1984 Renault 9 TC 1.1 48 hp from Romania

Summary:

Reliable. Economical. Cheap. Simple

Faults:

- The car was bad maintained, so had to replace piston rings. Luckily, the Dacia 1100 (which was a Renault 8) had the same rings and I found some new. Repair was easy. Did it myself. Worked like new. The car came from a driving school.

- Worn clutch. Easily repaired.

- Dirty and smelling like a smoker inside. Cleaned.

- Paint (golden beige) was tarnished. Had it repainted.

- Replaced rear left light; the car had been in a light accident.

- Fitted light alloy Renault rims and 155/70R13 tyres.

After these, the car went good, not anymore trouble.

After 2004, got quite rusty.

General Comments:

It was my first car when early 19 in 1999. My parents divorced, I had a 2 years younger than me sister, and I was a student, and working, so I needed a car. I had to work to help my mother and sister, while studying. I was not a wealthy or rich, so I bought what came first cheaper. The Renault 9 tc. Was very badly maintained, but lucky me, the Dacia 1100 (Renault 8) engine parts were compatible.

Other repairs were cheap. It was a work horse.

Sister to school, college, sister from school, work, girlfriend. In weekends, sometimes to the seaside or mountains. Very economical, cheap to run. Performance was very low, 138 km/h is a low top speed, however I drove it to 143, while the speedometer was showing 148.

Anyway, it was my biggest help. Quite robust, simple, repairs were easy, cheap, fuel consumption low.

However, in 2004 I found out it got rusty, and, just used it until late 2006, when it was severely damaged by rust, until I scrapped it for a new Dacia Logan in mid 2007 in a car renewal ecological program. I still miss it, but could no more use it. In 2005, our first child came. So by now, the car was already being outdated and not any more safe for a family. Even so, it kept going, but not usable for long trips. Now I have a 2018 Dacia Logan, but still miss the 9.

The 9, especially the 1.1 TC, 48 HP, was nothing special, except good fuel economy, despite modest performance. But was a hard working car for me, took me everywhere; on that car I learned how to repair a car. It gave me the freedom to move and go everywhere. It was the car that took me to my first love girlfriend, the car with which I brought home my first child. The car that did not let me down. Without demanding more, just some fuel, maintenance and some minor repairs. It was a poor man's car. And I was poor back in those times. Both me and my girlfriend. But with low costs, it took us everywhere. The Dacia Logan is also a Renault and both are reliable. Just like the 9.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2021

6th Feb 2021, 12:05

Nicely written review. I do miss cars from this time period, simplicity of design and so many people doing their own repairs and maintenance.

15th Aug 2022, 04:52

I have a Renault 9 auto which I have restored, nice little car.

It is easy to work on.

This car was built in advance of its time, when compared to cars of its age.

My Renault 9 is the 1986 model 1.4 automatic; central locking, electric windows and when comparing the fuel consumption to the 2022 model cars, I would say it falls in line.

With the weber 32 drt carburetor it is very economical and good performance.

1984 Renault 9 1.4 from Greece

Summary:

Well made, strong engine, time resistant, poor plastics

Faults:

This car is my family's first car.

My father drove it until 2000 when he purchased a new one, and therefore I took poses of it.

Until now, I have driven a lot of cars, old and new ones, but I still believe that a Renault 9 is one of the best oldies.

Though it comes up with many problems especially with the interior and exterior plastic parts, mechanically is still a lion!

Actually I'm astonished with the amount of torque that this has car has at the lower rpms (for a 1.4 litres engine).

It is well driven and predictable on the road.

General Comments:

In general I believe that it's a well made car with a strong engine that eventually had wore off from time passed by.

Though 21 years old, still roles and gets me in safety!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2005

1984 Renault 9 GTC 1.1 from Portugal

Summary:

A cheap car for weekends use

Faults:

Refrigeration deposit was dirty.

Clutch was worn out.

Suspension was too bumpy.

Seats were wear badly.

General Comments:

The car is not what we can call "a good looking car",and it does not has the Renault 4 charisma,however, driving it makes me feel happy.

I use it mostly to go surf, and as I live in an island (Madeira) i have to push the car to it's limit and it has not yet let me down, despite the fact that it's a 20 year old car.

I love it and will try to keep it as long as I can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2003

10th May 2005, 00:05

I got an 1982 Renault 9. Cheap and good. I have problems with rust an shocks, but can be fixed very cheap. I love it :) clejb@yahoo.com.