2002 Renault Avantime Privilege from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing, but it's new.

This is one beautiful car. It's a little odd, perhaps it's not too practical, but it turns heads like nothing else. The interior is perfect as well. Performance is good and the handilng is not bad either, but the best thing about it is its looks.

It's a MPV/coupe crossover and as such there is nothing remotely like it. It's finished in two-tone blue and silver, and in general looks extremely modern.

The main features are that it's a heavy thing, so the doors for example are hard to open uphill. It feels safe though! It's also got a huge geometric rear end with highly curved wrap-around glass, a bit like an old Saab.

Driving around in it the best thing is that everyone stares at you wondering "what on earth is that?" It makes you feel really special.

Unfortunately not many other people wanted to buy it (more fools them) so Renault stopped production in 2003 with just 5000 built. It's certainly going to be a classic, and if this is the future of car design, then I'm all for it!

Yes I agree. This car certainly points to the future in terms of looks/styling. It's a pity Renault have decided to stop manufacturing it due to poor sales as this could've been onto a winner. I see a few going around my home town and they always turn heads. Perhaps sales of the also futuristic-looking (but not quite as stylish maybe) Vel Satis could make up for what the Avantime didn't achieve. Happy driving!!

I agree - a great car, A tragedy it is has been axed. I believe they have only sold something like 350 in the UK. Clarkson likes it too.

Enjoy it.

I envy you; this is a car I would love, and am waiting for a test drive. perhaps one day!

When Renault produced the Avantime, I felt that at last someone had the courage to take motor car design by the scruff of the neck and turn out non GM/Ford/clones.

It is only an indictment upon our mediocre car-buying public that the wonderful Avantime has had to come to an untimely end.

It will be a classic and remembered by all as a milestone in automotive history. Let us hope that Renault remain true to their ideals and give us more of the same.

I've just taken delivery of a new 2.0 Turbo. So far I am chuffed to bits with it. Why did Renault cancel it! nearly every one I have shown it to loves it. (although a few think its revolting - they are wrong) Buy new now, I got mine 35% off list price.

I am about to take delivery, after an extensive test drive of a Privilege, 3.0 manual with sat nav. It has 1500 miles on the clock, is just over a year old and coming direct from Renault on contract hire. The best thing is its costing me less per month than my Laguna.

If anyone wants one they can get them for about £189 per month for a 12 month deal. Not bad for £28000 car - dare to be different!!

The Renault Avantime is a fantastic car! How do I go about getting one for £189 per month contract hire?!

Beautiful beautiful car. What a shame that Renault lost their nerve and took Matra down at the same time.

I bought an Avantime 2 liter turbo about 12 months ago, it was an ex demo with 400 miles on the clock. I must have been in the right place at the right time as I only paid £14k for it. Although I love it to bits, I have had problems with it:

I have now had 4 reversing sensors kit fitted as they keep malfunctioning.

The roof liner keeps dropping at the boot (by about 2 inches).

I have also had a new alternator and power steering pump (all under warranty).

The car has only done 6000 miles.

That said, I love it to pieces, it handles nicely. The main disadvantage is the horrendous customer service from Renault UK.

Any one had problems with the cd changer in the dash?

Or exhaust problems or roof problems?

I've had my 3.0 auto Avantime for a year now, 22000 miles. What a great piece of styling. Nothing else quite like it. A fab motorway car, not so brilliant on the twisty bits though. The car has been perfect - no faults. The only criticism is the high costs of unique tyres (

What happened to the windscreens?

I bought a 3.0V6 privilege ex-demonstrator in April 2004. I had to either buy it unseen or travel from London to Edinburgh to check it out.

The dealer assured me it was some sort of 'Renault contract' vehicle and had been back to Renault for a total make over before going on sale so I bit the bullet and bought it. Sure enough, on arrival it looked perfect.

However 2 days later the centre console bin broke and worse still the sunroof jammed in the open positiion... during a very rainy Thursday i.e. no help from Renault till Monday. It took them 3 days to get the thing to shut.

Unfortunately, 4 months later, I have yet to drive my car as I am disabled and I'm still waiting for my adaptation specialist to finish the job he said would take 5-8 weeks (not the Avantimes fault at all, but his staff shortages.

But I am still looking forward to rolling onto the road in the most unique and daringly designed vehicle of this and probably the next decade... Then I feel I could just about forgive it for anything.

I bought a used 3.0 litre Privil

YES YES YES, I agree with all the above, I saw the concept & after owning many Espace I had to have one. 2 years of ownership and no problems with hard use. South of France holidays with family etc etc... (even the French stare in amazement)

I think this is a car for individuals with an eye for style, not the usual SUN readers who drive around in 3 series BMW's. People say how can you drive in this, they obviously do not understand STYLE, even the MEGANE is up there (many said ugly and would fail). Well done RENAULT!!!- I live with this even if your dealers are difficult to live with..

Took the plunge and now own a 3.0V6 Auto Privilege as of 29th January 2005 after admiring these for three years.

I love this car like nothing else I've ever driven before.

Mostly people think it must be a new model that Renault have just introduced as they've never seen one before. Every comment I've had has been admiring and positive.

Love the double takes that I get from pedestrians and other drivers alike. Drove by a Citroen C5 as it was coming out of a car park and I was on the way in. Driver nearly twisted his neck taking the Avantime in. Just as I was parking the same guy pulled up beside me. He had turned and come back in again for another look!

I don't care if they are thinking "what on Earth is that?"

At least it captures attention. If it drove like a barge I'd still love it because it is so different and rare - but it really goes too! It isn't a sports car, but when I want to put the foot down there is plenty of power there.

And the best for last - £12K - 2003 - 18,000 miles!

How much bland silver saloon sameness could you buy for just £12K?