1983 Renault 5 GTL 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Awful

Faults:

This was one of my wifes worst ever buys. She loved (and still does love) small cars. At first glance it seemed like a good idea/buy how wrong can you be. Shortly after purchase the following faults manifested themselves.

Steering rack had to be replaced totally.

Brake discs screeched like an old bus -replaced.

Cv boots leaked oil -replaced.

Linkeage between gear shift and gear box parted company at busy junction just made it to safety!!

General Comments:

This was my one and only French car and I would never have another. The vehicle style was cute (appealed to the wife) reliability was pathetic though. I well remember taking it up Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire (steep hill) and the useless thing COULDNT make it up the hill it just didn't have the power. its very scary changing down through a gearbox and realising that theres nothing left and you still aren't making headway!!!.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th August, 2006

1983 Renault 5 GTL 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Original and classic R 5 design a bargain joy and runs like a good watch!

Faults:

Nothing very much really, the ususal brake, battery, tyres and exhaust replacements and service etc.

A clutch cable at around 30,000 and again at around 47000 miles and radiator pipe has broken at 50,000.

Heated rear window fused due to the wire needing a repair.

No other real difficulies, its been an excellent and dependable buy.

Occasional difficult starting from cold damp weather or when not used for a while.

Sometimes will flood when warm, but otherwise very reliable.

No other real problems, it remains excellent, dependable, and ideal 2nd car!

General Comments:

This little original R5 has been brilliantly reliable, it still drives and rides well, even though not too fast or powerful.

A very economcal and comfortable car.

It is fun to drive, especially on country roads.

It is brilliant in town, nippy and so easy to park.

It remains remarkably rust free all over.

Better looking than my girlfriends later "Supercinq Five" but not as roomy as the newer five door model.

Proving much more reliable than her later car, which has had quite a few breakdowns and repairs lately.

Also a more dependable starter than her one usually!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2003

29th Sep 2004, 02:26

I want to bay your auto book Renault 5 for year 1983.

1983 Renault 5 Base 1.4 litre 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

I hope you know a good cab service

Faults:

- Everything possible!

- Transmission.

- Brakes.

- Locking system.

- Paint.

- Engine.

- Tire wear.

- Stereo system.

- Air conditioning, shall I go on?

General Comments:

This car has been a headache from day 1! Unfortunately, when my 300 E Benz was stolen, I needed cheap wheels and fast. I didn't have much money to spend because I'd lost my job. The fact that I bought this car shows how crazy some people can be. In fact, this car should be considered a "pest" along with all those annoying insects that enter your house.

In other words, this pitiful excuse for a vehicle or whatever it was meant to be is reliable for only one thing: bringing up your medical bills. First chance I get I'm taking this car apart with a wrench and mailing its remains to Antarctica.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th August, 2002

28th Aug 2002, 08:56

Come on dude!!! What do you expect from car that's almost 20 years old?! You wanted a cheap car? Then you pay the price!!

21st Nov 2002, 08:43

You must have got a dud! Thing is, nobody cares about cheap cars, so they don't get maintained so when YOU buy it breaks down.

Mine was well looked after and is great. I love it.

Plus, the European models are much cuter too.