Home - Intro - Models - Problems - Resources - Guestbook - Links - Contact
Guestbook
This is your chance to post your own testimonial of how well the Renault Scenic works for you. Automated guestbooks tend to get abused, so why not post here by emailing me up to 200 words.
Steve and Annie Dobson
Owned our first Scenic in the UK in 2003, a 3 year old
16000 mile vehicle that stayed with us for 4 years of trouble free
fantastically practical motoring in North Yorkshire. Definitely
the most user friendly and reliable car we had owned. Fast forward 11
years to 2014 and we have now lived for 8 years in Brisbane
Australia. After so many years of expensive company cars, 4WD’s,
etc we have just purchased a delightful 2007 phase II Dynamique auto,
one owner with only 41000kms on the clock. Loving being back in
that comfy, high up relaxed and huge spacious interior! Not sure
I’m a fan of the digital dash but it is looking good so far!
Karen Hodgson
This (above) is my second Scenic, a 2002 1.9 dCi
Privilege. I’m the second owner since new, and have had it since
March 2013, after my previous Scenic, a 2000 2.0 RXE suffered cambelt
failure, due to the sliding auxiliary belt problem listed on your
problems page. Prior to both Scenics, I had a 1998 Megane Coupe
2.0, which sadly was written off due to severe rear end damage
sustained in an accident at a roundabout. Anyway, back to the
Scenic. I bought my first one, because, having just gone
self-employed in the direct selling market, I needed far more space
than the Megane gave me. I chose the Scenic, because I had got
used to Renault, from just under 8 years with the Megane. The
space, hidden, and not so hidden, is brilliant. Now I have a
cleaning business, and it is perfect for that. My friend asked me
to take her to Kent, to collect a cabinet, which wouldn’t fit in her
Chrysler MPV, the Scenic had just that bit more load space to make the
difference. For a just over 13 year old model, it has had the
usual things go wrong, plus the fuel pump, ECR, wheel bearings,
etc. Just recently, the clutch plates needed replacing, plus a
new starter motor, drive shaft, and repair to the gearbox.
Despite that, I opted to repair, rather than scrap, because otherwise
it is in good condition. (OK, at the moment, it is also because I
can’t afford to replace it…). Long live Scenic!
Ed Warnick:
In Oct. 1998 we flew to London for a visit, then crossed
the channel on a hovercraft and landed in Calais to drive around some
parts of Europe. They took us by bus to the ferry station where our
rental car awaited. They did not have the car we requested but were
instead given a Renault Scenic diesel. I was vaguely familiar
with the car from articles seen in car magazines about the car plus I
had owned a Renault R10 back when they were imported to the USA. I told
anyone who would listen that my Renault R10 had the best front seats of
any car ever built anywhere in the world so I was pleasantly pleased to
be able to drive a Renault once again. Renault had long pulled out of
the USA market by then and we did not have a compact wagon/van similar
to the Scenic available in the USA at the time so it was quite a
novelty for us. We were immediately impressed at how much space
was in that car. Then we were surprised the ride was so compliant and
that the car felt so solidly constructed. Being a diesel and such a
small vehicle, the fuel economy was remarkable. We joked that we should
stop once in a while and let some fuel out just to be sure the fuel
gauge was functioning. When we arrived at our hotel in Munich and
had to navigate the underground parking garage (it was much like a
cave, actually) we commented that there was no way we could have got
into and parked in that parking area with either of our two cars back
home. Navigating it in that tight room was made possible not just by
the compact size of the vehicle... it was a combination of that plus
the tight turning radius and the fact that it was very precise going
from forward to reverse and back repeatedly as we needed to do that
moment. The Scenic was a fondly memorable vehicle. We've often
commented since about that car and always wished they offered that
vehicle in the USA. - Ed - Denver, Colorado, USA
Zainudin Karim
My Scenic for 3 years is a 2004 restyled Megane Scenic
Expression with twin sunroof. I can't say it is economical to keep but
I won't trade it for another make. Electronics is a constant issue.
