Great fun, but not the cheapest to run
Put diesel in it, it didn't like that.
Clutch cable and adjusters broke.
Great fun.
Very quick.
Handles well.
Drinks the fuel though, 22/25 mpg, 35 on a run if lucky.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd February, 2006
This car is cheap, reliable and nippy motoring
New bushes.
New bearings.
Had new radiator at 110,000
The radiator pipes blew, causing overheating.
Corrosion problems later in life.
Generally a very nippy run around.
Handling was OK, rolled quite a lot on the sharp bends.
Owned car from birth to death and never broke down.
Regular, yearly servicing ensured reliability.
Engine was still strong after 189,000 miles.
Body was shot to bits by the end of its life and needed loads of welding.
I only got rid of the car because the cost of welding it back together was triple the value of the car.
Great on the motorway, will cruise at 75 easily.
Get the one with a five speed box, it makes the difference.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd August, 2003
The affordable and original turbo hot hatch
The headgasket was blown when purchased.
The clutch was also slipping also.
Both these have been replaced.
All discs and pads have been replaced with uprated new ones.
The steering rack failed the MOT and so this had to be replaced - not cheap!
The rest of the engine is still original and it is still running on its original turbo!
What a car - Don't die without at least driving one of these beasts!
These are wicked little cars, but expect the bills not to be cheap if you're going to own one!
Don't be put off though - if you can find a low mileage, un-modified one like I did - buy it quick!
In standard tune - 9 psi, the power came in at 105 bhp @ wheels.
Since then the engine has been modified, dump valve, bleed valve, Pipercross filter and an Ashley 4 inch exhaust has been fitted.
The boost is now running at 14 psi and a recent rolling road tune got 156 bhp!
Get one of these cars while there are still some around to be had!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2001
Surprisingly nippy, cheap and reliable
Gearbox differential became loose, and had to be replaced at 80,000.
Gearbox serviced at 80,000, but reported to be in very good condition.
Choke cable replaced, but still a bit ropey.
Minor electrical niggles. Washer motor replaced.
Petrol cap cover joints brittle and broke off.
Brilliant little car. Didn't expect it to go for 15,000 miles with relatively minor repairs. Rated top speed of 84mph (got 96).
Surprisingly good on the motorway, cruised quite happily for 9 hours past broken down cars on the motorway during hot summer days. Started recently at -14c with hardly a complaint.
On the downside, some of the internal plastic fittings are a bit feeble and need repairing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th January, 2001
Mega
You name it, it's broke, and been repaired, so unless you like working on Renaults, or you won the lottery, don't buy it. However, if you want a car that goes like the proverbial dirt off a shovel then buy it, but try to make sure you get a recent well looked after model.
Just ensure you have two things on your hands........... time and money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd August, 2000
Excellent all-rounder
New distributor cap solved wet starting problems.
New interior as standard seats are flimsy.
Now on third windscreen.
Top mount fell off radiator so replaced radiator.
General wear on suspension.
Advice - get larger wheels. Excellent handling with wider tyres compared to skinny standard ones. Not that bad on the motorway, can keep up with traffic without too many problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st July, 2000
The piece of crap blew up.
The car was fast but only until the head gasket blew. I thought they were supposed to last. Maybe not.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th May, 1999
Seat frame broke, CV boot, wheel bearing.
The best car I've ever owned.
My first car was a 1985 TL, which my sister now has. It's at 150,000 miles and hasn't let us down once in 5 years, apart from the seat frame breaking.
My current 5 has a full service history and a genuine 60,000 miles. There is absolutely no rust and apart from the faults above (seat frames are an inherent fault I'm told), it's started first time every time (even at -8 degrees C last winter). It consistently returns 42mpg and has good acceleration for the engine size, probably because of the low miles. It's been converted to unleaded fuel, and has an alarm / immobiliser linked to aftermarket central locking, CD player and a host of other gadgets. I've been offered £1200 for it, not bad when I paid only £700 a year ago.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th April, 1999
23rd Sep 2006, 15:02
You
Put
Diesel
In
It?
Oh
My
Lord...