Renault Grand Scenic

Firstly, as REviewCentre doesn't list these Renault Scenics ver accurately, let me say thsat mine in a 2008 Grand Scenic DCi 150bhp manual, 7 seat version. It is one of the last models of the M2 shape that ran from 2004-2009. The car is absolutely loaded with kit; Electronic Handbrake System, Keyless entry and starting (you don't even need to put the key in the dashboard any more; you just have in on you), Cruise Control, Reversing Sensors, Speed Limiter, Electric everything including panoramic sunroof, rear glass roof, fold away 7 seats, rear tables, etc There is nothing else I could ever want for (except an automatic gearbox, which isn't available in this shape, with this engine). Speaking of the engine, it is a chain driven (no timing belt!) 2.0 DCi commonrail system delivering 150bhp. This car will never be a sportscar, but power delivery through the 6 speed gearbox is smooth, progressive and reassuraing. Overtaking is no problem at all (which can't be said for the overworked 1.6 petrol and 1.5DCi versions). You would never know the car was a diesel; it's so refined. Then engine delivers it's power higher up the rev range than I am used from VW diesels; in that sense it's more like a petrol motor. There isn't so much 'turbo whooomph' but instead it just pulls powerfully if not exceptionally, all the way up the rev range. It is giving me 42mpg average at the moment but this has been about 75% town driving, and on a long run I can easily get 50mpg from it. Insurance is cheap (especially for the 150hp version which isn't much more to insure or tax than the 1.5 version. Built quality - that, and the driving experience are the only things that pull the review down from 5 stars to 4 stars. Built quality is typically Renault and a bit flimsy in places; but it's better than in the past and to be fair the car doesn't rattle inside (yet!). The ride comfort as a passenger is fantastic. To drive, well it's a little like sitting up at a desk to do office work! .... it's not hugely comfortable on long rides. and the drive itself it a little more like driving a mini-bus than a saloon car. But you have to expect that when you buy a highly versatile MPV like this one. For what we paid (£3,200 for a 2008 top of the range car with average miles and FSH in 2014) the car has been the biggest bargain I've ever bought. It is currently faultless. Let's hope it doesn't develop a faulty handbrake (£800 replacement) or even worse require a clutch replacement (£2,000, as takes 9 hours labour at the garage!!). Very happy with it for now. It's a superbly equiped, powerful, economical family bus. Does everything it needs to well, if not as refined as Ford or VW MPVs.

This is the second one I have had. I originally had the MK1 which I had for 10 years and 325,000 miles. When we bought this one I didn't really want it. My Wife liked it, I wanted a change from Renault as we have had Renault since 1989. So far I have done 175.000 miles. The engines in Renaults are unbreakable. The harder you drive them the more they seem to like it.Its all the other stuff that seem to go. I had to replace the instrement pannel which is computerised. One thousand and five hundred pounds. Cam belt replacement at 80,000 miles one thousand six hundred pounds. When I took it in for the instrement pannel it cost 70 pounds to connect it to the Renault diagnostic computer. Renault servicing is very expensive. For the last hundred thousand miles I have changed the oil myself and fitted new brake pads all round. Nothing is easy on Renaults. On the old one I could change the oil in 7 minutes, On this one it takes more than an hour but it only has to be done every 20,000 miles. I have a Defender where I can do most jobs myself, Just looking at the mechanics of the Renault frightens me. If a complicated way can be found Renault have used it. There are a few silly rattles inside the cabin. I expect the steering joints to go at around two hundred thousand miles which is not that expensive to put right as I now have a tame mechanic that can do that sort of thing. He changed the cam belt and water pump and only charged three hundred and fifty pounds. Renault remember wanted one thousand six hundred. Over all I would say they are very practical, great engines but expensive when they go wrong. I don't think the engine will go wrong its all the other things. I had an emergency an drove across France flat out for six hours. The car felt like it had been serviced and went like a dream. I didn't even have to lift the bonnet to check the oil etc, I just turned round and drove back