1992 Renault 19 RN 1.9 diesel

Summary:

Unreliable with added water problems

Faults:

Radiator went in the first week.

Starting problems, had the alternator and all the battery terminals & electrics tested. No problems found, but the car would still not start.

Ball joints replaced twice.

Water leaks from sun roof and roof, the water actually filled the whole car up with a puddle.

Gear stick rubs on the exhaust pipe, creating a knocking sound.

Steering vibration and the whole dash vibrates when you get over 70mph.

Poor take off in first gear - no power.

Central locking no longer works.

General Comments:

Would make a good family car, cheap to run, cheap on insurance.

Not very reliable, best to carry a set of jump leads or a spare battery...

Car is sluggish and not very comfortable.

Bought an expensive sound system which got ruined from the water logging.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th January, 2002

1992 Renault 19 16v Cabriolet Phase 2 1.8 petrol

Summary:

A high performing head turner

Faults:

Two clutch replacements, one at 29,000 miles, the other at around 60,000 miles.

Clutch cable and pedal.

Accelerator cable.

Alternator.

Rocker cover gasket.

Leak in the coolant system.

Front door window motors.

Split in the rear screen.

General Comments:

Fabulous looks coupled with excellent handling make this a fun car to drive. My biggest regret is that Renault no longer make this particular car (in my view the Megane is an inferior car). I would buy one instantly.

Both family and friends comment on the comfort of the seats, and the drive - whether it be about town or on the motorway.

It is an engaging car to drive with superb handling. I will regret ever selling it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2001

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Good handling quick car

Faults:

Main seal went on an oil line, if wasn't under warranty it would have cost a lot to fix, engine and gear box have to come out.

Only other things are general faults like new pads, discs and tires.

General Comments:

I have only had the car a few months, but it is great.

The performance is very good, although I can already see this car is going to cost quite a bit, being only 20 years old doesn't help as it is in group 15 for insurance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2001

1992 Renault 19 1.4

Summary:

A good performance bargain

Faults:

Fuel gauge did not work yet the low fuel light did come on.

Had to clean the carb due to dirty petrol.

General Comments:

Fine car at a cheap price. Performance from the 16v engine was very good for a 1.4, makes a show of an Astra.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2000

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Good fun and cheap to buy

Faults:

A recent run of bad luck has seen it damaged in a pub car park (resulting in expensive bodywork) and the MOT test was failed by a blown exhaust and corroded and worn rear discs.

But apart from that I can't complain, I've driven it hard over a fairly long distance.

General Comments:

It's been a reliable car, and is fun to drive. Great roadholding, fine acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2000

1992 Renault 19 16v Chamade 1.8 16v

Summary:

Good performance and reliability, but high running costs if they are neglected

Faults:

Gearbox failure (95,000).

Radiator leak (106,000).

Tracking arms (124,000).

Recon alternator (127,000).

Head gasket failed (137,000).

ABS failed (137,000).

General Comments:

I've always loved the car, particularly the Phase 1's. Bought this one after writing off my low mileage (41,000) H plate 16V in mid 1998. Bit dubious about buying this high mileage example, but it's turned out to be excellent. Every service in the book was stamped, and it had just had a new gearbox fitted at a dealer, so I was happy.

I did the head gasket job myself, and at the same time fitted a new cylinder head. Not easy, but it can be done with time and patience. Much cheaper too!

Mods include 17 inch alloys, chip, S/S exhaust, decat and induction kit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2000

4th Mar 2001, 16:29

I left this review last year, and just the other day, the engine expired in a plume of blue and white smoke. I think the blocks cracked somewhere, so it's new engine time! 148,000 miles.