Nonetheless (no, being in any one of its 5 seats is pleasurable)
it makes me want to continue driving. It is an excellent vehicle for a
family of 4. I have driven it for long journeys many times and it is
one the cars I don't feel exhausted driving long hours. It is very
comfortable. It has got 6 airbags fitted to it and that's a plus. I
agree with one of your guests: its 6 speakers factory audio unit is the
best I have heard - very acoustically natural. I would very much like
to get my hands on a RX4 (I drive a Hilux most the time for work) and
see what it can do off the road. A serious fan I am.
Simon and Rachelle, Australia
We returned from Switzerland to Australia (see earlier entry, below)
and started hunting for cars. Our criteria were five star (A)NCAP,
small and roomy. There are currently 365 models of new cars for sale in
Australia. We expected to find at least ten cars to fit the bill. Alas.
For reasons we still don't understand, Australia is obsessed with SUV
despite most of us living all of our lives in cities no different from
Europe and North America. We considered many cars including the new
Toyota Prius V (nice car), a Volvo XC70 (4WD and not very roomy), a VW
Caddy (a van dressed up as a car) and a Citroen Picasso (many features
but complicated and expensive after the warranty expires). Despite all
of the options, we decided to buy another Scenic - this one a 2003
Dynamique. We drove 90,000 km in Europe in a 2008 VW Touran and our
2003 Scenic still beats it hands down for practicality, safety and fun.
We have also found a very knowledgeable dealer and all of the parts are
still available. Thanks Renault. It's nice to be home.
Harry Cleworth
(update!)
Update on my 2008
Scenic Tdi Automatic. Bought it ex demo, I am not that impressed
with MPG nor the Fap system (Fuel ParticleFilter). It has however
served me well for three years trouble free motoring. The seating
is a little cramped across the backside compared to the earlier models
& the centre consol is not for me. Automatic handbrake?
I prefer a "Normal" handbrake. So I have said cheerio to it and bought
an older version (Mk II), Year 2000. 1.9 Tdi Automatic for a mere
�1,500 - I just put a cam belt and alternator belt + tensioners on it
and Wow..... it goes like a dream. Only 77000 miles on the clock, the
car is virtually unmarked, very comfortable and is returning about
55mpg on a run. Personally I would recommend the Tdi older versions
rather than the latter. Up to 2003 Mk II.
Photo below shows my previous car 08.Reg. & my latest acquisition W
reg
The most serious problem so far is ADDICTION. The Scenic is a fantastic
work horse and a good, safe, roomy, economical family car.
Sebastiaan Scholtens
It's still very early days as only two weeks ago I purchased
at auction a second hand 2002 Scenic Dynamique 2.0 litre petrol
version. I have been extremely impressed. I had a rather big scare as
halfway home the engine started to 'choke' and i lost power. I took it
to my mechanic and he explained that at the auction house they had
washed the engine bay resulting in water getting to the spark plugs
causing misfiring on three cylinders. Four new spark plugs and a
service later, My Scenic is running like a dream. I cannot believe how
an eight year old car, which I picked up for $3600 (Australian) can be
better on features than many a new car around. Mine has airbags front
side and back, a brilliant sound system (yes the factory standard sound
system would have to be the best one I've ever heard for a factory
one), Leather seats, backlit vanity mirrors (my wife loves them), ABS,
climate control, brake balancing and more features I haven't even
figured out yet.
I love the stiff but responsive suspension, the way the car drives and
sits on the road. And it is relatively cheap to run when considering it
is a 2.0 litre petrol engine. I get about 14 kilometres out of a litre
on the highway and about 11.5 in town.
In short, this is the best car I have ever owned, and that is how it
feels after merely 2 weeks. I have owned new small cars before , but
this eight year old one beats them.
My mechanic said that with the spark plugs being mounted so deep (due
to the coils on top) the risk of water getting in there and staying in
there is greater, but this apparently is a problem all new cars with
this technology have.
