Faults:

The starter motor burnt out about 65,000 miles. This was replaced with a good S/H unit from a breakers, £5.

Rear box started leaking about 68,000 and was about £30 to replace from ATS.

Required two new rear wheel cylinders as the bleed nipples were corroded and so I couldn't bleed the brakes. They were about £10 each and easy to fit.

New petrol tank was £72 fitted.

Some light corrosion to door bottoms and wing edges, but one the whole, very rust resistant for an eighties car.

Watch the front cross member though, just under the radiator.

No mechanical trouble at all apart from a weeping camshaft seal. About £2 to replace.

General Comments:

A very simple car to maintain, and surprisingly durable for an eighties french car. Reasonably well built, although the interior is rather flimsy, but you would expect that from renault.

This is a VERY comfortable car to drive. It's like a Rolls Royce compared to a similar vintage Escort. Handling is not it's strong point though, plenty of roll on corners, although grip is good.

The 1.7 engine is a great puller, with lots of low down power, and very economical at around 40 MPG.

Brakes are a bit iffy at speed, but it's dead easy to upgrade to 16 valve spec. Just need the bigger disc's and caliper brackets from that model, or a R5 turbo.

It's very dated now, but I like its old world charm and simplicity. If it goes wrong, you'll know what the problem is without taking it to a garage.

Faults:

Faulty window seal on drivers side: replaced under warranty.

Wheel bearing: replaced out of warranty.

Usual stuff such as bulbs, brake pads etc.

General Comments:

Very happy with this car in the two years I owned it. I replaced my previous Renault 9 with one of these because, at the time, I'd always liked the shape.

The car proved to be very reliable mainly due to the fact that Renault had not fitted all of the pointless electronic gadgetry to these lower end models.

No particular reason for trading it in. I felt like a change of car but with hindsight, should have kept hold of it.

Faults:

Brake pads needed replacing at 17,000 miles and again at 30,000 miles.

Brake fluid began leaking at 24,000 miles.

Tailgate catch broke at 25,000 miles.

Upholstery began decaying after 30,000 miles.

Interior trim was very flimsy and breakable.

General Comments:

Very reliable, but not very well built.

For a 1400, the R19 was economical and performed well.

Interior space and ride comfort were also good.

Good value at £6,000 for a one year old family hatchback.

Faults:

Only ever had to buy a new number plate and light bulbs.

General Comments:

Perfect cheap comfortable easy to drive car.

Faults:

Did not always start in the mornings

Steering squeaked.

General Comments:

My dad bought this as his first self-owned car in years.

I liked the car - it was the same age as me and I thought it had character.

The seats were very comfortable, and it's 1721cc engine was pretty quick (about 90hp) for its power. The cabin was very 1980s with grey seats and yellow dial numbers, but this added to its character. I would buy one of these cars, definitely.

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped at around 55,000 miles.

Coolant pipe leaked at around 60,000 miles.

General Comments:

Coolant pipe easily fixed at home. Dealers attitude towards customers is OK.

Clutch cable snapped at about 55k.

Seats are average, a bit slippery.

Ride quality hard at low speed. Improves above 30mph. Fair bit of body roll.

Basic cabin; no electric windows for example. Electric sun roof motors somehow disconnected from the runners so it won't move. Strange fault!

Boot is large, rear leg room OK. Comfortable and refined at motorway speeds.

I would recommend one, but watch you aren't paying too much and you get one with optional extras. Contemporary TXE specification a bigger bargain. The 19 as a whole is a very dated car, however, so don't expect too much.