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Renault Megane III, one of the most reliable cars to come from the country where everyone wears reflective jackets and sets up barricades at every measure announced by the government. Here’s why it’s worth buying a Renault Megane III, in today’s article.

The article about the Renault Megane III will be very short. That’s because I’ll start with the central point of the article: of all the 2010′ hatchbacks, the Renault Megane III is among the most reliable. Yes, ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between, one of the most reliable hatchbacks money can buy is built by the French. The same French who built the Peugeot 308 or the Citroen C4. The same people who give you dirty looks as they serve you in a restaurant because their beloved Pierre is waiting for them in the kitchen with a bag of garlic and an open mind.

Megane III – I won’t do it again

The Renault Megane II came to repair Renault’s image, even if the Megane II itself wasn’t a bad car. Rather, it was surgery applied to the entire brand, with the Renault Megane III lifting other models, along with the Renault Clio. And they really succeeded, with the cars in the Renault range once again becoming reliable and ready for action. The Renault Megane III was to Renault what the VW Golf VII was to VW – a return to making good cars.

Ah yes, as with the previous generation Megane, recommended is to go for the facelift version, the first facelift being in 2012 and the second in 2013 because the Renault Megane III identifies itself as a video chaser that constantly changes its facial features so as not to be recognized by relatives and friends browsing livejasmine. However used prices are very low, especially compared to the competition.

Renault Megane III Engines

Petrol

• 1.2 TCe H5Ft of 115 and 130 horsepower – One of the first TCe engines, the turbocharged petrol still can’t handle the size of the Renault Megane III. It’s like weighing 48kg, hiring Chippendales, and getting a call from Maggie De Block for a private show. Ah yes, there have been reports of some engines consuming a bit too much oil, but nothing to report on Renault’s part. Nissan however, now that’s a different story.


• 1.4 TCe H4Jt of 130 horsepower – The first TCe engine brought into the Renault family, this experimental engine is rare and to be avoided. Notable issues with heavy extra-urban use, the engine succumbing to constant high revving and cracking. For urban use on the other hand it is excellent.


• 1.6 K4M of 100, 110, and 115 horsepower – The old, ancient 1.6 naturally aspirated is here for people who are afraid of the new. The same reliable 1.6 we’ve grown accustomed to. Watch out for the coil packs that have a habit of failing.


• 2.0 M4R of 143 horsepower – Same classic 2.0 from the Megane II, here to take it’s last breath and retire in a respectable manner. Still suffers from high oil consumption later in it’s life.


• 2.0 TCe F4RT of 180 and 220 horsepower – Codenamed F4RT, this engine is no ordinary fart, but it’s an amazing engine. The same 2.0 naturally aspirated from earlier, but with a strapped turbo and extra taste for fun. No notable issues are reported.


• 2.0 TCe F4RT “Turbo RS” of 250, 265 and 275 horsepower – Same 2.0 TCe codenamed F4RT, but modified enough to give an explosive feeling of speed. Reserved exclusively for the Megane RS.

Diesel

• 1.5 dci K9K of 85, 90, 105 and 110 horsepower – Same legendary K9K bolted on pretty much everything, from Dacia Logan to Mercedes B-Class. A legendary, old-fashioned reliability engine with an extra-urban consumption of 4L/100 KM (60 mpg) and even less, the 1.5 dci has one notable flaw: Versions up to 90 horsepower or less use Delphi injectors, made in Romania in between 2 sips of brandy. Those over 90 horsepower  however use Continental injectors and those are trouble free.


• 1.6 dci R9M of 130 horsepower – An engine used extensively by the Renault-Nissan alliance, the 1.6 dci seems to be a decent, normal engine with no notable issues. A great engine for people who know nothing about cars and don’t care about cars. Sometimes the timing chain tensioners decide to retire prematurely.


• 1.9 dci F9Q of 130 horsepower – Be very careful with this engine as the pistons can come out spectacularly through the engine and leave you without an engine with a major feeling at 60 mph. Of course, with the 3rd generation Megane, the issues are solved and the chances of suffering this are much lower. However, much like the chances of being killed by a deer, they are low but never quite 0.


• 2.0 dci M9R of 150 and 160 horsepower – Same 1.9 dci, upgraded to 2.0 for reasons only the French know. However this Nee-san-sourced 2.0 timing-chain-driven engine proved to be ridiculously reliable so it’s the bunch of the pick, if it weren’t so rare.

Renault Megane III Reliability Issues

• You would think and hope that the issues with the electric windows would be solved, and you’d be wrong. Moisture is clogging up on the motors and if you’ve been through anything more than the school of life you’ll know that moisture and electrics don’t get on very well.


• For the estate versions, the boot insulation wasn’t done so well and it can rain in your car. The issue is in the area of the taillight on the rear window.


• Some people have complained about the interior and the crickets. I’ve driven a few Renault Megane III’s and have not heard anything or been bothered. If it bothers you, turn up the music.


• The automatic gearbox is no longer a classic gearbox, but a CVT. If you’ve never driven a CVT before, make sure you can get used to this strange gearbox. Notable exception for the 2.0 diesel which uses an old fashioned torque converter.


• And now I’ll be assaulted by the woke police, because I will advice to avoid the white Megane IIIs. This is chiefly because the Megane III was hugely popular as a fleet car, and the basic white color is a clear indicator that this car has hauled around an sales department for some years and farts.

Renault Megane III Verdict

If you want cheap and decent used car which is still somewhat modern, the Renault Megane III is a serious candidate on your shopping list. If you’re not a badge prostitute, if you don’t necessarily want a German car or luxury badge, if you’re someone who looks at the car first and the badge second, the Renault Megane III is one of the best cars of the moment. Again, watch out for the white cars though, as those were definitely fleet and walked a whole sales department’s ass.

Which engine would I choose? There are a lot of good engines, so I have to pick just one. And that is by far the 105 or 110 horsepower 1.5 dci K9K engine. Yes, it’s that good a engine.