My parents bought me a Renault Modus in October 2005. All was fine for the first year until my latest service, the 30 000km service. For starters, the service cost me R1400 for labour… which is well about industry standard. Then I was told that my front brake pads needed replacing, that was another R900. Then I was informed that my tires needed to be replaced urgently. Thats were the major issues started.
You cannot get tires for the Renault Modus in South Africa. Even Renault themselves admitted that they can’t get tires! A three week search ensued resulting in 1 tire found in Uppington and another 2 in Johannesburg. Those were joined by my current spare tire and finally fitted today at a cost of R2000. But how can every Renault owner undergo this process each time they need to replace the tires. A friend of mine’s mother has been waiting since April 2006 for a new spare tire for her Renault Senic. Come on Renault.
Next issue… At my service I was informed that my car’s alternator was flawed and had been since it left the showroom, but that they would get parts for it as soon as they good. That would explain the really odd sound I’d heard since day 1 but always thought to be part of the “Modus sound”.
After two weeks I got the new alternator and tension pulley installed free of charge (amazing) and I was phoned at 3pm to collect my car. After work (4:30pm) I had a friend take me down to collect – only to be told “Sorry, your car is out on the road test. Just wait a minute.”
I wasn’t offered a seat, a cup of coffee or anything. I stood on the service department floor waiting for my car to get back. When it did I was just given my keys and shown some control certificate thing. Thats it, no apology.
I drove off and about 10 minutes later realised that not only was the sound still there – but it was far worse than ever before.
I contacted them today to tell them how unhappy I was and was told “okay, we’ll have someone call you on Monday about it”.
Sigh. Come on Renault.
Update – Jan 2011: This continues to be a popular post here on my blog. Thanks for reading it! In Jan 2008 I finally got rid of my Renault Modus by trading it in to Barons VW. I had to pay in several thousand Rand to settle the outstanding amount owing on the loan. Oh, and almost fours years later, I’m still waiting for Renault to phone me back. Please, don’t buy a Renault.
Hmm, which branch was this? This is indeed, very bad service. And, about the tyres. Did you only try Renault dealers? Because I’m really sure that the rest of the country would have the required tyres, and at a much cheaper price. R1000 for a tyre? Thats ridiculous. But, yes, after service like that, dont buy a renault. O, and watch out for electric windows. They can be very ehm, fussy. Aurora’s car’s window winders have had to be replaced already. (the electric ones)
Yeah hectic hey?! I tried a bunch of other tyre places first which didn’t have them – apparently they’re a unique tire… sigh. Eventually Blue Route Motors (SupaQuik) managed to source 3 and use the spare as the 4th. Oh… and its Monday – and I got no call from Renault Tokia. This means war.
HAHAHAHAHA,
Poor u. I always thought Renault was good. We have friends that bought a Citroen and it broke so they got into contact with the dealer because it was fairly new and they were told that it would have to wait to be fixed. This was last year. I dont think that it ever got fixed.
J
renault are terrible when ti comes to guarantees warranty’s and parts as it takes three weeks for them to get a new card key for those that have card key starts as they have to be ordered from France. loose your key or damage it then basically your car is of the road for three weeks plus. Cost wise is another story and the keycard costs 150 plus minus plus another 75 for the computer technician to allign it to your car when the key comes in from france, eventually. Stick to ford and you cant go wrong
i want to buy a renault modus 2005 model 1.4 expre it has only 28k on the clock and the price is cheap.
please advice me of the prices of spares and isurance costs
Hey Guys, bought one back in 2006, have been kicking myself ever since. They have all the bells & whistle on this little car, but they don’t tell you how hectically they depreciate in value. Had to replace my side mirror, and there was nothing wrong with it but the rotating thingy that attaches it to the arm, they wanted R2500 for a new one, I laughed and said I would live without the mirror thnx. Services are very expensive and they catch you all the time on your service plans etc. Rather source a delaer for parts (brake pads, disks etc) it saved me R2000 on my last service. Still took it in for a service, and they serviced but would fit the parts…. no problem I have a workshop mechanic that can help me out with that (they even admitted that the genuine parts I got were cheaper than they would have sold to me) they mark their parts up drastically. To add to that, I hope I can help you out here, but I learnt the hard way on the tyres, they dont need to be “conti’s”, phone Jcks Tyres in Durban they will sort you out. I got different to the originals that were on the car and they have been working just fine for the last 6 months. Make a plan bud, you seem to be falling for the salesman pitch. Anyway I agree and will happily fly the banner with you “don’t by Renault” kuk car, my next cars gonna be a VW or a Toyota. Lokal is lekker…. I think, besides resale is far better on trade ins….
