Renault 19 (1988 - 1996)

Last updated 28 April 2013

Buying Guide

Good

• 1.4s surprisingly trouble-free. You can reckon on 8-9 years and 90,000-100,000 miles before they start to get expensive. Even the catalytic converters can last 9 years and 90,000 miles.
• Diesels are rough but tough with good economy. 16-valve models are screamers and were one of the 'cars to have' in the early 1990s.

Bad

• Dull looks before the beak-like facelift.
• Non-PAS have heavy helms.
• In June 2001 Renault was rated by Motor Warranty Direct as Britain's joint 4th worst out of 22 marques for used car warranty claims. Above average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 101.16 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Watch

• Torn seat trim difficult to do much about unless you call a local car upholsterer (Yellow Pages).
• Switches break.
• Autobox the first bit to break. Autos can give up at around 60,000 miles.
• Likely to be rust under plastic window sill trims.
• Rear shocks eventually punch their way through their towers.
• May 2012 Renault 19 from 1988: 1995 Registered Renault 19s MoT tested during 2011 had the worst overall pass rate at 36%