1976 Renault 12 TL review from UK and Ireland
"Sublime - Get one while you can!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Very little considering I bought it at a car boot sale for 200 quid.
The car had "head gasket issues" from day one and as such was prone to overheating. Driving with the heater on and the windows down during the summer solved that.
A local mechanic, overcome with nostalgia kept me on the road with some kind MOT results and reconditioned bits and pieces when things went pear shaped. Clutch 100 quid, carb 70 etc.
Rust was a bit of a battle, but that's what Halfords is for.
The car ultimately died of terminal head gasket, meeting its maker in a shopping centre carpark in North County Dublin.
General comments?
Very quick as weighed close to nothing.
Go anywhere ground clearance.
Long bonnet - ideal for sun bathing!
Excellent petrol mileage for its age.
More comfortable than anything I have owned or driven since (I am not kidding here).
Very roomy and supremely stylish.
A third gear to die for.
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  | A great first car |
 | A car that I love and will keep forever! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.2 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 61000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 74000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2001 |