1992 Renault 19 16 V Hatch 1.8 16v petrol

Summary:

Great looks and handling - otherwise a nightmare

Faults:

Where do I start?

Door mirror casings cracked in the hot weather - replaced on warranty.

Front suspension top mounts noisy - replaced on warranty.

Gearbox rebuilt on warranty - couldn't get 5th gear.

Electrical fire - burnt out the front half of the wiring loom - repaired on warranty.

Broken clutch cable repaired on warranty.

2 New clutch pedals to overcome chaffing problems which cause clutch cables to snap - both factory recalls.

Noisy clutch release bearing - replaced on warranty along with the clutch assembly.

New radiator - original damaged by dealer having to remove and refit the engine twice in 36000 miles.

Noisy hydraulic cam followers (tappets) on cold start - did it from new lasted for 5 - 10 minutes before they would quieten down - car sounded like the big end or something had gone - horrible. Dealer never fixed it claimed "they all do it sir". Got worse as mileage increased eventually noisy all the time at engine idle - very expensive - one reason for getting rid.

Constant interior trim rattles and squeaks - especially drivers door electric window - drove me nuts!

One new exhaust system - genuine Renault is cheaper than a copy - strange, but true.

Speedo cable broke £100 for replacement (fitted).

Binding rear brake caliper after dealer fitted new pads - required new caliper - £270 apparently - not of my money mate!

72000 mile Cam belt change £750 - an engine out job - the final straw - car traded in - could take no more.

Traded car to dealer with rattling tappets - no speedo - binding rear brake and various electrical glitches never satisfactorily resolved after fire. Full dealer service history and £3200 of bills - never again. Looked like new outside - a heap of junk underneath.

General Comments:

It's a shame about the quality of the Phase 1 version of the 19 16v as I think it looked much more beefy than the later versions.

I guess I was unlucky with my example, but I did like driving it when it wasn't in the dealers being fixed.

Handling and ride were superb - something only Renault seem to be able to hone to this level.

The engine performance gives the impression of being impressive, but is actually only mediocre when the inflexible nature of the power delivery is factored in - the very weak low end torque means the car has to be driven hard to get the best from it - probably a factor of why mine didn't last - using 6000 rpm was a normal driving occurence rather than something you did when overtaking.

In comparison with something like an 8 valve Golf GTI which is supposed to be much less powerful the outright performances were very similar, but the VW does it effortlessly. In the 19 16V you have to wring this cars neck for the same performance.

The impressive 0 - 60 mph time comes from only needing to change gear once on the way 65 mph is achievable in second gear and this is only a 1764cc. That is why it is to tedious to drive the gears are too long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2003

13th Apr 2003, 07:51

Sounds like you might have been using a dodgy garage. The engine doesn't have to be removed to change the cambelt. It usually costs maybe 200 quid tops for this. Likewise Brake callipers cost 50 pounds for reconditioned units from GSF. Sorry, but it sounds like you were being played.. PS all F7P 16v engines do sound kinda like diesels when they are cold. Dunno why.

17th Apr 2003, 08:41

Renault 19 16s happens to be my favorite car as I have lived with it for along period. I do think that you were unlucky to have all these problems. Probably your treatment was not very good or the particular version was faulty. ANTHONY GREECE.

30th Jun 2003, 10:09

Engine out for a cambelt, they are still laughing at you mate!! I got mine done with the alternatior belt the other day for £108 inc. vat and both belts! I can now hit the rev limiter again with confidence.

26th Mar 2005, 08:25

Engine Out to do cam belt, mine was £150 fitted with 12 month garuntee.

I don't seem to have to ring the neck out of mine all the time just to drive it normally. Seems to have plenty of grunt low down.

Off now to take my engine out as I have to fill petrol tank.

1992 Renault 19 16V 1.8 16v

Summary:

Nice try Mr Renault, but ultimately flawed

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong???

The French are truly dismal at putting cars together, and what's more, everything on the car is screwed on with torx head bolts...AAARRRGGGHHH!

Head gasket has been replaced TWICE.

Coolant leaks are a constant problem... the engine goes through core plugs like there is no tomorrow.

They eat front wheel bearings.

The phase 1 leaks water down the plug holes when it rains (through the bonnet scoop)

Anti-lock brake lights come on and go off as it pleases.

Had a new gearbox.

Two new front struts (leakage)

Water pump broke.

Oil Pump Broke.

Central locking works as it pleases.

Don't believe the oil level indicator... It just guesses.

You name it... I have replaced it... Reckon in the four and a half years I have owned it I could've built a brand new one from the spares.

General Comments:

If you are thinking of buying one make sure it is dirt cheap. In all honesty if you have the space you would be wise to buy one to drive and buy a cheap donor car to nick bits off when they break... and they will, believe me.

To sum up, I still love the car... I like the shape... I like the handling and the speed (Supposed to be the French Cosworth...don't believe it... Mr Ford kicks Mr Renaults ass. They are nippy... not Cossie quick or even close to it). It's a genuine shame that the reliability is so poor. Every time I spend a load more fixing it I want to keep it to get my monies worth from the repair, but then something else expensive decides to break soon after. I am fed up listening to all the noises the engine makes deciding what piece I think is gonna be next to go. It's gotta go... had enough...Utter French rubbish... Do not by one... (unless it's mine that's now for sale)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2002

13th Jun 2002, 15:02

Ultimately cars like this are thrashed about, buying a car with 90 odd thousand miles on the clock which may well not have been looked after will result in an unreliable car.

I have owned two, and admit they are not the best for reliability, but unfortunately it sounds like in this case you were rather unlucky : (

Whoever said this is the French Cosworth obviously has no idea what they are talking about, quick yes, Cosworth power no!

But for the price, the performance and handling cannot be doubted!

23rd Aug 2002, 13:38

Great car for the money, but beware there are lots lemons.

Nice styling, lively engine, great handling and good economy are only offset by fairly poor reliability and expensive parts.

Eats front wheel bearings, but it's an easy DIY fix.

Head Gaskets do last, but like most cars, if you over heat the engine, the Head Gasket will soon follow.

Bodywork quality is above average, and originally came with an 8 year anti corrosion warranty.

I've owned 2 of these, and my first was a total lemon. It lacked service history when purchased, but I died for the deep blue color and looks. I soon paid the price after 4 weeks, as the gearbox dropped 5th gear and needed replacing. The heater matrix was blocked and had to be replaced, and the wiring loom melted. the head gasket failed, and all the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. All this within a space of a year. I knew that the car was at fault, as opposed to the model in general.

Therefore I polished the car up and sold it to the first buyer, who also fell for its looks!

I then went out and bought an identical one (albeit 2 years newer) with 63k miles and Full Renault Service History from a dealer. this one has been much improved in its reliability, and has make a great car for the past year and a half.

Joe Tait.