1976 Renault 12 TL 1.2 petrol
Summary:
Sublime - Get one while you can!
Faults:
Very little considering I bought it at a car boot sale for 200 quid.
The car had "head gasket issues" from day one and as such was prone to overheating. Driving with the heater on and the windows down during the summer solved that.
A local mechanic, overcome with nostalgia kept me on the road with some kind MOT results and reconditioned bits and pieces when things went pear shaped. Clutch 100 quid, carb 70 etc.
Rust was a bit of a battle, but that's what Halfords is for.
The car ultimately died of terminal head gasket, meeting its maker in a shopping centre carpark in North County Dublin.
General Comments:
Very quick as weighed close to nothing.
Go anywhere ground clearance.
Long bonnet - ideal for sun bathing!
Excellent petrol mileage for its age.
More comfortable than anything I have owned or driven since (I am not kidding here).
Very roomy and supremely stylish.
A third gear to die for.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2001
20th Mar 2004, 14:29
Your R12 comments brought back memories. I bought an 1982 model here in Canada and almost immediately had top end problems. The dealer was of no value, which was reasonable as I suspect I owned the only Renault east of Quebec City.
We finally had a new head installed and thereafter took care of business ourselves. We solved the problems by going to the local auto parts store, buying a Dodge flathead 6 carburetor (We just drove it in the bay & kept looking until we found one that fit. I don't recall making up a plate), removing approx. 6 miles of anti-smog hosing and generally laying it out in a way able to cope with our winters. After that, it was a darling little car. It ran for years. To this date, I have not had a car able to match the cornering ability/general fun of that little auto!