3rd Jun 2022, 23:14

Just found my review from 13 years ago!

Yes the Kangoo is still going. 300,000km on the old girl now and still going strong. Other than normal wear items (ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearing, front shock upper bearings, brake shoes, starter) the car only had one expensive fix and that was the fuel pump which ate itself and sent fragments into the entire fuel system. This is common on vehicles with valeo fuel pumps of the era and necessitates new fuel pump, injectors, and thorough cleaning of the tank and all lines. This happened at 190000km.

No rust at all, but the top paint is starting to chalk in a few spots (no garage so left out in the sun). Engine is still purring nicely with no knocks, clutch is still original and doesn't slip. Shock absorbers still original. Starting to use a bit of oil, 1 1/2 litres in 10,000 km but doesn't smoke. Interior doesn't show any wear. Everything works as it should - all switches, dials, A/C, heater, transmission, heater, lights etc.

I honestly can't fault this vehicle at all. At 15 years old it still drives almost like new. Still gives great fuel mileage and is very easy to service yourself.

I've owned over 25 vehicles in my lifetime and I have to say that this is the most reliable one I have ever owned. And, funnily enough, against all common wisdom, it's a Renault.

4th Jun 2022, 20:16

Father had a 2008 Renault Trafic that made it to over 200,000 miles, so Renaults can be durable if looked after.

I think the problem was in the 80s and 90s they were a bit under par reliability wise even when compared to similar cars from Ford and Vauxhall. But later Renaults were better.