Faults:

All sorts of regular wear and tear; and some things that really shouldn't have happened (Like the engine mount!). I've kept the bills!

* Broken engine mount, km 130000.

* Intake manifold gasket replaced, km 145000.

* Front disks replaced, km 150000.

* Dynamo replaced, km 155000.

* Tired and rotten exhaust replaced, km 160000.

* Horn replaced, km 163000.

* Three out of four wheel-bearings replaced; front suspension overhauled, yet another replaced horn (they trap water and rot away), km 170000.

* Glazed front-braking pads and broken right-side headlamp-unit replaced, km 179000.

Recently (over the past year or so) general squeaks and rattles have become more audible; especially from the rear suspension, the driver's door locking-peg (amazing how much noise it makes! Deafening! Solution is to lock myself in while on the move...), and more worryingly from the steering column. Just today, I said to myself "my dear fiver is getting a little tired".

I must however add that it NEVER let me down in such a way that further driving wasn't possible. Biggest trouble so far was the exhaust that almost came off while on holiday in France. Best country to have such a problem BTW; a major Renault dealer can be found in just about every town.

My previous 5, a TL, tended to rot away merrily, but the TR just refuses to do so. A few superficial corrosion-spots here and there, but really nothing serious.

General Comments:

This is my second "5" and that's because my mum kept passing them on to me! I still have the current TR not so much in a way of being polite to her, but because it's really a great little car.

It's very light, so the 55 HP feel like quite a bit more and I'm quite sure it outruns my classic Lancia Fulvia; which has 92 bhp - but weighs in over 220kg more. The 5 has very light and especially precise steering, with absolutely NO slack at all. Straight-line stability is amazing.

It corners extremely confidently; and on a recent trip to Germany, longer stretches at 160 kph (100 mph) are no problem at all. Engine noise is only audible from 120 kmph upwards and even at almost top speed - it will go on to 167 kph with a little patience - doesn't ever become anywhere near deafening. Up to 120 kph, wind and tyre-noise are all you hear and they're not bothersome.

Seats are rather soft, but in the right way, and it takes long motoring-hours before my own "chassis" starts to ache by sitting on the driver's seat! Interior is rather sparse and feels a bit "budget" but the driving position is fine.

The clutch on my car is on its way out and with cold engine tends to slip while starting off. It always was a little bit "edgy" anyway.

Did you know that this isn't a wind-tunnel-designed no-name thing, but a true Design by Marcello Gandini? Think Miura, Countach, Diablo, Montreal, Stratos...

Faults:

Drive shafts worn-out (common problem with Renault 5s).

Rear brake cylinder leaked.

Control lever defect/worn-out, replacement is quite expensive!

Passenger-side electric window went defect, quite easy to repair.

Lots of maintenance costs due to previous owner, he didn't take care very well of the car.

Lots of squeaks and rattles from the dashboard.

Remote control (central locking) defect.

Bumpers and paint fade, probably because my car is flame red.

Engine support rubber broke, causing exhaust connection (to engine) and gear rubbers to break down as well.

Leaking fuel tank (inexpensive to repair)

General Comments:

This GTR is one of the last luxurious Renault 5s. After 1991 only the Campus was left over (inexpensive, but also sober, with a Renault Express dashboard).

This Renault 5 GTR is basicly a GTX, with a less powerful 60 HP 1.4 engine (same engine is used in the Renault 9/11/19 and Volvo 340). Engine is very reliable.

Road behaviour is averagely, but much better than the pre-1987 Renault 5 generation. Suspension is comfortable.

Lots of standard features, e.g. central locking with remote control, electric windows, tinted glass, injection engine, velour upholstery, fog lamps (yellow, typical French), re-designed bumpers with metal striping, good sound system, comfortable bucket seats, etc.

Pretty fast car, especially in 2nd gear, but acceleration after 70 km/h is quite slow (despite its 1.4 engine). The same engine is still used in the new Clio, but of course with 16 valves technology.

Nowadays it's not easy to find a Renault 5 in good shape. Watch out for corrosion, especially at the bottom of this car.