1994 Renault 19 16 Valve review from UK and Ireland

New cat converter at 63500.

New front n/s wheel bearing.

Only had the car for one month, but all seems good so far.

Had to put a new MOT on it when I got it, needed a new cat converter and wheel bearing. Managed to get a new cat for £98, but plan to remove it and put the old one back on (its hollow!). I've been told they can sap about 15 bhp!

The real beauty about this car is the mileage, 63500. Hopefully this means I should be able to get some trouble free miles out of her.

Performance seems fairly good, although low down grunt is not as good as my old car, pug 309 GTI. Once the twin cams and 16 valves start working though, it leaves the pug for dead! As long as you keep the revs up, its smiles all the way.

My car is on standard wheels and suspension, although handling is good, its fairly well behaved and has not caught me out yet!

Interior is dated, but everything works. I quite like the dated look though, makes it feel like you are driving a bit of a classic! Looks a lot fresher from the front!

For the money, I don't think you could do better. I gave £800 for mine because it needed a new wing and an MOT put on it! I have now done that, and altogether the cost is just under a grand! Need I say more - bargain!

Only advice I would give is avoid high mileage examples. Although they are cheap to buy, nasty big bills are waiting!