Renault Vel Satis (2002 - 2004) 3.0 V6 dCi Initiale 5d Auto (2003/53) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Couldn't afford a flash motor, but still like to be different and stand out from the crowd. No one buys them for their looks (i hope!)
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
they all think its great and very quirky, most think its worth much more than it is.. till they've been on a bad road in it!
Would you buy this car again and why?
No... but i plan on keeping it for a while. Its ugly (mine has a body kit and colour coded sills which improves things), things can go wrong in it, i never thought i would own a Renault, but i have a strange attraction to it. Deep down i love it, just dont tell anyone. Not only can i surpise a few Audi's and BMW's when i put my foot down on the motorway, but i leave a nice cloud of diesel soot in their face at the same time to really wind them up!
What are you likely to buy next?
Mercedes R Class, another ugly car, i must feel sorry for them
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,750
When did you buy the car?
August 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes... these cars are worth peanuts privately, i would have expected to pay 4995 for my car from a dealer.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Large interior, big diesel engine, loads of room and luxury for the price.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Rubbish! On a flat smooth road it is perfect.. on pot holed roads it is one of the worst! My car has 18" wheels and low profiles... and lowered springs which dont help. if the seats weren't so comfy then i think i would lose some teeth on the big holes!
What's it like to park?
easy... when the parking sensors work. Another common Renault issue
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes... Its a Renault! Two tyre sensors at £90 each, the rear reverse sensors are intermitment, the cup holder snapped. A new sump plug (plus 2 lots of new premium oil, 7 litres a go). The climate control display is no longer back lit and the headlight washers stay up... All typical Renault issues
What's most practical about your car?
The size.. the boot is huge (rear seats dont fold right down though). Lots of leather and luxury. Very comfy seats, lots of power and not too bad fuel economy when cruising The best thing for my wife... three car seats fit along the back seat (two isofix) and built in blinds in the back windows... how did i ever cope without these and kids??
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
window blinds, sat nav (only fist three digit postcodes though)
