Faults:

When first purchased:

Exhaust blowing.

Handbrake needed adjustment.

Wheel arches needed touched up.

General service including coolant flushed, as the car was getting hot quickly, but not overheating.

Rear window seal needed to be replaced.

Aerial needed to be replaced.

General Comments:

I absolutely love the old girl. Bought it off an old couple who were giving up driving. The car had always been garaged and the paint work is like new, as well as the interior.

The car had always been serviced, however in the last year or so they had not had it serviced as they were driving it less and less. There is the odd little bump and scrape, but barely anything.

Inside is just as comfy as my old Rover; the chairs are like armchairs. The dash is simple and well laid out, and the car still smells new.

The car is very economical, but the performance is not the best; you need to rev it high in fourth gear, as in fifth it can struggle.

But overall a very good car for 20 odd years old; a bargain at 450 pounds.

Sadly however I have had to buy a smaller car due to eye problems, as I do not want to bash the old girl. So she is safely tucked away in my garage, waiting for her return to the road.

Faults:

Brake master cylinder.

Brake pads and drums.

Gaiter on the driveshaft.

Starting to rust around the wheel arches.

Paint starting to fade, but not too bad for a 13 year old car.

General Comments:

The car is nice to dive and has not let me down once.

I would say it's a good first car if you want to go A to B. But it's not a sports car, but it is a good car.

My mate sold it me and he bought a Pug 306, but he's had nothing but problems with that. He asked me to sell my Renault 19 back to him. I said no way.

I learned something with Renaults - you get a good one or you get a real bad one.

Faults:

Gear lever spring at 98000

Starter motor feed also at 98000.

General Comments:

My 19Rt is totally rust free (and that includes its underside). Since buying it I found out that the 19 is the 1st car Renault made where anti-rust measures were taken seriously - it shows.

Talking to an independent Renault specialist close to my home, I have been told that the only place they ever rust is around the rear arches. I stop this with regular cleaning and a coat of oil on the inner side of the arch lip.

He also told me that cam belt failure is an achiles heal (mine has the 1.8 8 valve engine). Do make sure that this is replaced every 50-70 thousand miles.

If your ignition control module ever fails, don't buy one from a dealer, these are terribly expensive. The Lucas DAB 413 and matching DLB 301 coil are very much cheaper.

My gear change quality was improved by changing the gearbox oil. Make sure that you use the correct Tranself oil as specified - it is materially different to other brands. Again, Elf oils are imported by Bayford Thrust (they have a web site)and the oil is more cheaply obtained from them than from your local dealer. Use a funnel with a long flexible outlet to get the oil in (try Wilkinsons if you have one nearby !). Remember to renew the drain plug crush washer, otherwise your box will leak.

Wanting cheaper parts for your car - try gsfcarparts.

I have no professional relationship with any organisations mentioned in this briefing.

What about the car ? Not the most inspiring car you will ever drive, but it is very practical; mine is reliable and seemingly durable. They are also incredibly cheap to buy. A good mix for most people then !