Faults:

The car was badly charred, evidently the previous driver hadn't driven it properly. At first, it was quite noticeable; I deduced it had never been driven on the highway, only in the city and at very low speeds, for it to have this problem.

In the first few years I owned it, it emitted heavy white smoke due to carburetor problems that had to be replaced at approximately 40,000 km.

The air conditioning stopped working at 70,000 km, and I had to repair it since it's impossible to drive without air conditioning here.

General Comments:

I only have good things to say about the car. The seats were soft and very comfortable. The interior was very spacious.

The GL was the standard version, however, it had more than decent equipment, with electric front windows, air conditioning, and power steering (features I couldn't even dream of in any other basic car from that time). Compared to my previous Renault 19, it was a huge leap in quality and comfort.

For the first five years, the car didn't have a garage, so it had to endure the hellish hot summer sun and the company of stray cats that slept in the engine. Even so, it never had any starting or ignition issues, which is a testament to the car's mechanical reliability. It has never let me down or stalled.

The engine is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, one of the smallest displacements of the 405. It lacked a bit more power for a midsize/large car, but it handled itself quite well on the road, passing 160 km/h (98 mph) with complete ease and without making too much noise.

In the city, it handled like a premium car, quiet and pleasant.

Fuel consumption is quite low as long as it's driven normally, like any gasoline-powered car.

Its timeless design and performance make the car, even though it's over 30 years old, adapt very well to today's roads and cars. I actually had it until 2016, and it performed like a modern car.

Faults:

Rear brakes failed at 290 000.

Distributor failed at 290 000.

Clutch failed at 290 000.

Rear axle failed at 300 000, would cost me the price of the car, not worth it to repair.

Also doors won't lock/keep shut during winter, which is a pain.

General Comments:

Surprisingly comfortable when working. Also pretty decent acceleration, although the catalyst version is slightly slower than the non catalyst one. A very fun car to drive, but all the faults combined, it might not be worth it.

Faults:

Replaced distributor cap and rotor as it had never been replaced in 150000km!

Starter motor recon at 155000km.

General Comments:

Quick car if you keep the revs over 4k.

Superb handling and brakes.

Very comfortable with leather upholstery.

I love driving this car, and get out on the weekends for a fast drive out in the country or a quiet (ish) cruise around town.

With all the adverse comments I have heard about these cars, this car has proved very reliable, and I put it down to regular maintenance and not thrashing it until it is warmed up properly. Even at this mileage, the oil stays like new between 5k changes.

Faults:

Clutch - juddering.

Cylinder head gone - internal corrosion.

Wheel bearings at the front several times.

Rear axle: swing arm-bearings.

Cooling system: several leaks and a new radiator.

Fire in the engine bay due to an improperly laid wiring loom - construction/factory fault.

Front discs have short life, no matter whether original or aftermarket parts used.

General Comments:

Comfortable, roomy, quiet. Very good roadholding; overall fuel consumption 7,2 litres per 100km.

Went absolutely trouble-free until it reached 170000km.

Sadly dealers often not state-of-the-art. Better repair it at home with the aid of a Haynes manual and some friends :-)