1995 Renault Savanna rt 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not a bad ride

Faults:

The temperature sensor switch keeps malfunctioning. In fact, it has malfunctioned 3 times in the past year!

What could be the underlying cause to this repeating problem? Can anybody help me?

The symptoms are:

- the car begins to cut out

- the car fails to start

- revolutions at 12,000 at idle speed.

Could this be due to a problem with the fan not operating properly? I have noticed that the car engine heats up very quickly and the fan does not seem to be cutting in.

Please help as our large family needs this old wagon to keep it mobile!!!

General Comments:

Even though we broke down on the way back from holiday from the Isle of Wight, the old bus did manage to take us on holiday and got us home safely.

The temperature sensor was not expensive to replace as bought from a general parts company, not a main dealer. It was under £10 and easy to fit myself.

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

Review Date: 22nd July, 2005

1994 Renault Savanna GTD 2.1 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

The brake servo failed at 85,000 miles and after being quoted £350.00 for a new one, I bought one at a scrap-yard at £25.00 and it works wonderfully!

The seats don't seem to be rugged enough and with children clambering all over them, have begun to rip and wear.

I have had a few problems with the electric windows which have slowed down and sometimes need pushed up.

The heater provides little heat, I'm told the matrix is a problem, but with six in the car we soon heat up anyway!

General Comments:

This car has the best diesel engine on the planet. I have had and (have) Peugeot diesels, Citroen and Izuzu diesels and none compare with this engine. It is quick, powerful, quiet and a pleasure to drive. In France last year we averaged 59 MPG with six on board and two roof racks. One time we drove from Limerick to Belfast and got 63 MPG! Normal driving easily gets us 49-51 MPG.

Why Renault stopped making this car is beyond me, the Laguna doesn't come close.

The boot is big for a 7 seater.

Ignore others who say adults cannot sit in the rear seats - unless you're 6 feet nine inches or something.

Inexpensive Family car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2003

6th Sep 2005, 02:30

I agree - the Savanna is a wonderful car and easy to drive for its size. I can't think of any other 7-seater with its boot space, and it's good to have a car that big that isn't a people-carrier. Bring it back, Renault!

1992 Renault Savanna GTD 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A reasonably priced family car

Faults:

The crankshaft oil seal was leaking and had to be fixed.

The vehicle was continually overheating. This turned out to be the head gasket which cost over £200 to fix.

The fuel tank straps corroded and had to be replaced.

The back section of the exhaust had to be replaced. It was extremely hard to find one to fit, as the Bosal one for the car is the wrong shape.

The reverse cable on the gear lever broke and the whole lever had to be replaced. However this did solve the problem of being unable to select 5th gear which was due to worn parts.

The tailgate electrics were failing. We later discovered this was due to the wires been trapped and snapping.

General Comments:

It is a very spacious family car, useful if you can't afford a people carrier.

It accelerates well even with 7 passengers and shopping in it.

It is economical - it does about 200 miles on £10 of diesel.

However the suspension is quite soft and bouncy.

The parts are quite expensive, and Renault don't seem to sell many of the small parts on their own - they tend to come as part of a kit.

The second row of back seats are only suitable for children under the age of 10.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 2003

11th Jun 2003, 08:49

Further to my review - here is an update.

The car cost us over £300 to get put through the MoT test (wheel bearings, CV boots, ball joints etc..). We then had it serviced and the diaphragm on the diesel filter housing broke - leaving us stranded over the Easter weekend!

Recently it started making a high pitched whining noise. We were informed that it wasn't a gearbox problem and that we should "let the noise develop!" Later that day the gearbox differentials disintegrated!

We feel that, having spent so much on the car in the last year, that we are not inclined to have the gearbox repaired so are selling the car for spares or repair and buying a Volvo!

17th Jun 2008, 07:59

I bought a Renault Savanna GTD new in September 1992 and still have it as our only car. It has seen a family of 7 children grow up, several 3/4 UK holidays per year and 136000 miles.

I have limited experience of cars and their values having previously owned a Renault R10, a Mini 850, an Allegro 1108 and 3 Ford Escorts. However, the Savanna has been most reliable and affordable over 16 years. It does get a regular service but it is beginning to look its age.

It developed clutch problems around 1997 when 5th gear kept dropping to 4th and is now becoming rusty around bottom of doors.

Tailgate electrics have proved to be a problem in past year.

45 to a gallon regularly.

I have accepted that it's on its last legs (wheels) and will resort to a 5 seater car soon. But I would like it to last a bit longer...