1989 Renault 5 Campus 1.1 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Very practical and cheap transport, but always have a cell phone handy just in case!
Faults:
Cold starting remained very hit and miss and could be very difficult at times, especially in cold and wet conditions - this left me inconveniently stranded often.
I had to replace 3 batteries during 4 years as so often run flat consequently!
There were some brake repair problems also.
Had to get sill under drivers door welded for MOT.
Radiator hose, clutch cable and heated rear window switch broke.
General Comments:
Nice to drive and very spacious.
Very economical on petrol, 45+ mpg
.
A very likable and cheap car to own and apart from the unpredictable starting problems, I thought the car very good.
Other than the battery flattening starting difficulties, only the radiator hose and clutch cable ever stopped it on the road.
5 door hatch was very spacious and flexible. Could get loads of people and stuff inside for the type of car.
Quite comfortable in use, but heater a bit weak in winter.
4 speed gears a bit noisy on motorways.
Plastic fittings seemed cheap and unattractive, but reasonably robust as everything lasted OK.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th September, 2003
21st Aug 2005, 09:52
Renault 5 Campus, and Prima have common faults. The front chassis member needs painting regularly. The rear brake plates needs yearly painting, the rear jacking points need annual painting, the cooling thermostat needs replacing every two years (this avoids overheating and heater matrix failure),the front anti roll bar connection to the front chassis leg needs painting annually. Otherwise, regular oil changes and a twice yearly inspection of the brakes (important for the front calipers) will ensure thousands of miles of happy, fun motoring. The engine is indestructible if cooled properly.