Rachelle and Simon,
Australia
We
bought a 2001 Privilege when it was two years old because it was the
safest, small car we could find for our family. It was our first
ever Renault. It was fabulous. We drove it from one end of
Victoria to the other. Our kids loved it because they could see
out of their windows. We could go camping without any roof racks
or a trailer because there was so much storage room. The best
thing perhaps was that people were taken completely by surprise when
they rode in it for the first time. Once they understood it –
they would say – hey this car is really cool. So cool that two
sets of friends offered to buy the car from us when we moved to
Switzerland. We sold it to the friends who lived in the
country. A year later, they hit a cow at 80 km/h. The car
was destroyed, they walked away unharmed and immediately bought another
one. We are now driving a 2008 VW Touran because it was provided
by my company. It is good but not as good as our 2001 Scenic.
Andrew Taylor
I have been driving Scenics for ten years. My first was a “T” registration diesel, the current model is an ’06, Grand Scenic 1.9 turbo diesel. I am a locksmith and use the car as a van during the week and family car at the weekends averaging 20,000 miles each year. I bought the original Scenic for the comfort of the driver’s seat. I have back problems and have difficulty sitting in a normal car but I can drive a Scenic all day without discomfort. This is my fifth Scenic, all have been unbelievably reliable and very economic although spares are not cheap.
The present car had
aircon fan problems just after the guarantee ran out. Our local
auto-electrician found a problem with the connector plug which fits on
the motor. The contacts in the plug had got very warm and softened the
plastic. A repair plug and a few in-line connectors solved the problem.
On all the models I have used the nearside front tyres last about
14,000 miles, offside fronts last around 17,000 while the rear tyres
are generally good for around 30,000 miles with a peculiar wear pattern
developing on the nearside rear due to the “Toe-in” on the rear wheels.
Marty Rose -
Basingstoke
This
is by far the best money I have ever spent in my life, I have been
looking for a car like the Scenic for ages but have always drifted off
in the Japanese direction mainly because I don't like anything
continental especially the Renault brand of old. How wrong was I? I was
driving past my local dealership just over a month ago and I spied my
beautiful Scenic, it was the perfect price, the mileage was just right
and it looked gorgeous; I know it's corny but it was love at first
sight. I am normally an incredibly cautious consumer, mainly because I
am a lawyer by trade, but on this occasion I part exchanged my Mazda
and headed for the open road. Obviously the ride is completely
different from what I was used to but the driving position and height
is perfect for me. Most people rave about the space the Scenic gives
you and I agree but not enough is said about the comfort and the
feeling of safety that the car provides. I am working on filling up the
car with my new little tribe and am looking forward to many road trips
and adventures in the near future. Who knows, I may even venture over
to France and mix it with the locals - Au revoir!
Daniel M Kerr (West
Yorkshire)
Ok
1st of all I have always wanted a Scenic since I got myself a family to
look after and the all infamous "School run" in the mornings (least
until I re-enter the world of the working man after some time off due
to injury).
So with some money in the bank I purchased a V reg 1.6
RT megane Scenic and I've never looked at any other car since, Just the
amount of space alone is overwhelming I'm still finding all the little
"cubby holes" inside the car and thinking of all the things I can put
in there to de clutter my house and the MPG is the best for its age. it
use to cost me 40 pound a week to run to work/drop off kids/shopping
and whatever else in between but these days I'm lucky if I touch 30 so
10 pound a week better off and a good family car to boot, what more
could a guy ask for in these trying times. My only gripe with is was a
strangs knocking sound coming from the driver side back wheel
(eventually solved, a old bulb had fell into small section of the rear
panel and knocked on the side when I rode over a bump) So to say I'm a
Scenic convert is a understatement. I literally won't have any other
car.
Harry Cleworth
I
have owned six Scenics Three of which were 1.9 Tdi AUTOMATICS. Our
first Auto was involved in a crash with an Audi 240Bhp sports saloon.
The Audi jumped a give way junction at about 60 MPH (Police estimate)
We were on the major road with preference, travelling at 50 MPH. The
attached photo shows the damage.
Outcome: 1 dead & one
extremely seriously injured in the Audi. Two in the Scenic literally
walked out of the crash but received hospitalisation for two weeks then
a month in a nursing home. The Audi looked like it had been in a
crusher. The driver lives, she will suffer the death of her
boyfriend for the rest of her life. My wife & I are in our 70's and
can only marvel at the strength of a scenic in a crash. We owe our
lives to Renault. One final point. The Audi driver passed 7 "Give
Way" signs & was still accelerating when it crashed into our Scenic.
