1971 Renault 4 review from Germany
"Utility with a lovely character!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brakes
muffler
brakes
water leak around windshield
brakes
doors bent and did not seal any more. My dad bent them back in shape.
Brakes
rear shock absorbers
brakes
bottom rusted out
brakes
synchronizing rings
water pump
brakes
muffler
brakes.
General comments?
I was exaggerating about the brakes. Certainly, they were the weakest point in this vehicle, but not that bad.
We loved this car! 3 of us learned to drive with it and it survived all the abuse. It was the best cheap car with 4 doors money could buy. German and Italian cars had 2 doors and the other French car (Citroen 2CV) was too weak. This Renault was excellently designed, offering maximum space and riding comfort. Small wheels and torsion bar springs allowed for tiny wheel wells. There were nice details such as the child safe locks in the back and the headlight adjusters for a loaded car. Flat glass all around and sliding windows were cheap to manufacture.
It only sipped a little fuel (about 7 L for 100 km). We liked the cane shifter sticking out of the dash. The 2nd and 3rd gear were in one plane and we shifted a lot between them. Later they changed the system to a conventional H-layout, which slowed gear changes between 2nd and 3rd. Keep them going!
Recommended reviews
 | Good car for mustering sheep/cattle! |
 | One of the best cars ever made, but frequently ignored |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1971 |
| First year of ownership | 1971 |
| Engine and transmission | 850cc I4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 100000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 2nd November, 2006 |