1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A Nova GTE killer, Ha!

Faults:

Gearbox, handbrake cable, alternator, ignition barrel, clutch, also other general wear and tear things.

General Comments:

A quick sporty car that looks good and handles well. Leather interior and full electrics are added bonuses.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2000

17th Aug 2001, 03:11

If you want a car with real power, then get an Astra GTE 16v, 156bhp as standard, mine has 210bhp with throttle bodies. Anyway as standard it craps on R19 16v's... Later.

19th Dec 2005, 07:42

Faster in a straight line, yes. a 19 16v will out handle a stock Astra at the slightest kink in the road. Astra's were not renowned for their handling. Also the 16v variant was only just balanced to the chassis so what you've created by adding more bhp is a death trap. You can take any car and throw tons of cash at it to give bhp however most of the technology to make them handle is done in the design stage.

26th Mar 2008, 18:21

Get an Astra GTE 16v.

Don't it will be in the scrap yard in 3 years.

They rust as fast.

That's why R19s are still around. Mine just gone though the MOT and passed with no rust. I bet the Astra GTE won't.

28th Aug 2008, 18:34

Astra 1,998cc GTE engine is 150bhp, not what you said, and its top speed is 134.

Yep most GTEs have been scrapped, because of boy racers or because of rust, and all that blue smoke.

1992 Renault 19 16V 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Gearbox, clutch, radiator, alternator and tracking arms are the major replacements.

Wear and tear items include discs, pads, couple of hoses, tyres etc.

General Comments:

Must be well maintained to be reliable. Mine is currently on 137,000 miles and still running like new. It has cost the prev owner and I £8000 (between us, 6k him, 2k me) in maintenance since new though! Most major work done at dealership whose service is OK. Regular oil changes and checks are essential.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th February, 2000

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 16v from UK and Ireland

Faults:

2 engines in 9 months, not had the will to do anything with it yet. I'm told 16v engines are prone for the third piston to seize - must be something in it, I've done 2!

Genuine parts are bloody expensive.

General Comments:

Great car to drive very quick, superb handling, leather seats are very horny.

Pity I seem to be the only one that's had not very good luck with them.

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

Review Date: 2nd November, 1999

17th May 2002, 16:38

I can *assure* you, that you are not alone in having your hand permanently stuck in your wallet with this car... I call mine 'the money pit' ;)

16th Jan 2003, 08:08

Oh yes I agree completely. Two engines in 7 months and about £3000 spent! Despite that, the car was very comfortable with the leather and reasonably quick. I also gained a few complements on the way it looked - not bad for a 10 year old car.

1992 Renault 19 16V 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Wheel bearings worn by 40,000 miles.

Cooling system leaking by 42,000 miles.

Clutch cable snapped 3 times in 15,000 miles.

Alternator was not charging at idle, ie lights would dim at traffic lights.

General Comments:

Great car when it was running.

It was my 2nd example of this car, the first was written off.

Both were great fun to drive, quick, smooth, handled well.

Very noisy on motorway, very high revving engine.

Needs constant engine oil top ups.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st March, 1999

1992 Renault 19 RL 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Exhaust had to be replaced, also clutch needed replacing.

General Comments:

Not a bad car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 1999

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Front spots broke, heater fan and buttons broke, wipers knackered, head gasket, clutch cable, rev counter cable & hand brake cable all broke.

General Comments:

Only small problems but generally ..SPOT ON..

No Bother.....

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 1998

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Dash buttons seem to fall out.

The beeper for the alarm locks the doors, but you have to lock the boot after as it remains open (?).

General Comments:

Very quick car. Thought it was going to be quicker mind you, having been in Porsches and Ford Sierra Cosworths.

Handles superbly. No problem with the XR2`s & 3`s, Golf GTi more like competion especially top end, but as for sheer acceleration against the Golf GTi we steamed past laughing! You should have been there hehe. Buy one - you can get a very good condition one for between £4500 & £7000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998

1992 Renault 19 16v 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Watch for:

Head gaskets.

Cracked fog lights (100 quid) at dealer.

Generally reliable if serviced.

General Comments:

Only real failure other than wear and tear was the head gasket.

Eats fuel. Average (according to on board computer) 23mpg. Performance exceptional 0-60 7.9 Top 137.

Main dealer service necessary as car is computer linked. This can be very expensive. 160 minor. 254 major. Bodywork is still immaculate. Tyres need exact pressure or car loses handling ability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 1998