1997 Renault Extra Prima 575 from UK and Ireland - Comments

16th May 2006, 17:50

"A tough little workhorse. I'm very happy!"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Leaks water into the cabin in heavy rain.

Slight drip from the radiator, fixed with sealant.

Rear wheel bearing needed replaced.

General comments?

I bought this wee van to replace my Santana Jeep. Also the lower insurance was a bonus, and I have more use for a van than for a normal car.

Also, they seem to be cheaper than the equivalent models from other manufacturers.

Performance is very good, certainly it has enough torque to leave small hatchbacks at the lights, and even when loaded to over maximum weight, it still feels unstressed, if a little vague. It also seems to prefer biodiesel to normal pump diesel.

Tyre wear is extremely good, and it steers like its R5 brother, nimble if a little heavy.

Unfortunately, the cabin leaks in the rain, through a gap between the door and the shell, and through the windscreen rubber, fixed with sealant and duct tape.

Economy is good despite the cube shape, about 45mpg, giving 400 plus miles to a tank.

Biggest niggle is road noise, it's quite intrusive over 50mph, also the van weaves in side winds.


7th Dec 2006, 15:07

Quick update on the Extra.

The radiator has finally failed after 8 months with sealant in it, just under £70 for a new one, I did a service at 144000 miles, and it needed an engine mount (£34) and a wishbone (£26) for MOT, apart from that it keeps running with monotonous reliability, apart from the remote central locking which one day decided not to ever work again.

Just under 150000 on it and it seems ready to do it all again.

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