1967 Renault 10 0.7 liter gasoline
Summary:
A scary, gutless little ride
Faults:
Electrical glitches of every description.
Failed alternator and voltage regulator.
Cracked turn signal housings.
Headlights would turn themselves off at any time, then come back on if I was lucky.
Body rusted at the mere suggestion of moisture.
Leaked oil like an uncapped Iraqi well.
General Comments:
This was my first car, given to me by my wife's uncle. After about the second day, I understood why he wanted to get rid of this little beastie. Even when it was running well, this thing felt like it was being pushed uphill by a couple of little old ladies with arthritic knees. This gutless little Gallic car was barely able to keep up with city traffic, on the highway it was downright scary. NO chance of a speeding ticket with this puppy! The tiny engine - I think it was about 750 or 800 cc's - was mounted in the back and only made 45 or so horsepower on a good day, which wasn't often.
Most of the time, the damned thing wouldn't even start, usually because of an electrical short which killed the battery. I had to disconnect the battery and hook it to a charger every night to have any hope of starting the car the next morning. I rolled it one night while trying to clutch-start it down a hill, and that was that. How lucky can you get?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th May, 2003
5th Oct 2003, 12:59
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your Renault 10. I bought one new in 1968 and I loved it. I gave me no problems, leaked no oil and started perfectly every time. But it was brand new. It was a 4 speed model, but previously I owned a Dauphine with the electric automatic. That car started in below zero weather and I had to jump start my father's Chevy Impala.
I just came across the original brochure from when I bought that car and it brought back good memories. I wish I had another one, but not as my first car. You are right about the acceleration, but mine had an 1100 cc engline and wasn't all that bad. Top speed was about 68 mph unless you had a good tailwind.
Regards --- Frank Smith.