1990 Renault 5 campus 1.1 litre petrol

Summary:

A cheap, reliable little car the drives well

Faults:

Gearbox mount failed.

Carburettor goes out of tune easily.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable and pleasant to drive.

The 4 speed gearbox doesn't help the fuel economy, but if driven carefully it manages 39 mpg.

The heater works very well.

When the engine is cold it is very slow, but when it warms up it is a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2004

1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo 1.4 petrol

Summary:

With money and patience the 5 can be a superb car. Without it they can be a nuicence

Faults:

I had an electrical fault which blew the battery and the alternator. Also the radiator and water pump both went in the same week {the first week I had owned the car. The clutch has started slipping and the drivers seat is wearing quite badly.

General Comments:

The 5 is the best fun you can have with your trousers on.

Mine has been lowered 60mm and you can chuck it around corners like it's a go cart. Also the acceleration on them for a 1.4 engine is quite amazing.

It is unfortunate that they have so many common faults, but if you look after them and build them strong then you can overcome these problems. I have driven many 'so called' hot hatches and only one or two of them compares with the 5.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2004

1990 Renault 5 Campus 1.1 petrol

Summary:

Another excellent car by Renault

Faults:

The horn unit went shortly after buying the car - this is a common design fault on the Renault 5, the horn traps water and rots away.

General Comments:

The Renault 5 is an excellent first car providing comfort, reliability and most importantly it is very cheap to run. Mine has only done 42 000 and it is 14 years old.

The service costs are very cheap, I had the timing, timing belt, brakes (new servo and pads), horn done for £160!! This is just general wear and tear though.

It picks up quite well for a 1.1 and maintains its speed very well on motorways no problem.

I used to own a G Rover Metro, a total rust bucket. I would recommend a Renault 5 to anyone who is looking for a cheap, but cheerful first car or a runabout.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004

22nd Oct 2004, 20:09

I totally agree that the Rover Metro is a total rust bucket!

The Renault 5 is an excellent car, great fun to drive with a sturdy long lasting build compared too many of todays models.

I have had 4 renault 5's throughout my time and each one I have owned I have had great times and fond memories.

My latest Renault 5 is a 'H' reg, 2 door automatic.

It needed quite a bit of 'minor' work doing to it, such as interior light replacement, steering alignment, bulbs replacing on the heater control (a total pain to replace) plus several bulbs needed replacing on the actual dashboard clock display, thermostat replacement, spark plug replacement, and a good interior dash, and carpet clean due to oil and dirt. (i done a proper job by removing the seats completely)

I removed the door panels which were quite dirty and cleaned them and I am quite impressed with the results now everything is in full working order and is nice and clean.

Now I have sorted the many minor annoyances, I now need to find time to 'patch-up' a couple of very minor rust spots forming around the rear window, and the front bumper needs replacing due to a minor crack, but apart from that she runs fine, starts first time and is a pleasure to drive.

Renault 5's can be slightly expensive on parts from time to time with the lack of suppliers, but well worth it to keep your pride and joy up to scratch.

Renault 5's are a great little classic car, and a joy to drive, and I must say that this one I recently brought for just £300 is a bargain, despite the time needed to bring her back up just a little, and she even has the latest in audio technology - a D.A.B head unit!

15th Jan 2005, 05:45

Does the 1.1 liter have a timing belt?

I'm 95% sure as it is basically the same engine as the old 1.4 unit it has a chain which should last engine's life time all being well.

Watch out for Renault service they are very nice, if you don't know about cars, but quick to take your money.

21st Apr 2006, 11:32

I have just bought a Renault 5 campus and I'm finding parts very hard to come by. is anyone else having this problem or am I just unlucky?

4th Jul 2006, 07:13

Parts shouldn't be any real problem. Dealers should have most stuff, but otherwise most motor factors will have general wear and tear items (filters, plugs). I have also found ebay a good source of bits and pieces too. And scrapyards of course.