I got a lot of car for my money..
I have had only one fault with this car, this was when the gearbox ran out of oil and ruined the gearbox,
The other things I have done are covered under general maintenance.
The best car I have ever owned
The seats are More comfortable than my 1999 Mercedes
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th September, 2003
Surprising, Stylish
Persistent problem with overheating in traffic jam. Fixed by workshop (after the 4th go at fixing)
Big End Bearings on way out. Knocks a bit, but some oil additive is a temp fix.
The positive earth wire broke somewhere behind dash (Radio memory wire/clock).
Outside trim fallen off the passenger door. Don't know cause, has been fixed.
Syncro-mesh on third not to good, crunches occasionally.
Shocking resale value.
Not too sure of badging... Says RX, but nowhere can I find evidence that a RX21 Renault was ever put out.
No rust at all. Most of life outside, and there is NOT a spot of rust.
VERY good handling for its size. Last car was a Mazda Eunos 100 (Astina shape). Not quite as good, but acceptable.
Recently performance shot (due to bearings going). Thinking about converting to Turbo version.
Nice style.
Seats very supportive.
Parts are MEGA expensive in new Zealand. (clowns of a mechanics took cam belt off, left on a bench and threw it out. 2 weeks for the replacement).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th May, 2003
A comfortable traveller
Alternator didn't work, and had to be replaced. Carburettor got out of point at 102000. Refrigeration fans didn't start when the engine was hot at 136000 km. Replaced thermo-contact. Conditioned air stopped working at 143000. Did not fix it. Carburation problems again at 160000 (the carburettor was a big problem in this car).
I really liked this car, although all the problems it had. Very, very, very, comfortable. Very quiet at high speed. Great seats. Nicely equipped with all the gadgets, conditioned air, power drive, electric windows, central locking with zapper. Performance was surprising for a car of that size. Acceleration was very good, but top speed (175) not so. Very good brakes. No fuel economy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th October, 2002
The best value performance saloon on the market
My turbo waste gate failed at 32,000 miles.
The heater fan failed at 46,000 miles.
The water pump and radiator failed after 90,000 miles.
Both rear hub and bearing assemblies were replaced at 100,000 miles.
The A.B.S. system has been intermittently failing from 120,000 miles.
The starter motor failed after 140,000 miles.
The performance of this car is very good in the mid range I.e. 40 - 80 MPH.
I find the driving position and the seats very relaxing.
The car has only failed to start once in 11 years.
The most enjoyable car I have ever owned, that's why I have kept it for 11 years.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th June, 2001
Extremely underrated car
Distibutor seal gives the impression the head gasket is leaking oil.
Anti roll bar bracket fell off.
My vehicle was a one owner from new with FSH.
Has a Hill Motor Sport chip, group A dump valve, removed all plastic intercooler guards - 230 bhp is on tap, let's just say Imprezas often are surprised by my 2wd performance.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st July, 2000
Ultimate reliability & lots of space for a cheap price
In addition to normal maintenance, only the fuel pump, water pump and one rear brake caliper had to be replaced.
However, not even once did the car break down on the road.
The R21 was reliable, economical, reasonably powerful and spacious. Especially the motor together with the Renix injection system was a dream: It worked like new, even after 370000 kms.
But the chassis began to rust and that's why I got rid of the car. There were already a couple of small rustholes underneath the car when I sold it.
Additionally, the local dealer in the Helsinki area does not know anything about Renaults, the focus is only on Volvos: Their explanation to everything was always 'well, it's a French car, what can you expect'. And their pricing of Renault spare parts was intolerable. Therefore I will probably never again buy a Renault (nor a Volvo), which is a shame because both Renault and Volvo are for me desirable car makes.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 17th March, 2000
It is a pity that here in Finland Renaults maintenance is so expensive. This is what everybody tells me.
I am planning to buy my first car, and I find Your website very useful.
My dream is an new Renault Megane. Ooh. But unfortunately my student budget says: no! I can afford to Nissan or Toyota from early 1990's.
So should I listen recommendations; Should I buy inexpensive Nissan Sunny or listen to my heart?
P.s. 21 is my lucky number. :)
Dashboard lights.
Sill rust.
Tailgate wash wipe.
Windscreen sipers sheared off at speed.
Sticking throttle.
Rear screen heater.
Drivers side air vent blocked & disintegrated.
Groaning front suspension when cold.
Factory fit Phillips stereo failed.
Drivers seat mounting failure.
Tailgate struts broken.
Mechanically sound and reasonable economy (c.40MPG)
Heavy to drive and slow to build momentum - though a good high speed cruiser and quite rapid when revs are maintained. Reasonable gerabox.
Electrical and trim quality a total disaster with a different rattle and failure almost a daily occurrence. Factory supplied stereo and rear speakers are appalling - though easy to change.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th December, 1999
Water pump, boost hoses, water hoses, turbo. head gasket too (doh!)
It's not coincidence that everyone has rated theirs at 10/10 for performance. Just check out any older car magazine (and they don't do it justice).
One final comment -
Check out What Car 1992 - Where they rated the Quadra above the Cossie 4x4.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th April, 1999
22nd Jun 2005, 05:44
This is in regard to the comment on the badging of the car.
My brother had a Renault which was an '87 or '88 (I forget which), and there was a badge on the side which said 'TXE', but as yet I have not found any information, reviews, or even a picture of one on the Internet...