1988 Renault 25 GTX review from Australia and New Zealand

Replaced timing belt at 120,000 - $400.

Replaced ignition leads - $150.

CV joints worn - replaced both drive shafts - $600 each.

Radiator hose - $50.

Injectors - $500.

Radiator fan relay switch had to be replaced twice - $100 each.

Fuel gauge has never worked properly but the other trip computer functions work fine - who needs a fuel gauge anyway in a talking car - it tells you when you need to fill up with at least 100km left in the tank.

The 1988 25GTX is a highly reliable, underrated grand tourer with brilliant road manners. Good low down torque makes it easy to drive around the city and smooth 2.2 litre J engine, the same engine in my previous car, the Peugeot 505, has enough in it for safe high speed touring - it could do with more power for quick overtaking but if you know the limitations of the car you don't get into situations that prove a problem.

The previous original owner was president of the Australian Renault club so was fastidious with servicing and garaging.

The metallic paint work is still like new and there are no signs of wear inside.

The leather upholstery has aged beautifully. No cracks or obvious wear which is unusual for a European car exposed to the brutal Aussie sun.

The gear box has never given me any trouble except for some minor leaking which is insignificant. The engine is pretty much indestructible if it is regularly serviced. I am encouraged reading other reviews on this page, particularly someone who has a 25GTX with 389,000 kms on the clock.

Very few of these were imported into Australia - they are now worth nothing because no one knows anything about them - including mechanics. It is important to have a good non-dealer mechanic who knows French cars. Like the Peugeot 505, this is the cheapest car to maintain I have ever owned.

The styling may have dated, but it still turns plenty of heads when I drive it in the city.

A great car, very reliable and beautifully poised. I hope to have it for another 5 years.