Renault Megane Review (1997 to 2003)

Quick Summary

If you're a keen driver, the Megane Cabriolet represents probably the most sporting example of its ilk. Look for one that's been used as a second car with low miles and a decent service record and it's hard to go wrong.

Overall:

Models Covered:2DR CABRIOLET: FIRST GENERATION - JUNE 1997 TO 2003: (1.6, 2.0 16v [SPORT, SPORT ALIZE, MONACO, DYNAMIQUE+, PRIVILEGE+, FIDJI])

FRENCH OPEN

The Renault Megane Cabriolet offers decent balance between style, affordability and practicality. Although it has never grabbed the headlines it's been a consistent seller for La Regie since its introduction in 1997. Offering a well-judged combination of good looks and driver appeal it appeals to those looking for a cabriolet that can, on occasion, put its money where its mouth is. With a steady stream of used examples filtering their way onto the market how does it stack up as a used buy?
Used Renault Megane for sale

History of the Megane

June 1997 saw the introduction of the Megane Cabriolet, based on the Coupe body and with the same choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre engines. The Second Generation Megane arrived in April 1999 with a rather dubious restyled nose and revised tail light treatment, plus a restyled interior with extra equipment and twin front and side airbags on all models. The big news for the Convertible models was the introduction of the 2.0 16v IDE engine, a unit that boasted a full 140bhp and appealed to all those drivers who'd bemoaned the lack of a decently sporting four seater cabrio at sensible prices. Spring 2003 saw the concurrent announcement of a 'next generation' Megane cabrio with a folding hard top and also a 'last hurrrah' Fidji special edition designed to shift existing stock. The Megane Cabriolet was replaced in 2003 by the all-singing glass-roofed version of the Megane II.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Road Test

The Megane Cabriolet is a tidy handler, if not entirely free from scuttle shake on the worst surfaces. The second generation 2.0-litre cars are genuinely quick, reaching 60mph in a mere 8.6 seconds. The uprated brakes on the later cars are good, the power steering communicative and it feels just great hurtling along with the top down. Having said all of that, none of this makes it an MG TF or even a BMW Z3. To be fair, Karmann, the German specialist company who designed the car and now build it, wouldn't try and pretend that it is.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Buying a Renault Megane

Very little goes wrong though automatic transmission problems have been known so make sure the 'box changes up and down properly on your test drive. As with any convertible car, it pays to check the hood for wear, rips and discolouration as replacement ragtops are prohibitively pricey. Alloy wheels that are frustratingly easy to kerb are another perennial complaint from Megane drivers. Although the Megane Cabriolet dishes up a decent drive, it has thus far escaped the attentions of the Max Power brigade. Should you chance upon a car wearing the usual jewellery such as 18-inch wheels, spoiler kits and monster stereo installs bear in mind that it may not be easy to sell on.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Typical Pricing

Convertible Megane models have sold steadily and prices start at around £2,900 for the first 97P-reg 1.6 models with the 2.0-litre cars opening at £3,375 for the same plate. Second generation cars Megane 1.6 Sport Cabriolets begin at £4,200 with the 2.0-litre IDE engined car opening at £4,650 in Sport Alize trim on a 1999 T plate.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Parts

(Based on a 1997 Megane 2.0 Cabriolet) A new clutch will be about £140 and a full exhaust system, excluding the catalyst, should be around £250. Brake pads are about £40 a set, an alternator is close to £135, a starter motor should be just under £125 and a headlight is about £65. A replacement radiator is about £140.
Used Renault Megane for sale