Faults:

Just the radiator, one day it decided to leek all over the place and the next it got me 60 miles without going wrong. I bought one from a scrap yard for 5 pounds.

It failed its MOT due to a near side passenger ball joint on the steering column.

It had a slight amount of rust on the wheel arch. I corrected the problem and no problems since.

The bonnet has got a slight whole in it too.

General Comments:

The Plus points.

It is a lovely cheap, fun loving car. The insurance is cheap, it does 42 miles + to the gallon and can get you and four other passengers from a to b. With a 1.1 one engine it is nifty to fifty and can stop just as quick. The boot space is surprisingly big and I managed to fit a bike in the back with the seats rear seats folded down. The front seats are comfortable and the backs not so bad either. I have great appreciation for this car as

It is my first and I passed my test in it too. The tax is in the lower band bracket.

Against

Limited rear legroom, cheap plastic until I made it shine. The sunroof is hard to open.

Faults:

Starter Motor failed after over heating from turbo.

Turbo heat-shield disintegrated.

Fog lamps stopped working.

Carburettor needed rebuilding.

Downpipe corroded.

Radiator Fan stopped working.

Intercooler split.

Steering wheel squeaks and screaches.

Heater fan rattles.

Electric windows are faulty.

Central locking button flashes the headlamps?

Head gasket failed.

Water cooling/heating pipes leaked.

Suspension top mounts have failed.

General Comments:

This is the driving experience of a lifetime! £200 boosted the car performance to 165 brake horse power.

Handling is firm and direct, and the steering is a joy. The feedback up the steering wheel is so good that you can tell what the road kill had for dinner.

Overheating problems are fixed with a £15 low temperature cooling fan switch.

Faults:

New clutch at 71,000 miles.

New front wheel bearing at 72,000 miles.

New S/S exhaust at 68,000 miles.

Many performance modifications too!!!

General Comments:

These cars are seriously rapid, up the boost and they're even better.

The interior in some cars has suffered over time, but if you look closely you'll always find a good one.

Faults:

Wrong tires and alloys were fitted when bought.

Starter motor failed.

Anti-percolation fan and wiring was missing.

Water leaking from radio antenna.

Both front springs were cut before purchase and snapped.

Original 3" exhaust failed.

Spark plug on head was cross threaded by a mechanic at the last service before purchase and had to be helicoiled.

Horn/heater/rear wiper/front fogs were all not working.

Clutch cable snapped twice in 12 months!

General Comments:

Even though I only had a Panda before buying I have driven many cars and this beats all hot hatches and holds its own against some bigger motors.

I was looking for a clean car but I found it impossible to find a R5GTT totally clean and free of faults.

Despite it's faults this car has full service history (not at Renault), low miles and a full new leather interior and re-con turbo.

All the faults listed have been fixed as I'm a good mechanic which you have to be to own one of these cars and stand a chance.

I have replaced many parts with better equipment like a Peco 4" exhaust and new tyres and alloys.

I will never get rid of this car unless I stack it, nothing beats this car for sheer kicks and price, new or old.

If your gonna buy one, get it now, there's not many left in good nick, a good tip is to buy another one that's wrecked like I did to use as spares.