Keith Wanless, Hampshire

Renault Scenic 2002

5 star review

We bought the top of the range diesel scenic and love it. Although we have only done 48000 miles which is silly for a six year old diesel we would be looking to buy a new one, however we just don’t like the new shape, shame. It is constantly reliable and roomy, easily big enough for five even on a long journey. The seats come out if you need more boot space no problem, mpg is good and overall we can’t fault it.

Submitted: 28/02/2008 11:37:32

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Denise Foster, Surrey

Renault Scenic 1998

5 star review

I have had my Renault Scenic for 4 years now and I love everything about it. It is spacious, it is high up with clear all round views, it is comfortable and easily seats 5 adults. I have never had any problems with it and I am 100% sure that my next car will also be a Renault Scenic. It even has little picnic tables for the rear passengers and the seats fold up to make a really spacious luggage/parcel storage department. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants to have stress free motoring.

Submitted: 28/01/2008 12:51:43

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Pete Warren, Staffordshire

Renault Scenic 1.5dci Dynamique 2005

5 star review

This is the Third Scenic to date and possible the best in both comfort and economy, the previous two one was a 1.9 dt and the last one a 1.6 16v ,although both had there good points this series 2 ,has now made a very good motor even better, economy and speed, masses of pull with the small 106 engine and around fifty five to the gallon, only one fault is the design of the tailgate if you open this in the rain prepare for a wet boot, so beware, also the roof line being narrower than the doors also tends to let the rain into the door switches and the front foot wells, apart from these small problems a very good all round vehicle.

Submitted: 28/01/2008 10:07:12

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Roger Anderson, Derbyshire

Renault Scenic 2.0 dCi diesel 2007

5 star review

Bought the Scenic brand new a few months ago. Chuffed to bits with it, nippy, spacious, safe and good value for money. The Scenic is based on the Megane and is very economical, doing about 50 miles to the gallon. Both myself and my wife feel extremely safe in the Scenic, a full complement of air bags and anti-lock brakes. A EuroNCap rating of 5 stars confirms this feeling. If you are looking for a family car then you should look no further than the Renault Scenic,, it ticks all the boxes for us as a family.

Submitted: 30/10/2007 16:45:31

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