Phil Ball
I just found the wonderfull world of the Renault Scenic, got hold of a
1.6-16v 99/00 model in silver with 78000 miles on the clock and she
drives like new. It's so refreshing to have everything I want in one
car-space, luxury and gadgets. The Scenic is comfy and gives good
feedback through the steering wheel even though its got power steering
I can definitely say this won't be the last one I buy
[latest!] Shown
below is my fifth Scenic... needs a little work but absolutely loving
being back in a Renault!
Sean Brady
We very much enjoy all the features including ease of entry, size,
comfort, cornering and all the extras which we had fitted, as this is
likely to be our last car (we are 70+), *except the satnav. *As this
was available, we included it but it transpires that it's only updated
once a year and that costs �160+ each time. We paid something like �800
for the facility and think it's exorbitant to have to also pay for
updates.
Eddy Chan
I rented a Renault Scenic (diesel) for 5 days in the UK, and I must say
it was one of the best fun cars I have driven. The handling was superb,
and the turning circle was wonderful, enabling the car to do U-turns
easily. My family was amazed at the advanced electronics such as
automatic parking brake. The capacity was incredible... it fitted 4
large suitcases and 2 carry-ons easily, along with 3 people. All
fitting nicely for one trip to the airport. This will remain as my
prefered car at the rental agency for a long time.
Mike Williams
I bought a Renault Scenic Expression in Australia in 2003. I got it
because I had two large dogs (malamutes) and didn't want to buy a
4-wheel drive. The Scenic was the only car available tall enough for
them, and the removable back seats made it a cinch. It has seen me
around the south-east of Australia for 2 years, and then I brought it
to the UK, and have since driven it around nearly every country in
Europe, from the very top of Norway to the bottom of Sicily. It must be
one of the most-travelled cars ever (113 degrees of latitude or so!).
My big bugbears would be: 1) complete lack of support for an MP3-CD
player that integrates with the stick-controls. Is Renault the last car
manufacturer to catch up with this? I don't think any dealer I've
spoken to in Australia or UK even understands the question! 2) the
automatic transmission is absolutely painful in the transition through
2nd gear .
Rick Worthing, West
Sussex
I've had this car since new in 2003 and cannot praise it enough, I love
the way the rear seats tip forward and although I'm tall it doesn't
alter my driving position . Very useful also is the opening back window
in the tailgate.
Barry, Miriam and
Ellie Berlow-Jackson
Just to say liked your site! We have just bought a 2001 Scenic
Expression, as we’ve just had a baby and my Morris Minor isn’t ideal! I
expected it to be okay, but its absolutely brilliant! It has some great
features I didn’t expect – cd player under the seat, opening glass on
the bootlid, and storage compartments under the back seats! It’s a 1.6
16v automatic, and is surprisingly great to drive. I’d recommend the
Scenic to everyone!
Aelwood Finch, Essex
We have been proud owners of a Renault Scenic Expression Plus, from
new, for almost four years, we were delighted with this car and it
suited our needs perfectly. We decided on the petrol version 1600.
Optional extras being twin sun roof, six CD changer, and ESP. We feel
ESP should be a standard item and perhaps one day Renault will see the
light. We chose the Renault Scenic for many reasons but primarily
safety. Occasionally we have slept in the car for a night, when
visiting the Coast, during the summer, this is very comfortable.
Although we loved the Scenic very much, we did have some warranty and
dealer problems. Warranty claims: front wiper blades, ESP not
programmed correctly, leaking fluid from steering pump. Issues not
under warranty: rear brakes sticking, rear pads replaced, this cost us
�200 as this was outside the six month warranty on brake pads.
Unfortunately white van man recently put an end to our love affair with
our Scenic, when an LDV van ploughed into the back, writing the car
off. I sustained two cracked vertebrae and spent two days in hospital.
The driver’s seat collapsed, this was the severity of the crash, but
things would have been very different in a smaller vehicle. We await
our new Grand Scenic in January. Has anyone else experienced a
collapsed seat in an accident?
