1974 Renault 4 TL 0.85
Summary:
One of the best cars ever made, but frequently ignored
Faults:
The engine overheated until I flushed the whole system.
Worn distributor.
Broken front wheel bearings.
Apart from these, a few minor faults (clutch cable, etc).
General Comments:
It is still a very modern car, and surely the prototype for today's small multi-purpose vehicles (just take a look at the Suzuki Ignis).
Very good road holding, even on wet roads, excellent off-roader because of its high ride height. One of the best suspensions ever made.
Spacious inside, and very practical.
The motor is not very strong, but has low-end torque and you can drive in 4th gear at 30 km/h!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd January, 2001
11th Apr 2001, 14:29
Yes, leave it outside during a minor shower, and the paint starts to blister and the metal turns brown. All new cars from Renault are boring and fat compared with old 4L, the only consolation is that the Americans have not redesigned it and made it fat and plastic like the legendary Mini and the unique Volkswagen Beetle.
2nd Oct 2006, 15:59
Americans redesigned the Beetle and the Mini? I thought those were the Germans. BMW owns the Mini name and Volkswagen make the beetle. Sure they looked at American preferences, but...
We used to own a 1974 Renault 4. It was our first family car and we have fond memories of it. The brakes were lousy in performance and durability, the rear shocks wore out really fast, but it used so little gas. Too bad they don't make them anymore.
17th Mar 2001, 07:14
All true, but the body is paper-thin to start with, and it soon rusts to pieces.
Probably more suited to a warm dry climate than the UK.