Behind the wheel: Renault bosses made an inspired decision when they gave the go-ahead to spin-off a small people carrier from the Megane hatchback. The Megane platform had been hugely expensive to develop. In order to mitigate the company's costs, plans were laid to use the platform for a three-door-coupe, an estate and a convertible. But it was the MPV that would prove to be the winner. Renault thought it would only be able to sell 450 a day. At its peak, the company was building 2,500 a day – and finding buyers for every one. The Scenic was the right car at the right time . Even today, the cabin retains its practicality and the car has space enough for small families.

Quality: The first generation Scenic's cabin felt cheap when it was launched and time has not improved it. The interior is woefully short on what car manufacturers like to call surprise and delight features. Any used Scenic is likely to have suffered at the hands of young children so carefully check the seat fabrics for rips and tears and stains.

Reliability: Electrical problems are common – and not just irritations like electric window winders, the entire wiring harness has been known to melt. Engine management boxes also give up the ghost, so watch for lumpy running and poor starting. The plastic front wings were designed to shrug off parking knocks but can craze or crack over time. If your Scenic has a sunroof test it for leaks. The roof's electric motor can also give trouble.

Handling: Rather soggy when new, a set of new shock absorbers will transform a high mileage Scenic and shouldn't cost the earth. Reckon on spending £150 to bring the car back to an acceptable standard.

Costs: The diesels are cheap to run but command a secondhand premium so don't be put off by the smaller petrol engines. If you regularly intend to carry a full load go for the 1.9 turbodiesel – the extra pulling power will come in handy.

What to pay: High miles Scenics start at less than £500, but it pays to be picky. Scenics tend to lead hard lives and the iffy build and dodgy electrics means neglected examples start to give problems very quickly. Think on spending at least £1,500 for a good one.

FOR: The original small MPV, practical and cheap.

AGAINST: Renault's build quality wasn't at its best during this period, lots of abused examples out there.