Eve MacLeish,
Minneapolis/Merida
I live part of the year these days in Merida, Venezuela, in the Andes.
Our Scenic (2002) serves as family touring vehicle and bread delivery
vehicle for my rustic bakery; great with the seat folding options.
While in Minnesota (USA) the rest of year, we miss this intelligent, so
comfortable, practical, very European car, and cannot find anything to
compare it to here in its price range. Although its a 1.6, I don't have
any problem climbing the mountains with it, and with gas at about (US)
25 cents a gallon, petrol doesn't even need to be budgeted. I miss my
Scenic here, especially in long commutes. We actually frequently use
the wine bottle slots in the rear of the car; so smart!
Peter & Irene
Faulkes Queensland, Australia
As a semi-retired couple we looked for comfort first, followed by
safety and style. The Scenic has given us all this and much more. The
height is just right for getting in and out of. Have travelled up and
down the East coast of Australia and in 27,000 km’s have not had a
problem. An amazing versatile MPV with heaps of room. A pleasure to
drive on the highway and mixes it with the best of them. Only regret is
our local dealer (a Nissan one and strangely Renault actually own them)
dropped the Renault franchise and we now have to drive over 150km’s for
some scheduled services. But all said and done, a great little big car.
John Rogers, NZ
This is the third Renault that we have owned and the second that we
have bought new. It is a two litre petrol model (100kw) with an
automatic gearbox. We are delighted with it and would definitely buy
another. The fuzzy logic auto gearbox takes a little getting used to
but on a trip through the South Island of NZ we achieved (according to
the onboard computer) 7.3 litres per 100 km (about 36 miles to the
gallon). It has now almost completed 25.000 km and is still a pleasure
to drive. My only complaint is that our inflatable dinghy will not fit
in the back (which it will in the R25 when the back seat is folded
down). It has great visibility and comfortable seating.
Paul Elsworthy, UK
I would like to give you my views on the Scenic that I have bought,
it's a Scenic Privilege 1.9dci 120bhp and I must say it's the best car
I have ever driven. The performance is great, very economical. On
Monday I will be fitting a P.box which will take the bhp from 120 to
143bhp. The model that I have has got a 6 speed gear box which allows
for great economy and good cruise ability. The electric hand brake was
a little strange at first but when you get to grips with it it's very
easy to use. The space is incredible - as my wife Carole says, it's
very picnic friendly. We find that the seating is great in comfort and
visibility. Anyway will finish know but could go on and on because
there are so many good points.
Andr�s F�bi�n, Hungary
I've just bought a 4 years old Scenic, 2001, Dark Grey, exactly as in
the picture above. I am preparing for a longer holiday in Croatia or
Italy. I have driven the car around 500 kms only, but I can say I'm
highly satisfied with it. I always find something really thumpingly
good! For example the electric windows can be raised by pulling the
control twice... I think this is the best family car ever!
Dave Thornton, Scotland
I have a 2000 RXE auto 1.6 petrol model with all electric windows,
heated front seats (great), sony 6 CD changer. Living in Scotland, I
like the snow traction button which I have had to use a few times. I
fitted XENON BULBS HEADLIGHT H7 & Xenon 3400K W5W 501 sidelight
bulbs, which are legal and give really bright lighting which is great
for country roads from http://stores.ebay.co.uk/id=9401717&ssPageName=L2
or their web site http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/index.html,
costing �8.99 + �2.50 P/P & the sidelights �4.50 + �1.70 P/P. These
prices are FAR cheaper than any I have seen. Anyway getting back to my
Scenic, the amount of room inside is fantastic and very deceiving from
the outside. It is the most comfortable and the most reliable car I
have ever had. Renault get 11 out of 10 for this car.
Danilo, from Sao Paulo
I am in Brazil, and I bought the Renault Scenic 1.6 16v for multiple
reasons: - Room for everything - Fast - Economic - Cheaper and more
Economic than the Opel Zafira or the Citroen Picasso - The insurance
costs less than half of the other cars in the same segment - Lots of
room for small stuff like maps, tools, CDs - Good for people from 1.45m
to 2.15m to drive - And lots of other stuff. As the publicity in Brazil
says - The best seller of Renaults is a Renault owner!