I need to replace my hand break as the lever is broken(plastic)but I was told it will cost me 1500.00 that is not on.Please help what to do
I have a Renault 2003 Scenic 19 cdi. (Bought new, now 80 000 km). I can not begin to tell you what sh*t a Renault is. The latest is that it develops a noise. Auto Extra told me that the v-belt tensioner , the water plump and the alternator were broken. Everything at the same time??? As normal they did not have the alternator (3 weeks to get France) but replaced the tensioner and the water pump. (I am paying for all this myself). Then 2 weeks later the noise return and air conditioning broke. I drove the car to AutoExtra for repair. It was fine at that stage except that the air conditioner did not work. They told me that beside the alternator, the v-belt do not stay on the pulleys long enough in order for them check the air conditioner, but it was fine when I took it in. Now the car does not run and we are stranded.rnrnRenault mechanics break cars and lose fittings. I have never once received the car back with the splash plates back correctly. They leave fasteners out. I had to replace all the plate myself since they have just dropped on the tar between Pta and Cape Town. They drilled holes in the front bumper because they were too lazy the refit the splash plates. After they replaced the cam belt the all the screw treads were ripped out of the cam belt cover. They even manage to “loose” some of the interior fittings. They break clips wherever they work. Even today the inside covers of the passenger foot well is lose after they replaced the pollen filter the first time. They did replace the bumper and the interior fitting but if you do not spot all the damage at collection they just laughed off. Then there were some emission controls exhaust valve that suddenly broke after a service. (My cost again) rnrnThe car’s price the 2003 were R192 000, today Renault themselves is only prepare to give me R50 000. That is the only reason why there is still Renault around. You can not get rid of the rubbish. rnrnKeeping this car running is costing me thousands, Money I do not have and have would have liked to use to pay for my kid’s education.rnrnI was used to Toyotas and VWs. They did not break at 80 000km. I thought cars start to need this type of repair only at around 230 000 km like my Camry and Hi Luxrnrn I wonder if these people how make these junk products like Renault realize the hardship and emotional distress the cause to the unsuspected victims. I am sure the Carlos Ghosn and Louis Schweitzer kids are happy and they think they are OK. We don’t.rn
I took my 2006 Modus in to replace the cambelt. They phoned me back to inform me that there were a couple of other problems, campshaft pulleys, crankshaft pulleys and timing belt tensioner all need to be replaced. All in all the job would cost me…wait for it… R11 000. This is rediculous. Anybody know where to find second hand parts? Can obviously not afford this.
Riaan
Well thanks for the advice abve, i have actually just gone to look at a Modus and the things about Renault have just put me off for good. I had the new Megane hatch in 2005 brand new off the floor, 3 months later there was rust on the mane frame under the boot lid….mmmhhh what do you think happened …yup NOTHING, they dusted and sprayed it just to have the paint bubble and lift 3 months later again, so after a year of fighting and them having my car for a total of 21 days and me having to find alternative transport, i rather got rid of it, sorry for the poor dude who got it second hand.
My cambelt snapped on 23rd March 2010 on my Renualt Scenic 1400. The dealer phoned me and said your cambelt snapped it will cost you R22 000.00 to repair ???. My cambelt was changed at a service January 2009 and my milage since then +- 15000 km. Oh I also had a service done in December 2009 (3 months ago)and they changed the Jockey pulleys and the cambelt was checked and ticked. When I asked why, the dealer said ” there must have been something that caused the cambelt to fray and snap” I asked ” but it is a sealed unit how can something get in” ?? He then said he will check and come back to me. A day or two later he said “no there is a cover missing” ??
After informing him that he changed it just over a year ago he said he would phone Renault SA and come back to me.
After a couple of days I contacted renault and was told that the camshaft gears had mecanically failed and it was not there fault as parts are only guaranteed for 1 year and that it was mechanical failure and they only change what is in the camblet kit. After deciding what had caused the cambelt to snap they quoted me R13 600.00 to fix and told me it would take 14 hrs labour.I had no choice but to accept the quote.
10 Days later 22nd April I phoned the dealer and was told it is on the wash bay and could collect it. The next morning 23rd April I went to fetch it and was told, “the car is not ready they only got the pistons yesterday and they have’nt even started”.
