Faults:

The hybrid turbo fitted to the car when purchased gave its last blow after 10 months.

Clutch replaced.

Water pump.

Rear pads.

Exhaust down pipe.

...Now on a standard turbo. OK, they can be a bit of a money pit, but given its mileage, mine has given little trouble since owning it. It's fun, fast and worth every penny!

Luckily for me, I have an old friend who owns one and is happy to graze his knuckles and put his back out repairing mine (free!). I just pay for parts, so this helps greatly with repair costs.

This said, they are not the black art to repair as people make out, and service parts for the engine & brakes etc work out no more expensive than the average family hatch. Change the oil & filter every 3000 miles, and keep a good quality antifreeze (50/50 mix) in it, and things should be OK unless you are running massive boost. On tuned cars, the low temp fan switch is a must; this kicks the cooling fan in just before halfway on the temp gauge, keeping things cooler sooner!

General Comments:

Many are now tired and modified, but good examples can still be had.

Don't be put off by mileage over 100,000 if the car has service history.

http://www.renault5gtturbo.com/

This link has all you need to know when buying a 5 Turbo.

Loads of fun with cheap road tax and reasonable insurance.

Faults:

Air leak on carburettor when first acquired.

Alternator and starter just worn out with age.

And now the heater control does not work - stuck on hot and the wipers do not park.

General Comments:

The car still drives like go kart.

I love it.

Faults:

Radiator

Very rusty brake pipe

Electrics - Battery, Brake lights, reversing light and Ignition system.

Cracked head lamp.

General Comments:

I sold this car 1 month ago, I have since bought a Citreon Saxo.

I bought the car for £50 with all the above faults. I fixed these faults for £30.

The car has been very reliable. In the 1 year that I have had it, it has broken down once due to my slightly dodgy electrics job.

Inside the car is in very good condition, considering it is 15 years old. Outside it doesn't have much rust, only a few scratches which where not caused by me.

The engine is a 47bhp 1.1 litre. Renault used the same engine in the Renault 4 I believe?

The acceleration around town is fine, quick from the traffic lights and so on. On the faster 50/60mph roads, the car will hold its speed, but you have to change down to 3rd to accelerate at any good pace above 50mph. Over taking is a bit risky, but if you boot it, then its just about OK... on a long road.

I preferred to avoid motorways whilst driving the 5. It would do 90mph at a push, but I still felt that I was overdoing it at 70.

Overall, the car was fun to drive.

It was rattly, but at the same time, strong.

If you want to get one, then I would say you should. They are rare and surprisingly reliable and strong,...well mine was.

Just remember to avoid the motorway!

Faults:

Well - what went wrong.

1.Picked the car up from this chap said it "Needs a good run" Discovered front left - (When sat driving) caliper was seized shut new pads got eaten before it unseized - major white smoke from wheel and bonnet dip - had to park and wait for cool down then drove OK until next pad fitted.

2. Overheated engine from Electric fan switch faulty - scrap replace fixed.

3. Major whirring from body cavity at 15mph plus thought wheel bearing - so loud! could not identify so ran to company in London who found front and only Differential stuffed - had to strip bottom of engine to replace as unlike other FWD cars is actually in the Engine - all done quiet now - can talk to partner.

4. Obvious wearing components - tyres, wipers Oh and faulty plug / in / out heater fan.

5. Fault at present is steering - round corner left OK - (at speed) then as straightening up to straight line car "Clunks from front end - and over steers to right!!!

That's after a M.O.T. and garage inspection, I think track rod ends, bottom pins or bushes on stabiliser bar. When we have some more money I think we will change the steering rack as the gaiters are on their way!

All in all it's an OK car 50mpg long runs starts well always no intermittant wipers though winding on wiper motor went when wiper stuck with ice to screen.

Cost us £350 but with all repairs = £1,346.49 in total for two years motoring I realise some expensive cars depreciate by that and the fact its not a magnet for car thieves.

So it runs and runs and runs - I hope.

General Comments:

Good reliable car - no rust body except windscreen surround - fill the join with sealant to solve - and maintain oil and water - see if we can sell it for what we got it for, with a years ticket next M.O.T, once I figure the steering problem or maybe it will go on and on and on.

P.S. If anyone reading this has same model or had one with same fault please put the remedy here or Email me at raoul_maher@hotmail.com Thks.

I think this site is great for finding out about faults, I will use it before I get my next car maybe a Renault!!!