1999 Renault Megane: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Renault Megane?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Renault Megane than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Renault Megane

  20.4% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Renault Megane

  11.8% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1999 Renault Megane MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  31% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Renault Megane

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?