Faults:

Rear door electrics failed when the wires in the hinge mechanism failed (twice).

Cam-belt damaged (but luckily didn't snap - only found by chance), possibly by a small stone entering the cam-belt cover.

Clutch got heavier and stopped disengaging until replaced at 100,000 miles. This cost in the region of 600 pounds.

Front subframe collapsed due to corrosion (this is "apparently" fairly rare) which was in the region of 400 pounds to fix (2 weeks after the clutch was done - unlucky me!)

Heater hose rubbed itself through on the engine breather hose, causing a small leak that still held pressure when tested by the AA. Had to be fixed as the engine lost water when hot though.

Remote headlight adjuster system stopped pushing the headlights up enough, that was 70 pounds to buy a new system.

Door switches for courtesy light seemed to be replaced too many times - not costly, but a bit annoying.

Diesel tank straps rusted through and the bolts had seized onto the chassis, so had to be cut out - not easy!!! 45 pounds for a pair.

CAV Filter head/priming pump replaced when it didn't pump any more. 45 pounds from a diesel specialist (or a Ford dealer if you know the part number), for exactly the same part at Renault you would pay 85 pounds.

Alternator regulator went leaving me with 18 volts coming out. Got through headlight bulbs! Blew 2 in one journey before I could get it fixed. 150 pounds with a 2 year parts and labour guarantee from Renault (as the local part shop tried 3 different ones, all were wrong).

Gearbox main input shaft bearing became VERY noisy (louder than the diesel engine.) This can be heard while idling in neutral and goes away when the clutch is fully depressed. This is what finally made me trade the car in as a recon'd gearbox was more than the car was worth.

General Comments:

Part failures aside, it was cheap and easy to run and service (I did this myself). Brakes, discs, filters etc were all pretty cheap from Halfords.

Fuel economy was great, I got over 55 MPG on long runs with the massive boot completely full of luggage. This allowed well over 600 miles from a single tank.

The boot capacity was extremely good. A 2 seater sofa would go in (with the split back seats folded down) with no trouble.

The car felt solid and handled very well for an estate as it had 2 sets of springs on the rear suspension and decent sized tyres.

The stereo system was great and the remote controls made it very convenient to use.

If buying one second hand listen to the gearbox, check the gear change is light and easy, and check for corrosion on the front subframe and fuel tank straps.

Faults:

Front sub frame rotten at 102000 and needed urgent replacement. This is not a particularly common problem as far as I know.

Clutch is starting to get heavy, mechanic reckons it will last a while yet though.

Radiator leak at 90000 miles.

Choke knob fell off.

Some rust around the door edge and wheelarch which was repaired by a local panel beater for 85 pounds.

Blowing sound from exhaust under rapid acceleration.

Quite thin paintwork - i.e. prone to scores and scratches.

Brake judder. There seems to be a fairly common problem with brake pads/discs wearing faster than they should.

There is a bundle of wires under the top left of the bootlid, and at the cars last MOT, it failed on non working foglights, reversing lights, number plate lights, and I had also noticed that the beeper that chimed when you opened the door with the headlamps on was no longer working. As it turns out, the cause of all these problems was over time seven of the wires in that bundle had broken, due to gradual wear from opening and closing the boot.

Door weatherstrips are VERY prone to bubbling and becoming brittle, and it costs almost 50 pounds PER WINDOW to have them replaced.

Front balljoints replaced at 102000 miles.

One loose piece of trim above the wheelarch.

General Comments:

After owning a VW Passat, and prior to that a Volvo 440, I decided to go for a R21 because it seemed too cheap to be true, what with remote control locking, power steering,sStereo control on the steering column, centre rear armrest, seatbelt height adjustment, steering wheel height adjuster, electric windows, and electric sunroof.

I was used to top class build quality from the VW and Volvo, and I had heard rumours of poor build quality on Renaults. However, I was not all that disappointed - high quality plastic material in front of the passenger, though cheaper more brittle plastic in front of the driver.

I had also heard rumours of electrical gremlins on these cars, yet everything works. Although I must admit when people bemoan "electrical woes" in most cases it's a matter of a snapped wire, which should not be too taxing a repair for the novice home mechanic.

I find the seats comfortable, with driver's height adjust and lumbar adjust, though admittedly softer in comparison to my VW, yet I almost feel like I am settling into my favourite armchair. The steering meanwhile is slightly larger than I would like, meaning you have to adopt a "knees akimbo" position to accommodate it. The indicator stalks don't have much up and down movement and at the start, I found I often accidentally indicated in the other direction when cancelling it (i.e for a lane change)

The stereo is good quality with its 6 speakers, and those remote controls are very handy.

I have also heard of many heater problems, but have encountered none.

There is a good amount of rear space in the car, and it has a good sized boot, with a large tailgate.

All in all, the cabin environment is airy, and light, with the grey interior in my car (burgundy exterior).

The car starts well in cold, and heats up quickly. The car accelerates eagerly, and has good mid range revs - great for overtaking. Gearing is neither tall nor short - it feels just right.

I have no problems of rattles or squeaks on the move, though there is an intermittent low pitched (and admittedly quite quiet) squeal from the steering wheel on turning.

The car handles well, and gives me confidence - it feels grippy.

To me, the car gives the impression of sitting quite low, and it feels wide, and for a hatchback, it has a good deal of road presence. I like the styling from the front, and from the rear, though it looks boxy and bland when viewed side on.

Economy is fair, however it can be thirsty if pushed, as with any car.

Faults:

Cooling fans.

Gearbox bearings.

Clutch.

Rear wheel bearings.

Electric windows.

Boost hoses.

A few more things as well!!

General Comments:

Even though I have had a load of hassle over the last few years, I haven't ever regretted buying a 21t. Excellent performance for the money (£3450 5 years ago). If you see a nice one, buy it..

Faults:

Sump gasket and head gasket have been replaced.

Clutch failed completely without warning!

French electrics still prove to be an interesting/frustrating trait. (Fog lights work when they want not when I want them to!)

General Comments:

Paid 4500 for car and haven't looked back since (well only to see people I've just blown away!)

Get the thing lowered and buy a strut brace - it makes a massive difference!!

Excellent scrap yard in Aylesbury for spares - they've got plenty of 21 turbos in there.

My advice - if you can get one - BUY ONE!!

Faults:

Exhaust at 100,000, clutch every 50,000, electric windows, ABS frequently.

General Comments:

Have only owned it for 3 weeks, but knew the previous owner(a turbo specialist).

Not quite as quick as the 2WD version, but handles far better. ABS playing up from day 1. Smaller boot than the 2WD.

More fun than most can handle (not many of them left). Catch that Cossie!