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Renault Megane 3 Problems (2008–2016): Common Faults, Reliability and Buying Guide

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                                                                        Photo: By Cutlass - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=171484153 The Renault Megane 3 was produced between 2008 and 2016 and is still a popular choice on the used-car market. It was sold as a hatchback, estate, coupe and convertible, with petrol and diesel engines, manual gearboxes and several automatic transmission options. Compared with the older Megane 2, the Megane 3 is generally regarded as a better-built and more dependable car. However, its reliability still depends heavily on the engine, gearbox, mileage, maintenance history and how the car has been used. In this guide, we look at the most common Renault Megane 3 problems and the most important things to check befo...

Renault Clio 4 Problems (2012–2019): Common Faults, Reliability and Buying Guide

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                                                              Photo: By Benespit - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108227255 The Renault Clio 4 is one of the most popular small cars on the European used-car market. Produced from 2012 to 2019, it offered attractive styling, low running costs, a comfortable ride and a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. The Clio 4 is available as a five-door hatchback and was offered with several petrol and diesel engines, manual gearboxes and Renault’s EDC automatic transmission. Later facelifted models received improvements to the interior, equipment and infotainment system. However, not every version has the same reliability record. Some engines and gearboxes require more careful inspection than others, especially on early car...

Renault Megane 4 Problems (2016–2022): Common Faults, Reliability and Buying Guide

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                                                                                                                     Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 The fourth-generation Renault Megane (produced from 2016 to 2022) is one of the most stylish compact family cars on the European used market. Available as a five-door hatchback, a sleek estate (Grandtour), and in some markets as a saloon (GrandCoupe), it offers sharp design, a modern cabin, and a wide choice of economical petrol and diesel powertrains. Because early examples are now well within affordable used-car territory, many drivers are considering the Megane IV as an ...

Renault Clio 2 Problems: Common Faults, Reliability and What to Check Before Buying

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  Renault Clio 2 Problems: Common Faults, Reliability and What to Check Before Buying The Renault Clio 2 is still a popular small car on the used market because it is cheap to buy, simple to drive and widely available across Europe. It was sold in many versions between 1998 and 2006, with petrol and diesel engines, three-door and five-door body styles, and several facelift updates during production. That said, the Clio II is no longer a young car. Age, deferred maintenance and a few known weak points mean buyers should inspect it carefully before purchase. Some versions are quite dependable when maintained properly, while others can become expensive if previous owners ignored timing belt service, electrical faults or fuel system issues. In this guide, we look at the most common Renault Clio 2 problems, which engines deserve extra caution, and what to check before buying one. Which Renault Clio 2 models does this guide cover? This article covers the second-generation Rena...

Renault 1.5 dCi Reliability: Common Problems, Lifespan and What to Check Before Buying

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Renault 1.5 dCi Reliability: Common Problems, Lifespan and What to Check Before Buying If you're looking at a used Renault, Dacia or even a Nissan with the 1.5 dCi engine, you're probably asking the same question as everyone else: Is the Renault 1.5 dCi actually reliable? The answer is not black and white. Some owners swear by it, while others warn about injectors, turbos or expensive repairs. The truth is somewhere in between. The 1.5 dCi can be a very reliable and economical engine — but only if you choose the right version and avoid poorly maintained cars. In this guide, I’ll explain how reliable it really is, the most common problems, how long it can last and what you should check before buying. What is the Renault 1.5 dCi engine? The Renault 1.5 dCi (engine code K9K) is a small turbo diesel engine used in many cars: Renault Clio, Captur, Megane, Scenic Dacia Sandero, Logan, Duster Nissan Micra, Note, Qashqai Even some Mercedes models Because it...

Renault Captur Problems (2013–2020): Common Faults, Reliability and What to Check Before Buying

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Renault Captur problems 2013 2020 reliability and buying guide The first-generation Renault Captur became popular because it offered the look of a small crossover with the running costs of a supermini. It is practical, easy to drive and widely available on the used market, which makes it an attractive option for buyers looking for an affordable family-friendly Renault. That said, the Renault Captur is not a car you should buy based on styling alone. Depending on the engine and gearbox combination, some versions have weaknesses that deserve close attention. The most important issues reported on the 2013-2020 Captur include EDC automatic gearbox problems, high oil consumption on the 1.2 TCe petrol engine, coolant loss on some turbo petrol engines, clutch-related faults and a few irritating drivability issues. This does not mean that every used Captur is a bad buy. Many examples give good service, especially when maintained properly. But before buying one, it is important to underst...

Renault 1.2 TCe Engine Problems: What Goes Wrong and What to Check

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The Renault 1.2 TCe petrol engine became popular because it offered decent performance from a small turbocharged unit. It was used in several Renault models and also appeared in related Dacia and Nissan vehicles, depending on the market and year. On paper, it looks like a modern and efficient engine. In real-world ownership, however, the 1.2 TCe has developed a reputation for a number of important reliability concerns. The best known issue is excessive oil consumption, but that is not the only thing buyers should pay attention to. Timing chain problems, rough running, carbon build-up and misfire-related faults have also been reported. This does not mean that every Renault 1.2 TCe engine will fail. Some cars run well for years, especially when maintained properly. But if you are buying a used one, or already own one, this is an engine that deserves closer inspection than average. Which cars use the Renault 1.2 TCe engine? Depending on market, production year and brand variati...