1985 Renault 9 GTL 1.4 5speed from South Africa

Summary:

Excellent cars

Faults:

The only trouble I had with this car, was starter/ring gear trouble, but I think this was due to "local content" policy in South Africa, it was fitted with a local starter here.

General Comments:

These are excellent cars. I've driven the 1400 TS, which has quite a lot more performance than the GTL, and the 1700 TXE, which has power and performance. I've even challenged a 318i BMW with the TS. When the BMW first got away from me, we were doing 160 km/h.

For the class this car is in, I'd give it a 10/10.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2006

2nd Mar 2011, 02:51

Hi.

I've got a Renault 9 TS. It's got some work that needs to be done. I want to know how to set the timing. Does the car set itself, or is it manual?

1985 Renault 9 Louisiane GTS 1.4 petrol from Belgium

Summary:

A fabulous car for it's age!

Faults:

A lot of things went wrong...

The alternator broke down.

The starting engine didn't move anymore.

The heating had a leak.

The gear box is broken according to my dealer, but it's not noticeable.

The open roof didn't open anymore and leaks.

Oil leaks have occurred too.

And last, but not least: the steering broke down once.

General Comments:

First of all, this is the European Louisiane version, so in 1 color (metallic red). Only 250 manufactured!!!

The cabin is much more luxurious than that of other Renault 9's.

And due to it's larger tires (175 R13 instead of 165 R13) it handles a bit better.

The performance isn't shocking, but for a 1.4 of it's time it performs quite good.

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

Review Date: 27th August, 2003

28th May 2006, 04:23

I would like to see more reviews of the "9" also known as the Alliance in the USA. I had a 1985 convertible with all features and I loved it for the most part. The connection at the accelerator pedal failed once, but I was able to fix it with some wire until I could get to the dealer.

Otherwise, this car retained its value almost fully until I sold it (bought for 7000 and sold for 5400 seven years later). It is also notable that I got 40 mpg, and even though being a small car... the suspension made the ride Superb!!

It became difficult to get it serviced when Jeep claimed the rights to American Renault after a few years, so it is really the fault of that company that we do not see many of these on the road any more.

1985 Renault 9 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Ugly as sin, but indestructible

Faults:

Nothing. I kept trying to kill it for years but it just kept on going.

It was indestructible.

All I ever did was put petrol in it and that was it.

It's only downside was that it was plug-bloody-ugly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2001

16th Nov 2014, 15:55

Probably THE most underrated car of its time. Won COTY award and the journalists were slated for choosing such a bland car.

However compared with the rivals like the Orion etc - the 9 was far more comfy, more adventurous inside, well equipped, far more frugal, a much better drive, and as it turned out, far less rust prone in the long run.

Unjust and unfounded prejudices killed a worthy car on the UK market.