1994 Renault Safrane RT VI EXEC review from UK and Ireland

94,000 miles: first acquired (4th hand).

Driver's door lock doesn't work. But it is never used due to infrared controller on key.

Hazard lights do not flash when alarm is engaged/disengaged. Alarm however does work. Alarm control board needs replacing if lights are to work.

Air conditioning needs servicing. Currently doesn't work. Cost for Freon refill ~ £100.

Couple of dashboard lights weren't working. Replaced them myself. Cost for 10 bulbs £3.00.

Bad rust on undercarriage (exhaust pipe, fuel tank strap, power steering pipe, and a few other small parts). This was however due to all the car's owners having lived on Cornish coastline.

Fan belt needed replacing due to squeaking (~ £20)

95,000 miles: power steering feed pipe blew. This was quite expensive to repair (~ £350). Price however balanced the fact that the car purchase price was fairly low (~ £1400)

95,000 miles: fuel tank strap snapped. Cost £15 to replace at garage.

95,000 miles: boot lock loosens slowly. Needs tightening every now and again with spanner.

100,000 miles: gear box oil was low resulting in strong vibration throughout the car when turning corners at low speeds. Repaired myself (took about 2 hours as oil cap is very hard to access). Cost £6.00.

102,000 miles: driver's leather seat stitches have come loose. Needs re-stitching.

104,000 miles: found out that clutch was stiff because assistant spring was missing. Repaired myself. Cost of new spring, cir-clip and bolt: £8 (original Renault parts).

Despite all the things that have gone wrong with this car, it really is an amazing car for the space and comfort it offers.

Spacious interior means you can easily fit 5 adults comfortably inside, and the boot is truly massive.

The drive is very smooth. Handles corners well for such a large car.

The engine lacks a bit of punch, and I'm not very keen on the gear ratios for the available engine power: 1st and 2nd gear don't get you very far, and 5th gear runs quite high for the speed (currently 80 mph at 3500 rpm). It does however continue to deliver above 3500 rpm, getting you to 120 mph at 5200 rpm.

Consumption is fairly good: you can achieve 36 mpg at 70 mph (petrol). The small trips I make bring down the consumption to 25~32 mpg in town. However, this is without the air conditioning!

Finally, the audio speakers deliver surprisingly good base.

This car was clearly designed for comfort and space. Driving the car is a luxury and a very enjoyable experience. Engine power is good, but lacks punch. Do expect little things to go wrong with interior gadgetry. However, the Renault engine should last for quite a long time.