Alan and Susan
Docherty , Paisley , Scotland
My wife and I love our Scenic, as does our 2 year old daughter. We
picked it for room , boot space and the high up driving position. It
also gives our daughter a good view out over the car roofs when we are
driving in town and she loves it. Thanks for your help, in producing
this web site!
S.M., UK
I have been driving for nearly 30 years now and I change my car every 3
years. I have driven a different make of car each time. Two years ago I
got my Scenic auto, it is the most comfortable and the most reliable
car I have ever had. Renault get 10 out of 10 for this car.
Tony Gibbs, Ipswich
I have a Scenic 1.9dTi privilege (2000) and what a car it is! I have
two teenagers and a 7 year old, who all have ample room each. I enjoy a
spot of fishing so I can take out the rear seats with ease,which seems
to convert the car into a spacious van. Everytime a new friend gets in,
the remarks are very positive, like "All this space", "Loads of leg
room" "What's that button do ?" and so on.... However I personally
don't like the new (2004) shape but, like all good cars, I could grow
to like it.
Susan Anderson, USA
We rented a Renault Scenic in Vienna this summer and had a wonderful
driving vacation in Hungary. The Scenic was a dream to drive, as well
as extremely economical. Every day there was another pleasant surprise
related to comfort for both driver and three adult passengers, and for
storage. Since we are in the USA we don't seem to have access to this
vehicle. That is too darned bad because I would seriously consider it
as my next vehicle. Thanks for the opportunity to praise this wonderful
car.
Peter Wragg
Just a note to endorse your positive comments about the Scenic. I am a
critical owner of any car, particularly if it costs a lot to maintain,
but I have found the Scenic to be excellent in all respects. It is
economic, spacious, tough and very cheap to maintain, although I don't
use Renault dealers. I especially like the rear brake drums - discs at
the back on other cars always give premature rust/wear problems due to
underuse. An excellent cheap-to-run family vehicle, with brilliant
flexibility for use of internal space. Hard to get 2nd hand - easy to
see why!
Trevor Pitman,
Manchester
I own a Scenic 1.9dTi, the same as Steve, and can vouch for its
usefulness. As a professional photographer, I can keep all my clobber
under the rear parcel shelf, and I especially love the way I can access
this boot space from inside the car (e.g. when it's tipping it down) by
simply folding any of the rear seats forward. I carry a number of
really valuable items with me (cameras, laptop, etc.) but by storing
them in underfloor lockers I never worry that they'll get discovered by
a casual thief - after all he'd have to know about the 'secret'
compartments, which meant that he was a Scenic fan, and there's no way
such a sensible person would be a thief anyway....! My Scenic hasn't
broken down at all in the four and a half years I've owned it, it's
been a totally trustworthy friend and base of operations for me in my
job.
David And Jackie
Preston, Middlesex:
Our 1998 Scenic has been our 'base of operations' for six years now,
too. We've owned it since new and it has never, repeat never let us
down. We've got two lively children and the Scenic is the perfect
compromise between a spacious vehicle with loads of storage and
something that's economical to run and that slips into parking spaces
in town without difficulty. Our favourite bit is the way the rear seats
slide forwards and backwards - one moment, the children can be
colouring on the fold-up tables, the next they can be reclined back
slightly, having a nap!
Mike and Susie
Eastman, IOW:
We have a 2001 Scenic and love it to bits. Whatever we want to carry,
whoever we want to give a lift to, the Scenic is always up to the job.
It really is the best of all worlds, and, as Steve says on the site, a
masterpiece of design.
Peter and Pru Brown,
Devon
We traded down from a Swift motorcaravan, for practical reasons (height
barriers, fuel consumption, etc.), and we haven't looked back. It's
true that you can't sleep in a Scenic (well, you could, but our five
year old would cause a real fuss), and it's true that there's no
toilet(!) or running water (but packs of Wet Wipes do almost as well),
but in terms of storage for food, emergency cutlery, clothing, even
blankets, the Scenic seems to do a pretty good camper replacement job.
And, unlike the Swift, the Scenic goes under all height barriers and
does almost double the miles per gallon. No regrets here!