1993 Renault Safrane RT 2.0 ltr

Summary:

A much underrated long distance comfortable cruiser

Faults:

Air con leaks and needs recharging annually.

Apart from this NO faults to report.

General Comments:

A very comfortable long distance cruiser.

Imperative to change cam belt when due and NEVER run with just water in radiator, use CORRECT red or yellow coolant to avoid head gasket problems. This is easy sourced if you ask motor factors and not expensive.

Don't play with computer repeat buttons, leave alone to avoid false alerts.

An easy right foot will give excellent fuel economy.

If the car is automatic DO USE the handbrake to avoid seized calipers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2006

19th Dec 2006, 03:10

They don't make the original R13 A/C GAS for the car as it is now banned under EU/US law as it destroyed the ozone, when you get it re-gased every year they use an alternative and this gas has smaller molecules hence it escapes. Renault refused to replace all the pipe work under warranty so I have to do the same as you every year, a small price for protecting the ozone.

1993 Renault Safrane 2.0RT 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Great value, exec cruiser

Faults:

Immobilizer has never worked.

Both rear brake calipers needed replacing - these are expensive - at around 85000 miles.

Air con unit packed up and is too costly to fix (£500 plus)

Total electric failure recently. Couldn't open car since a small current is required for central locking to operate - and could not open doors with the key directly!

Cracked steering rod gasket cover at 95000 miles.

General Comments:

Very comfortable to drive.

2.0L engine is only adequate. Buy the 2.5L if you want some speed.

Generally speaking the car has been reliable.

Cheap motoring. The car cost £2.5k at 70000 and I have had 30000 miles of relatively reliable motoring and I still have residual value to part-ex.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

1993 Renault Safrane RT 2.0

Summary:

Excellent value, worth a look, buy carefully

Faults:

Noisy power steering pump, although it is still working fine.

General Comments:

Great comfort.

Very exclusive, not many about.

Very cheap to buy.

Good ride.

Decent handling.

Not very quick!

Great around town despite its size, and excellent on the motorway.

Good quality interior, the car looks like new inside and out, despite the mileage.

Slightly annoying voice alert system!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2001

1993 Renault Safrane Vi 2.0 12v

Summary:

A very good car let down by poor quality electrical equipment

Faults:

Lights & indicator switches failed twice.

Problems with electrical connections to the engine management system.

Multiple failure of heating/ventilation control cables.

Failure of rear window heater switch.

Multiple failure of the central locking remote key.

Failure of central locking receiver unit.

Failure of door lock on drivers side.

Failure of boot lock.

Failure of ventilation fan control PCB.

Head gasket failure.

Paint peeling from speedometer dial & catching on the speedometer needle.

General Comments:

Excellent ride & quietness although the steering has always pulled to left despite all efforts to fix it.

Very comfortable & spacious.

Good reliability of major mechanicals eg. engine gearbox, clutch etc.

Ownership spoilt by bad electrical equipment. Also spares prices very high. eg. switches, headlamp unit & exhaust system (which fails every year or two).

Although I still own this car I have another as well & it is not a Renault, mainly for these reasons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd August, 2000

7th Jun 2002, 13:47

I agree with most of these comments. A good spacious comfortable car let down by poor electrics. Door lock on passenger side faulty. Paint peeling on display. Ventilation control cable failed. Fan Control switch only works on full speed. Dims work sporadically due too bad connection. Normal mode wiper failure. Electric mirrors no longer work. Leak sometimes in rear. Electric failure of fuel pump.

15th Dec 2002, 13:43

Safrane's are a great drive and ooze toys and luxury. They are let down by the don't give a damn after sales attitude of Renault dealerships.

Spare parts for Renaults are spectacularly over priced, even the French find spares are a rip off. Strong reliable engines and transmissions are their saving grace.