Thank goodness the person who took me said “you know what Renault is like I will wait for you to make sure everything is ok”. There was no apology and the manager did’nt even come and see me.
I am a single mother with 2 kids and very fortunate to work at a company who have let me use one of the company cars. I would have been stranded. I have always been fussy about my cars and ensured that the my car has a service every year and that the cambelt gets changed.
I still have no car and wonder how long it will take ? I also wonder what damage is happening to my car while it is standing. I feel very let done and dissapointed. I will never buy a Renualt or any car associated with Renault.
Been looking around for websites for such information , regards
Guys do u knw a place where i can take my renault modus 2005 bcos at renault they told me its gona be R3000 to change the cam belt but afta the comments above its clear dat these costs can go way up. My car is 90000km now so i want to change the cam belt b4 it brakes by itself. Also if i get a place where i can buy the parts cheaper so that i can cut costs including cam belt
Damn i thought i was the only one struglling with renault, i have a 2005 Clio and am currently on 88 000km, i have just requested a quote for the 90 000km service, R2300 + R3300 for the cambelt, dats crap ….
In less than 4 month i have coughed up +-R8000 (1200 for the battery, 4500 for ignition coils, 2200 for flipeen brakes )
I even tried to sell the car and they can only offer me R25000 dats bull
Guys if u know of a place aroung jhb or pretoria that services renault cars please do share…. am done being messed up by the renault dealers
Ah man, that sucks! Hopefully some JHB or PTA readers will be able to chip in with suggestions of where you DNA have it serviced.
My advice would be to shop around and see if you can sell it now for more than R25000… As I expect more will just start going wrong as it gets older.
Let us know how it goes.
Hi guys,
My wife got a 2001 Scenic which we bought 2nd hand about a year and a half ago. It now has 135000km on the clock.So far the only problem we had was an ignition coil. To my surprise the cheapest I could find it was at Renault(Nissan) at a cost of R585. To install them take 2 minutes. So Jaco, paying R4500 for your car’s coils was definately a rip off. I service the car at Oosmey Motors in Rustenburg and they are authorised to stamp your service book. For a major service they charge R1100. For cambelts replacement(with all the pulleys) they charge R2200. In our circle of friends we have 3 Scenic’s and we all make use of them without any complaints. Brakes I do for R495 (ATE’s) installed.
You can service your car at Derricks Diagnostics in Pretoria, they are renault specialists, and do a good job. I’ve been taking my car there ever since out of service plan, because Renault dealers are bad news… Not as expensive either. Their contact: 012 3350616.
Had 3 new radios installed by Renault (of which the last one they scratched my dashboard with a screwdriver or something). Engine mountings are a big problem as well… Cost a lot of money to repair everything damaged because of this. The water bottle (engine water) “breaks every 60,000km”, and why this happens, I DON’T KNOW?
Hand brake lever got stuck and wouldn’t latch, was quoted R7000.00 (by Renault) to repair, then I thought BS! I opened the console and investigated. Used a less than 10c coil spring, and the problem was fixed, nearly over 2 years working like a dream.
The car is a pleasure to drive and use when everything is ok, but suddenly you get blown by all this little crap problems that shouldn’t happen, and it costs you half the price of a new car!
If there are any other persons with advise, please add.
Regards,
Pieter
Thanks for continuing to comment!
where do you take a renault for servicing other than Renault itself?
Tim was the Renault Modus bought at a Renault Pre Owned Dealership or bought at some other Second Hand Dealer.
All I want to say people is do your research and shop around, because there are many other dealers and non Renault Service companies that are more competent and cost effective.
The Modus was bought in 2005 at Renault Tokai. A proper/official Renault dealership.
Do you want a Renault Angel…?
My Renault mechanic (in Johannesburg) is a renault specialist – he only uses original parts and while still a tad expensive for my liking (Renault prices are sadly expensive even when they are cheap) – always comes in at least a few grand less than Renault. Plus he is very caring (did not charge me to replace my light bulb yesterday – something Renault wanted R280 to do!)
He also collects your car if it breaks down on you (been there and done that!) He replaced my clutch (which was broken) and did a full service for about R5000. Car was like it was brand new!
He (Clive) is located in Randburg – 083 485 5306.
Hi.
I bought a Modus in Sept 2005 and a Scenic II in Dec 2005.
I must say theat I could not complain about the service I received at Renault Tygervalley where I bought the Modus and Renault Paarl where I bought the Scenic.
