Background
Renault is often praised for its innovative designs and has been responsible for the creation of entirely new markets within the motoring industry, which is not something that many of its rivals can also claim.
The Renault Megane Scenic, which first arrived back in 1997, was Europe's first mini-MPV and managed to win a bucket load of awards thanks to this unique selling point.
Expanding upon the basic Megane platform, it was designed to cater to families who wanted a people carrier-style experience as offered by the Renault Espace, but in a smaller and more affordable package.
Flexible seating for five people, plenty of room on the inside and an appealing design helped the Megane Scenic to hit big on its initial appearance.
This first Megane Scenic was around until 1999, when it got a bit of a facelift and struck out on its own without the Megane part of its moniker. Renault had truly created a new breed of vehicle and it wanted to show it off as an independent range.
The next major update to the Renault Megane Scenic occurred in 2003 when the second generation emerged. Safety was improved, the available engine options increased and best of all the bold new styling made it even more easy on the eye while helping it to stand out from amongst other family wagons.
The second generation Megane Scenic for sale stuck around until 2009, proving itself to have plenty of longevity even if it did end up losing out on the top seller spot. The third generation began in 2009 when a sleeker, less zany-looking Scenic emerged.
It still lagged slightly behind the Vauxhall Zafira, but anyone looking for a bit of French class will do well to pick up a used Renault Megane Scenic.
Bang for your buck
Although the Renault Megane Scenic for sale has obviously improved with age, even the early models offer plenty of family-friendly features that help to keep them relevant today.
Being able to arrange the seating in a variety of ways is a huge bonus if you are going to be doing lots of travelling with kids, because however much stuff you need to jam into the back you can generally find a suitable solution.
The second generation Megane Scenic adds even more room and better seating, allowing for plenty of legroom and headroom regardless of how big your passengers are. There are also plenty of cubbies and storage compartments throughout the cabin, giving the interior plenty of practicality on top of its size and styling.
In its third generation the Scenic has become an even better place to be, thanks largely to the improved views provided by the large windscreen upfront and the panoramic sunroof on top. You not only get a great view of the road while driving, but also give your passengers something to look at during the journey.
In the back you get up to 1837 litres of luggage space when you've folded the seats away, so there's virtually no object that can't be swallowed within it. You'll be wondering why anyone would bother with its larger sibling, the Grand Scenic.
What you'll pay
As with all ranges that have been around for some time, you can find a used Renault Megane Scenic for sale to fit any budget.
There are some high-mile bargains for under £500 out there if you're willing to look at pre-millennial models, while second generation cars will set you back £2000-£7000 depending on the age and condition.
Third generation Scenics can be snapped up for as little as £8000 if you're happy with a basic 1.6 engine, while you can get recent diesel editions with all the trimmings for just £13,000 or so, making this a modestly affordable family car.
What to check
As with any vehicle of this kind you should check for a full service history and watch out for parking damage and interior wear and tear. The seating in particular needs to be in good working order if you want to get the most out of it.
Parts
A replacement clutch will set you back roughly £150, with a new exhaust costing double that. Headlamps are £135 and brake pads should be an even £50 for two, both front and rear.
How it drives
Plenty of engines give Scenic fanciers lots of performance options, with the turbocharged iterations always providing a bit of fun for those who want some power. Otherwise you can expect a comfortable ride and excellent overall quality from the Renault Megane Scenic.
