Renault 19 Hatchback 1989-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Dealer prices high, private sales yield good value.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Some parts expensive from dealers.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Soft suspension but is engaging to drive.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Seems quicker than most 1.4s, low gearing.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Some erratic small problems, only one major one.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    More cachet than Escort/Astra equivalents.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Roomy and great ride, but a little noisy.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Understated styling seems to help in London.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Of three franchised dealers, I have only found one really good one. I caught one dealer replacing serviceable parts, and they seem uninterested in servicing older cars.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    No problems - touch wood!

    Other

    Heater matrix failed - at £680 a VERY expensive job!

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes