15/11/2000
The Renault Grand Scenic has long been a familiar sight on British roads, a testament to its enduring appeal as a family-oriented MPV. If you're in the market for a spacious, versatile, and often surprisingly stylish used car, the Grand Scenic is undoubtedly a contender. But is a used Grand Scenic a good car? This guide aims to provide a thorough overview, covering what makes it attractive, potential pitfalls to be aware of, and what to expect when buying one, especially with the expertise and support offered by dealerships like Evans Halshaw.
Why Consider a Used Renault Grand Scenic?
Renault has built a strong reputation in the UK for offering vehicles that blend innovative design with practical functionality and excellent value. The Grand Scenic, as the larger sibling to the standard Scenic, amplifies these qualities. It's designed with families in mind, offering flexible seating arrangements, ample storage, and a comfortable ride, making it ideal for everything from the weekly school run to longer holiday journeys. When you combine these inherent strengths with the potential cost savings of buying used, the Grand Scenic becomes an even more compelling proposition. Dealerships like Evans Halshaw, who are well-versed in the Renault brand, can further enhance this appeal by offering quality pre-owned vehicles with comprehensive checks and support, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Key Features and Practicality
The defining characteristic of the Grand Scenic is its seven-seat capability, though some earlier models might be found in a five-seat configuration. The rear seats are often individually foldable or removable, allowing for incredible flexibility in how you configure the interior space. Need to transport bulky items? Simply fold or remove the seats. Need to ferry the extended family? The seven-seat layout has you covered. This adaptability is a major selling point for families with growing needs.
Beyond seating, the Grand Scenic typically boasts a generous boot space, even with all seven seats in use, which is a rarity in many MPVs. Storage solutions are also plentiful, with numerous cubbies, under-seat drawers, and door bins designed to keep the cabin tidy. Infotainment systems have evolved over the generations, with later models featuring larger touchscreens, satellite navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard or optional extras.
Interior Flexibility: A Family's Best Friend
The genius of the Grand Scenic lies in its modular interior. The three individual second-row seats can slide, recline, and fold independently. This allows you to prioritise legroom for passengers or maximise luggage capacity. The third-row seats are typically best suited for children or occasional use by adults, but their ability to fold flat into the floor, creating a completely flat load area, is a significant advantage. This level of customization means the car can adapt to a wide range of family requirements.
Engine Options and Driving Experience
Renault has offered a range of petrol and diesel engines over the Grand Scenic's lifespan. Common choices include the 1.3 TCe petrol and the 1.5 dCi or 1.6 dCi diesel engines. Diesel engines, particularly the dCi units, are renowned for their fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice for those covering higher mileages. Petrol engines offer a smoother, quieter experience and are generally better suited for predominantly urban driving. When considering a used model, it's worth researching the specific engine options available for the model year you're interested in. Factors like performance, fuel economy, and potential maintenance costs can vary.
Fuel Economy Comparison (Typical Figures)
| Engine Type | Approx. MPG (Combined) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 dCi Diesel | 60-70 | 110-130 |
| 1.6 dCi Diesel | 55-65 | 120-140 |
| 1.3 TCe Petrol | 40-50 | 140-160 |
Note: Figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on driving style, model year, and specific vehicle configuration.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Grand Scenic
As with any used car purchase, thorough inspection and due diligence are crucial. Here are some key areas to focus on for a used Renault Grand Scenic:
- Service History: A full service history is paramount. Look for evidence of regular maintenance, especially timing belt changes if applicable to the model year and engine. Renault vehicles, like all cars, benefit from timely servicing to ensure longevity. Dealerships like Evans Halshaw will typically provide detailed service records for their used stock.
- Interior Condition: With family use, the interior can show signs of wear. Check for rips or stains on upholstery, particularly in the rear seats and boot area. Ensure all seat mechanisms operate smoothly and that the folding/sliding functions work correctly.
