Renault Grand Scénic J84 (2007-2010)

Great car initially but full of bugs – I purchased a brand new Grand Scenic in 2007. I was very impressed with the space, comfort, storage and versatility with seats. I have 3 children and this seemed the perfect car. However, Services were very expensive and minor repairs were even more expensive (which I expected from the start). I always went to a Renault dealer as I found many mechanics didn't really know the French car.

Unfortunately, after the 5 years warranty expired, things started to go wrong. On top of the very expensive services, there were always extra fixes; engine mounts- $635, timing belt kit - $1300, scuddle drain- $218, front disc brakes - $370.

This was all within 2 years and I thought OK mainly wear and tear. Then the whole gear box completely went. After 7 years and only 68,000km, my car is now undriveable and according to Renault would cost close to $10,000 to completely replace. Which is more than I would get for the car.

I contacted customer service at Renault Australia who said they could do an exchange gearbox for $6,000. That was the best they could offer me. I did not find them sympathetic at all about the fact that the car had only travelled 68,000km. I have now taken it to a separate transmission/gearbox specialist to fix for $3,500 with a reconditioned gearbox (which Renault did not offer). I am looking forward to fixing it, selling it and never buying a Renault again. After going online and searching Renault forums I saw the number of problems people had with them and especially the gearbox. Live and learn.

Excellent – This is a re-review of this car. Since doing my first review I have been involved in an accident, so I thought I'd review it again and share my views on safety. I am so pleased we bought this car. We made the decision to buy it based on safety rating, and I think we chose well. I had to stop suddenly one night (I hit a roo) and the guy tailgating me slammed into me at about 100km/hr without braking. My daughter was in the back seat and I freaked out but she was fine. a big chunk was sliced off the back of the car and the suspension was bent, but amazingly you could even open and shut the boot! The chassis absorbed most of the shock of the impact and we didn't get whiplash and we were protected amazingly well. I couldn't believe it. The other guy's car was smashed beyond recognition. Our insurance company wouldn't right our car off, they insisted on fixing it. It took 4 months to get it back because they had to import parts from France, so that was a pain, but I am so pleased no one was hurt. I praise the safety rating of this car. There was not a dent in the front at all where I hit the roo - it bounced off the bumper, so the car must be flexible in that region. Easy to drive. Good music system (6 discs). Loads of features. Excellent safety. Great price for the safety rating and features. Not enough Renault dealers around, so it means a trip to a capital city for servicing. Renault Australia customer service are rather pathetic. Renault have announced that they are not selling this car in Australia anymore, so that is really sad. We rushed out and bought another new one before they were all gone.