1995 Renault 19 16v Chamade review from UK and Ireland

Clutch = several.

Wheel bearing = ouch loads!!

Gearbox = Very ouch!

I've had a R19 16v since I was 20. My first was a full leathered 19 chamade and I have to say it was the best car I have EVER owned, the pace, performance and handling beat everything on the road. As long as you kept it on the boil.

Under 4000rpm the engined lagged, but knock it down into second and hit the gas everything changes. The gearbox too was perfectly balanced, second gear 60mph 7000rpm, then snatch third gear and your immediatly in the power band to take you up to 90mph, off into forth and you'd easily get to 120mph with one more gear to go.

The second / third gear ratio is what gives the Renault 19 such good performance. Long winding 'A' roads and a full tank of juice are a must for this car.

I've taken on guys in bigger quicker car around the welsh hills and this thing has beaten most. The only one that I didn't get was a Clio Williams, but I can live with that.

I have suffered with reliability, but that is partly due to the lead weight tied to my right foot!

I've a list of mechanical failures that have cost a pretty penny and anyone who owns a 19 16v and drives it hard will probably mention wheel bearings.....so here goes...WHEEL BEARINGS!!!! 2 cars and atleast 12 bearings, nightmare. I've also suffered with clutches (possibily my fault) and most recently a gearbox (errr...yeah deffinately my fault!)

All have cost a small fortune, so why did I spend it? Because the Renault 19 16v is a georgeous car to look it, it has blistering performance and it's affordable to buy and insure.

The worst mistake Renault ever did was stop making the 19 16v. They had a niche market nicely carved out in automotive history, but they blew it.

I did give renault the benfit of the doubt and test drove the Laguna RTI 16v when it first came out. But I jumped out of it almost as quickly as I jumped in...yuk.

If your lucky enough to own one take my advice.....keep it.

Later

Rich.