1985 Renault 5 TSE 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
If you can find one in fair nick, buy it!
Faults:
Brake Hoses required replacing. Front to rear pipes on their way out as well.
Alternator issues which turned out to be poor wiring after all.
Interiors wear badly.
General Comments:
Excellent driving position, very comfortable seats that I've never seen on another car. They roll forward and back and are so comfortable.
The engine is a little noisy at 75mph+ in 5th gear, but the other gears are very well spaced and 60mph takes no time at all.
Fuel economy is better that many smaller engined Renaults because the engine doesn't have to work as hard.
Easy to work on compared to other French cars. Expect the unexpected when tackling a problem on these cars though. My alternator problem turned out to be the regulator connections!
Engine has lots of torque, it pulls up hills as well as much larger engined cars, and is a beauty when overtaking going up hill.
Comes with a good electrical spec (electric windows, remote central locking and electronic ignition module) but the electrics need to be looked after.
Handling is nothing like the R5 GT Turbo, but B road performance is still good.
Getting rarer now, but far superior to other standard model Renault 5s. If you can find one, choose it over the other models and you won't regret it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd December, 2003
23rd Jan 2006, 14:23
I would like to update my earlier review. My 5 TSE is now on 136k and still going strong. I commute to work 40 miles away and have just completed a 700 mile tour of the UK. The drivers seat is beginning to show wear, but I have not had a single breakdown or mechanical fault with the vehicle. For a £50 car this has proved 100% reliable and is still very enjoyable to drive.
23rd Jan 2004, 07:05
I agree the Renault 5 TSE is a far better car than the standard 5 in many respects. It is far better equiped and has better performance than the later 1.4 models, even the GTL. Mine has served me well now for 3 years with very few problems. The TSE is a very rare model of a very common car and as a result is special. Take care of your 5 and it will take care of you!