Faults:

Top of carburettor came loose- twice (!)

Electric sunroof slid back and took the interior roof lining with it. Jammed open.

Clutch cable sheared off at pedal. Replaced. Two months later it sheared again.

Usual other faults- brake pads, bulbs etc.

General Comments:

I bought this one on a whim. I was already driving a 19, albeit an '89 model, and wanted to upgrade to a newer higher spec version.

This one proved not to be so reliable as my previous model, with a few, fortunately not major, niggling faults.

The most annoying aspect probably being the clutch cable. Fortunately, the first time, I was right next to a phone box, and the second time was about 100 yards from home.

Basically, this was a standard 19 with a sports kit, although I do believe it was fitted with twin carbs (so I read), so the performance was slightly better than my previous 'standard' 19 (though not much).

Forced to replace it in the end, due to being hit by another driver. Result: the front chassis was bent and the engine shoved back 4 inches.

Opted for a Ford Escort (the worst mistake I ever made), as although I wanted to stick with Renault's, they were very pricey when it came to servicing and repairs.

Faults:

Clutch went at 1o2ooo.

Paint on drivers door peeling.

2 engine mounts.

Battery.

Interior and half the dash lights don't work.

General Comments:

When I first got my R19 16v, the first thing I did was make a one off induction kit, with a MK1 golf GTI power raw, cold air feed and universal filter.

I also stripped my front bumper of its fogs and black plastic and replaced it with mesh and a Laguna front skirt to keep the filter, brakes and engine cooler.

I found this improved the cars pick up and all round performance not to mention the raw from under the bonnet.

I have also found the back end lively in the wet, but I'm not complaining it makes the car more fun to drive.

Faults:

Radiator bleed plug needed replacing, as it had been snapped off.

Replaced clutch and clutch cable at 90,000.

Replaced front and rear brake pads and rear wheel bearings at 90,300.

General Comments:

I've owned several hot hatches from different manufacturers, and I've found the R19 16v to be a very nice car.

The build quality isn't as good as VW for example, but then, whose is?

The R19 16v goes very well and handles great, it's a good car.

Faults:

My starter went.

Needed new pads, but all cars do.

General Comments:

This car is truly a great car for any one that is a begginer and its also good looking.

I have put a spoiler and the 16v bonnet on mine and it looks good.

I have had nothing, but fun driving it. I read on 1 website that the GTSX has a very good 1.4 engine and can easily go to 200k plus.

I love this car and I hope every other owner does as well.

Faults:

Cylinder head gasket blown.

A.B.S groans.

Spark plugs corroded into the engine.

Central locking plays up.

General Comments:

The car makes a beautiful noise at 4K revs.

The handling is superb.

The Chamade phase 1 is getting rarer.

Great looking car.

May pay dividends to know a mechanic because parts can be awkward to install/fit.

No rust whatsoever and it's never been garaged

Faults:

There was a small oil leak when I first bought the car.

The car is very prone to rust on the inside and outside.

General problems with the car as it is quite old.

Worn ball joints and drive shafts.

I also had to recently replace the Alternator.

The braking system seems to stick so the car makes a funny noise. This does not stop the brakes working.

Bonnet vent is a major problem with the gasket eventually wearing so eventually letting in rain water.

The bonnet has warped or been reshaped in someway. This also effects the bonnet vent letting in a great amount of water directly onto the block and into the Spark Plugs.

General Comments:

This car is really nice to look at and a well looked after one is a great drive.

The leather seats are a lot comfier and pleasing to the look at rather than the cloth versions.

The whole car has a very eighties look about it inside and out.

This is what makes it stand out from all the rest.