1990 Renault 19 GTS 1.4 Energy from UK and Ireland

Summary:

More reliable and cheaper than an Escort or Astra

Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong with this car, apart from a minor problem with the tracking.

General Comments:

The performance has to be admired for a 1.4. The Energy model has a respectable 80HP and acceleration in the lower gears is excellent for a medium size vehicle.

The interior trim is a little on the drab side, but the dash layout is fairly good.

Fuel economy is excellent at 40-45mpg.

There is also lots of potential for boy-racer modification.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2002

1990 Renault 19 Chamade Prima SAL 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Temperamental - will never own a Renault again

Faults:

This is an extremely temperamental car. In one year I had to have the head gasket replaced, drum kits replaced, the carburetor had to be stripped out and cleaned twice because of constant "jerking". The exhaust had to be replaced. The car is definitely sensitive to some types of fuel, ie. detests supermarket fuels.

The heater has never worked properly and drives me completely insane.

General Comments:

I am forever on tenterhooks when driving this car, as every now and again, it still "misses" or "jerks" despite repeated visits to the mechanic.

As for the heater, it has been in no less than 5 times to be fixed. No one can find out what the problem is. It works for all of 2 days, then starts blowing cold air afterwards. The heater works better during the day than first thing in the morning, when it is cold, even after driving 20 miles.

Why have I not got rid of the car and bought another one? I have no idea. Despite the above problems and the fact that I freeze my proverbials off in winter, it is a good car and nice to look at. Due to various unfortunate circumstances, I seem to have to buy a another car every 18 months or so. And quite frankly, have had enough of doing that!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2002

30th Mar 2006, 12:23

My friend, I think you either have a faulty thermostat or air in the cooling system. Very easy to accidentally get air in the cooling system on a Renault. I had a Renault 5 and I always had that problem after changing the anti freeze, with similar results to those you are having!

17th Sep 2007, 04:29

I currently own a Renault 19 and I have had a lot of problems. The car has recently had a Head-Gasket and has been spitting oil out of the dipstick tube.

1990 Renault 19 GTD 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent all round car

Faults:

One heater (glow) plug failed and a radiator hose started leaking, that's all.

General Comments:

Very powerful non-turbo diesel engine. Always starts straight away even in the severest of frosts.

Extremely comfortable and stable car. Well equipped for a diesel (all electric).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2001

1990 Renault 19 TSE 1.4 Energy from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great if not better than the Ford Escort at the time of manufacture

Faults:

Milometer has stuck and keeps clicking dropping the speedo needle by 10mph!

A pain to start after a nights standing.

General Comments:

Excellent car execept for the glitches.

Once started it performs well, it has more hp than a 1.6 and accelerates well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st December, 2000

1990 Renault 19 GTS 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

General wear and tear after 6 years or so of motoring. Fuel Gauge went - amongst other things (expensive - given it's a plastic, small version of a toilet ball-cock!)

Servicing has been quite cheap.

Can't complain really - served me well.

General Comments:

Great car - bought second hand privately six years ago. Loathed to give it up because it is so economical.

Also think the old Renaults are better than the new version (Megane in this case) - test driven equivalent model and it felt like it had no guts and has very plastic feel interior. Disappointing so I'll probably look at another make of car.

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

Review Date: 3rd September, 1998