Opinions Renault Megane Cabriolet 2003-9 please

['Yadi]

Evening all,

Good friend has just had a bump in slow stop-go commuter traffic. No-one hurt in the slightest but the bonnet (i've not seen it myself) is apparently crumpled sufficiently to write off the 02 plate Renault Megane Coupe. 

Now said friend is prepping to buy a replacement and budget of @£4k looks at first glance to be enough for the current object of desire - Renault Megane Cabriolet 2003-9 model. 

Owner reviews on other sites seem to be split 50-50 on them.  Known issues appear to be window electrics and a few references to design of clutch being an issue.

I'm building up a checklist in advance of likely test drives but would appreciate opinions from PHers, particularly those who have owned examples of the model 

Cheers

[michaelw3628]

Buy a decent umbrella.

[80quattro]

Good ones and bad ones out there. Its a very heavy car, and the 1.6 is fairly gutless - but is probably the engine to have in terms of reliability / availability / fuel / RFL/ insurance costs. I would personally avoid a light interior (Privilege), as the light plastics quickly show signs of wear. Check with any Renault dealer for any warranty claims a specific car may have had, and bear in mind cambelt on all is 72k/5years.

HTH

['Yadi]

Thanks. Was hoping someone would confirm cambelt schedule. Service schedules seem to be based on 18k mark. Still trying to track down manual or service guide.

[80quattro]

18k or two years for petrol phase 1 cars, minor then major then minor etc etc
18k or annual for petrol phase 2 cars, as above.

Phase two cars have the slanted front grille, available from 2006 onwards, and despite looking extremely similar, are generally a better built car than the earlier ones.

Be aware the 1.9 DCi 130 has a FAP filter and is 9k/12 month intervals and needs special (expensive) oil.

Sounds a bit odd, but one of the main causes of minor water leaks are due to the cars needing to be parked flat, as against not on a hill.