- Electronics: MPVs often have a lot of electronic features. Test all the electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning, infotainment system, and any other gadgets. Check for warning lights on the dashboard.
- Bodywork: Inspect the body for dents, scratches, and signs of rust, paying particular attention to wheel arches and door sills. Ensure panel gaps are consistent, which can indicate previous accident damage.
- Tyres: Check the condition and tread depth of all four tyres. Uneven tyre wear can sometimes indicate issues with wheel alignment or suspension.
- Test Drive: A comprehensive test drive is essential. Listen for any unusual noises from the engine or suspension, check the brakes for effectiveness, and ensure the clutch and gearbox operate smoothly. Pay attention to how the car handles and if there are any vibrations.
Common Issues and Reliability
While Renaults have improved significantly in terms of reliability over the years, like any car, the Grand Scenic can have specific common issues depending on the generation. Some older models might experience issues with the electronic parking brake, coil springs, or certain electrical components. Diesel engines, while economical, can be susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not used for sufficient longer journeys, or if maintenance has been neglected. Always research the specific model year you are interested in for known common faults.
When purchasing from a reputable dealer such as Evans Halshaw, they will often conduct thorough pre-sale checks and address any known issues. Their commitment to providing quality vehicles means that the risk of encountering major problems is significantly reduced compared to buying privately.
What to Expect from Evans Halshaw
Evans Halshaw, as a prominent automotive retailer, offers a structured approach to buying used cars. Their commitment is to provide vehicles that meet high standards. When you consider a used Renault Grand Scenic from them, you can expect:
- Quality Assurance: Vehicles are typically inspected and prepared to a high standard before being offered for sale.
- Vehicle History Check: Reputable dealers will ensure vehicles have clear HPI (or equivalent) checks, confirming they are not stolen, written off, or have outstanding finance.
- Warranty Options: Many used cars come with a warranty, providing cover for unexpected mechanical or electrical failures. Evans Halshaw will be able to detail the specific warranty provided with the vehicle.
- Financing Options: They can assist with financing your purchase through various plans, including Contract Hire, and support for schemes like Motability.
- Aftercare: Beyond the sale, they offer servicing and maintenance to keep your Grand Scenic in top condition.
Their aim is to make the process of acquiring a Renault, whether new or used, as straight-forward and reassuring as possible, with initiatives like the EasyLife Pack designed to enhance the ownership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the Renault Grand Scenic good for long journeys?
A1: Yes, the Grand Scenic is generally very comfortable and well-suited for long journeys, thanks to its refined ride, spacious interior, and efficient engines (particularly the diesel options).
Q2: Are Renault Grand Scenics reliable?
A2: Reliability has improved significantly over the years. While older models may have had some common issues, newer generations tend to be more dependable. Regular maintenance and buying from a reputable dealer with a good service history greatly enhances reliability.
Q3: How much legroom is there in the third row?
A3: The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults. While space is at a premium, it's comparable to many other 7-seater MPVs. The sliding second-row seats can be moved forward to offer slightly more space in the third row if needed.
Q4: What is the fuel economy like?
A4: Diesel models, especially the 1.5 dCi, are very economical, often achieving over 60 MPG combined. Petrol models will be less economical, typically in the 40-50 MPG range. Actual figures will depend on the specific engine, driving conditions, and maintenance.
Q5: Should I buy a used Grand Scenic from Evans Halshaw?
A5: Evans Halshaw is a major dealer group with a strong focus on customer service and vehicle quality. Buying from them offers the benefit of thorough vehicle checks, potential warranties, and a more secure purchasing process compared to private sales.
Conclusion
A used Renault Grand Scenic can indeed be a very good car for families seeking practicality, versatility, and value. Its adaptable interior, comfortable ride, and efficient engines make it a strong contender in the used MPV market. By understanding what to look for, prioritizing a comprehensive service history, and considering purchasing from a reputable dealer like Evans Halshaw, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a reliable and enjoyable family vehicle that meets your needs for years to come.
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