I have to agree with the problems regarding spare parts. I unfortunately lost the Modus in an accident 2 years ago, but up to then I did not have any problems with it and I was quite crazy about the little bugger. The Scenic is another story. I had to replace the key card and had to wait more than a month to get it from France. Every time I have to repair the brakes, it cost me a lot of money and there are the one thing after the other. I dont get away with under R5000 every time the car needed repairs. Now I have problems with the starter and was told the “pully” (whatever that might be) must be replaced. So I phoned this morning to hear what it will cost and for the part alone it will cost just over R2000. Then I was told that when the replace this, they also have to replace the cambelt which will bring the total up to just over R5000. I think this is outrageous! I am definitely going to look for an alternative workshop to assist me and I now had enough of this car. Seems that it was only good while the maintenanceplan was still active. I definitely needs to get rid of this car very very soon!!!!!!!
Bought a Modus 2007 few yrs back (it was only a yr old when i got it). I drives like a dream, is light on fuel and had so many little fancy gadgets. All very impressive, until the mechanical problems start. Initally it appeared to over heat rather quickly and i heard water swooshing somewhere in the body. I took it in immediately to be checked but as luck would have it, on that day it refused to over heat and made no unusual sounds.
At the very first service, and every service after that I mentioned the over heating, that the car used quite a bit of water and the water noises. I was repeatedly assusred by the Renault service people that there was no problem with the car. That is until it come to the first service outside of the motor plan – suddenly i had a water plug leak, leaks i various pipes, a cambelt that needed to be replaced, etc etc etc. A shocking quote of R12 000.
Another Renault driver suggested I try Bosch for a service. It was slightly cheaper and they found no problem with ANY OF THE PARTS Renault mention. They must have fixed something since none of the originaly noises or issues remain.
Its now however time to really change the cambelt and i’m fretting about the cost. Been calling around for quotes from other services centres.
Feeling increasing anxious about the car and wish i could trade it in for something else. Only problem now, any other car that fits my needs as comfortably as the modus is way out of my price range. I need a typical mommy’s taxi and was dreaming about a Renault Scenic. But thanks all for helping me see the light.
I really love my modus. Its a great drive, easy to maneuver, safe little car. But I’m constantly stressed that something might just break.
Thanks a million.
R
I’m about to buy a renault Megane shake it 2009, please advise?
Run, and don’t look back!
I have a 2007 Renault Modus 1.6 Auto wich I bought new of the floor. I really look after my car and it now only have 38000km on the clock as we use it for the daily schoolrun. My problems started two years ago with a rattle under the car. I took it to Renault Menlyn. They informed me that it is the outlet box at the back that is loose inside. They will replace it at there cost as the vehicle is under warranthy. I went to fetch the vehicle the following day with the assurance that the problem was fixed. When i arrived home I opend the boot only to find the new silencer box in the boot. Not to mention that my vehicle carpet was full of oil from mechanics that climed in and out of the vehicle. So I phoned and was told to bring the car in. I was then send to Supa Quick to install the silencer. On my way home a could hear that the problem was still there. I took it to Noise boise who told me it was the middel silencer. They installed it and I paid for it as I yust could not handle the bad service I got. Then things got worce. The Modus now 3 yrs and 3 months old developed a oil leek. Modus had done plus minus 34000km and is 3 monthsout of warranthy. I once again took it to Renault Menlyn. I was informed that it was an oil seal on the camshaft and it is leaking oil on the timming belt and that it all should be replaced. The cost over R8000.00. I was still happy with car up to now as it was my wifes car and she really enyou it. Then a month ago the auto box started going into what renault call limp mode. This means that the gearbox is losing preasure and to protect it self it go ito 3rd gear and remain there untill you stop and switch it off. So hear I was agian at Renault Menlyn only to be told that they do not do auto boxes and that I should take it to Renault Fountains. There I was told that it was a sensor on the box R3000.00 and the transfer box R14500.00. That they cannot give me any warranthy because it also can be the pump in the gearbox. This will mean that they will have to take the gearbox out again. I did not ask the cost just paid the R530.00 for the diagnoses by the mechanic. I send the car to a auto gearbox specialist in JHB. who charge me R14500 to redo the gearbox. I hope to get it back this week. If there is anyone that is interested in purchasing a good looking Modus 1.6 Auto with lots of problems please feel free to contact me. This was my 3rd Renault and my last one. So by the way I was told that to replace the box at Renault could cost more then R40 000. Good luck Renault in catching other fools.
