Faults:

Usual over 10 year old cars' maintenance costs.

New brake system in front.

Replaced the cam belt.

Tiny oil leak from the back side of the engine. It doesn't affect though to the oil consumption at all.

This model doesn't have a central locking and electrical windows and mirrors, so they would be nice.

General Comments:

Renault 19 is very reliable car and great performance and safe to drive (also in snow in the winter).

This car is very quick. Clutch is great (not too lazy) and accelerates fast.

The interior is not too luxury, but you you can live with that.

Car is cheap to buy and economic to drive.

Faults:

Nothing specially. Little things all cars get.

General Comments:

It's a very comfortable (French Comfort), trust able car. No big problems in future. Absolute no corrosion (unlike ford escort/vauxhall). Very low petrol/oil use (unlike Ford Escort)

Faults:

Rubber seal on sunroof rotted causing water to leak.

Clutch gave up.

General Comments:

For a 1.4 and a 12 year old, she really pulls on acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gears and has a nice speed top end too.

Unlike other Renault 19 models, the GTS-X has the color coded bumpers and wing mirrors making it a good choice of car to do up. With a spoiler, some side skirts, alloy wheels and a few other tweaks, the GTS-X can easily look like a 5 door 16V, or better if you want it too. Yet half the price on insurance.

As it's a French car and now quite old (phase 1) it is quite hard to pick up parts from scrap yards, but to order from a Renault dealer isn't cheap.

My GTS-X has done nearly 200,000 miles and has no signs of wear and is still going strong. A reliable car, looks good anyway, but has great potential if you want to do it up and been a 1.4 is great and cheap for new drivers (cheap on insurance) and offers a nice size engine for more experienced drivers too.

Faults:

Started off with getting the cam belt changed and a full service, then the front wheel bearing went, then a weird noise started coming from the engine. I didn't have a clue what it was, but the Automobile association kindly told me on New Year's Eve when I got to my destination 13 miles from home, that my crankshaft has gone and I needed a new engine. Had a new engine fitted, but it's back in the garage again with more unknown problems.

General Comments:

This car, when going properly, is fast, superb on the mid range acceleration and a few mods will give it a welcome boost when needed.

You can pick one up for about £1200, but I would get it checked out before you hand any money over.

Maintenance for this car is high, but they are real babe magnets when driving through town and I would personally recommend them to anyone.

Faults:

Bonnet vent leaks water over the plug wells causing it to run on two cylinders. Had the vent sealed, but turned out to be leaking on the inside of the seal. Had to remove the vent and seal it, and replace the vent cover.

New rear exhaust.

LCD display needs replacing.

Passenger electric window not working (as with every French car I have owned).

Tailgate leaks water which runs into the rear passenger footwells.

General Comments:

My Renault trained mechanic says these cars are rubbish and give continuous bother. I think I might hold on to mine a little longer and see if these are just teething problems.

Faults:

Water hydrostatic lock (low air intake, high flood water!!).

Fuel pump.

Tailgate lock.

Cam belt (expensive).

Discs, front and rear.

Alternator.

Starter motor contacts.

Anti percolation relay (??)

Clutch cable (before mod embodied).

General Comments:

Even with all the problems it still is the only car I have driven that excites me, and everyone who rides in it says just how comfortable the seats are.

Owned it from new and no intention of getting rid of it, will require a respray soon.