Renault Modus

In the list of least-selling cars in Europe, you will find primarily large flagships such as the Renault Vel Satis, Peugeot 607 and Citroen C6. Small cars have also suffered setbacks, a typical example being the Renault Modus. Does low popularity indicate low reliability?

Model history

Renault Modus made his debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The car was not designed to replace a particular model, but for those looking for a minivan smaller than the Scenic. Two years later, the Note twin brother was built, created in collaboration with Renault and Nissan.

The French had hoped that Modus would sell like hot cakes, and each year the salons of the brand would leave from 250,000 to 300,000 copies. Unfortunately, the predictions were not justified. In the first three years of production, only 400,000 cars were sold.

To somehow improve the situation, Renault in 2008 decided to upgrade the microvan. The updates affected the front bumper, grille, headlights and taillights. Several cosmetic changes have also occurred in the interior. Access to light bulbs was improved, for the replacement of which in a pre-restyling instance, the help of a specialist was required.

In the list of offers appeared the version of the Grand Modus with an increased wheelbase and a more spacious trunk. In 2012, the last Modus came off the assembly line of the Spanish Renault plants in Madrid and Valladolid, which was later replaced by the Captur crossover.

Engines

Renault Modus did not have a very rich palette of power units, but to put under the hood of a small car powerful engines was no sense. In addition, good acceleration is one of the last qualities required from a microvan. If you think differently, Modus is definitely not the right fit for you. On the other hand, the traction reserve is always useful, even if you do not drive too fast. No one likes to spend hours chasing tractors or trucks. The most acceptable dynamic characteristics are ready to provide gasoline 1. 2 Tse with turbocharging and atmospheric 1.6 liters, as well as 1. 5 dCi. Unfortunately, the first on the market is not so much, the second consumes a lot of fuel, and the last - often breaks down. The market is dominated by instances with weaker engines, which get tired quite quickly. As a rule, gasoline engines do not create serious problems in the operation process. Oil leaks and faults of ignition coils are the most common failures of engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters. Among diesel modifications, most often it is necessary to solve problems with copies of the initial production period. Trouble can deliver expensive injection system and turbocharger. Sometimes there are oil leaks. In 2008, the 1.5 dCi diesel engine received a particulate filter – fuel consumption fell, but operating costs increased. Do not forget about the risk of turning the liners after 150-200 thousand km due to the large service interval of oil replacement (30,000 km in Europe).

Design features

Most of the representatives of this class in technical terms are not particularly complex, so they rarely break down and are cheap to repair. The same goes for Modus.

In the front suspension of the Modus you will find Macpherson struts, and in the rear - a twisting beam.

The French minivan engine works with one of four gearboxes: 5 or 6-speed mechanics, as well as with a 4 or 5-speed automatic.

Regardless of the engine, all versions have front-wheel drive.

In the crash tests, EuroNCAP Modus showed a brilliant result – 5 stars.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Before you decide on a specific instance, you need to know whether the car was attracted to a service action to eliminate the defect of the electric power steering. If not, then most likely there will be repairs that will have to be done on their own for their money. It all starts with failures, accompanied by the message “Steering Fault” – a malfunction of the steering. At first, it helps to check and replace fuses, but later everything ends with replacing the amplifier module. The new one costs about $1,000, and you can find it for $50. Unfortunately, after the replacement, you will need to encode a new component, which can only be handled by the prepared services. The condition of the suspension must also be checked. Not only the racks and sleeves of the stabilizer are quickly surrendered, but also shock absorbers and suspension levers. Fortunately, the suspension details are easily accessible and cheap. As with French cars, electrical problems are inevitable. Sometimes there are malfunctions of the control panel of the air conditioner or the pointers of the instruments fail. In some cases, windows are handed over, in others, H7 light bulbs of the front headlights burn out, the replacement of which in pre-restyling instances is very difficult. The operation requires the removal of the bumper and then the headlights. The manufacturer realized the mistake and corrected the situation during restyling. Owners of the same pre-restyling versions should use lamps with a large resource. The soot filter that can be found in some diesel versions is the real curse of Renault Modus.

Engines

• Unfortunately, the first on the market is not so much, the second consumes a lot of fuel, and the last - often breaks down.
• As a rule, gasoline engines do not create serious problems in the operation process.
• Oil leaks and faults of ignition coils are the most common failures of engines with a volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters.

Design features

• Most of the representatives of this class in technical terms are not particularly complex, so they rarely break down and are cheap to repair. The same goes for Modus.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• Before you decide on a specific instance, you need to know whether the car was attracted to a service action to eliminate the defect of the electric power steering.
• If not, then most likely there will be repairs that will have to be done on their own for their money.
• It all starts with failures, accompanied by the message “Steering Fault” – a malfunction of the steering.
• At first, it helps to check and replace fuses, but later everything ends with replacing the amplifier module.
• The condition of the suspension must also be checked.
• As with French cars, electrical problems are inevitable.
• Sometimes there are malfunctions of the control panel of the air conditioner or the pointers of the instruments fail.
• In some cases, windows are handed over, in others, H7 light bulbs of the front headlights burn out, the replacement of which in pre-restyling instances is very difficult.

The Renault Modus has held up well even in years. Much depends on the condition and version of the engine. The car is worthy of attention, first of all, for a practical interior with many hidden compartments. Attracts attention and attractive cost - for relatively little money you can buy a fairly fresh copy. You will not have to complain about the smoothness of the ride – the car is very comfortable. A nice bonus will be the complete set with a hatch.

The disadvantages are not so many and they are not so significant. For example, the peculiar appearance and design of the front panel, the average quality of interior materials, low dynamics and problems with resale.

But most importantly, according to many mechanics, the Renault Modus is considered one of the most reliable cars in the Renault lineup.

• Model history: Renault Modus made his debut at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
• Engines: Unfortunately, the first on the market is not so much, the second - consumes a lot of fuel, and the last - breaks down more often.
• Most of the representatives of this class in technical terms are not particularly complex, so they rarely break down and are cheap to repair. The same goes for Modus.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: If not, then it is likely to be repaired, which will have to be done on your own for your money.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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