Took my Kangoo1.5dci into Service@Eurotech in Montague Gardens, for a major service and to sort out some electrical issues. I was impressed by the fact that they delivered me to my office and collected me when the vehicle was ready and I was even more impressed when I received the bill, the cost of the service was a fraction of what a Dealer would have charged me and they charged me nothing to repair the electrical fault,I questioned the Service Advisor about this,as Renault had quoted me R3000 to repair,and was told that the earth wire to the light had come loose and that they had re-secured it.
It is 4 weeks later now and the electrical problem has not re-occurred.
I will not be taking my vehicle anywhere else from now on as the service I received was the best I have ever received from a Service Center.
Hearring all this comments I am now scared. I am driving Renault Megane shake it, 2006 model and I bought it brand new in Oct 2006. I lately noticed there is a noise not sure if is coming from the engine or the wheels. I do have mechenical insurance but I just want to take it to the right place for fixing. Any advice
@ Lucas – I can recommend that you contact Service @ Euro-Tech they really do know what they are doing. http://www.service-eurotech.co.za Tel:021 551 0057
Well Lynne,
I trust the post is honest as i have contacted Clive to fix my Renault Scenic. I am sick and tired of been ripped off by the dealerships. Just to mention i paid R203k for this car 10 years ago!!! And now i am really paying on services.
If i was a billionaire i will put the Dealerships out of business very quickly, just becuase they are screwing the public. And i agree with you Tim, Never, never, ever buy a Renault or French car in this country.
If Clive is as good as you say he is then he will become my mechanic for life.
I have a renault clio 3 2007 model. I bought it brand new. After my maintenance plan was up , I have spent about R25000 trying to fix up all the problems I had. The car has never run without any problems. I hate renault and will never buy one again.
I bought a Renault Modus 2005 in the biginning of 2010. A short while after a red STOP light started going on, seeing that I do not have a maintenance plan my husband checked it out and soon after that the altenator went, which left my central locking not working. I got a pirate part from Pretoria, and fitted it ourselves. 100m down the road, the cambelt went and bent all 16 valves, that cost me R14 000.00. Also had that fixed. A while there after I started having problems with starting the car, then it starts and suddenly it would not. I phoned Renault and they said it was the TDC sensor which would cost me between R2000-3000. Luckely I met a very good Renault mechanic who fixed it for R100.00. So from now on I will only be taking my car to him. But I will never ever buy a Renault again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had my Modus since 2005 and have loved driving it! I have 139 000 on the clock – its still ticking over very well and has never given me any serious problems – I do admit that i have not changed my cambelt in all this time and having read through all the horror stories posted can anyone recommend a mechanic in Cape Town other than Renault dealer that can do this for me. I am also looking for a Aircon fan and right hand side mirror. For those of you that have tyre problems – I put on slightly bigger regular tyres and the work perfectly!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! These comments are really hectic! I do not own a renault but I have always heard that the parts are expensive!!! My problem: My boyfriend needs a new car and the Renault Sandero is in his price range….. should he buy it or start running away??? We are both students and cannot fork out thousands for services! What cars would you recommend?
Leigh-Anne
I sold my Renault Megane last year because when I took back it for service to the Renault Fountains in Pretoria, it had more problems than it had before I took it there, it could not start but it had no problem starting before I took it for service, it would just stop and not move along the road and gez what, when I phoned Renault Fountains they said they could not help me and if they had to, I would have to pay, mind you, I took the car back to them a day a fter I collected it from service, I tried buying a new battrey bcos they told me it was a battrey problem and it wasnt, the problems continued until I decided to trade it in for the Audi. I wouldnt say dont buy a Renault thou but maybe Renault people need to look at matters like these.
Geez. What an eye opener I got. I just bought a 2007 Clio 3 1.6 Expression. Installment sale for my wife because she works far and needs a reliable car. It needs to go for its 90 000km service in 3500km time. Just to be safe she phoned for a Quote. Yip R7400-pollen filter,threaded plug,spark plugs,feel filter,cam belt kit,water pump,engine coolant,air filter,sump plug washer,oil filter,fan belt. Labor is expensive-cam belt labor is R2500 and service labor is R1500. I think I’m also rather going to take it to a bosh service station. Or sell ASAP. All the less the Car Dealer Nissan Hatfield didn’t even put new Tires on. Their Excuse is the car was clearance stock and they could not spend any money before delivery. Pathetic service. Yes its my own fault I bought it from an online add. Did not test drive or inspect the car or find these posts 2 days after delivery. Or else I would never have gotten the Renault.