Thinking of Buying One

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drewesq

New Member
Posts
10
Hi all

I am in the market for a new motor to replace my aging 75 estate diesel. The facelift mk1 derv is what I would like to replace it with. There are quite a few good ones on the market, but they hold their price, I think I would want HSE spec as I defo want heated windscreen and cruise control, if possible.

If I was going to look at some, what common things would I need to look for? I was hoping for a sticky on this topic but I didn't see one, so sorry if this is a tedious post to answer! :)

I have heard if you put it in reverse and it slows down then the VCU is shot...?

Also, could any 3 door owners advise if a mountain bike will fit in the back complete (ie. without taking front wheel off), I understand the rear seats would need to go down.

MY dad used to have a pre-facelift v6 when he lived in Spain, and he absolutely loved it (apart from the sunroof not working!)

Thank you for taking the time to answer :)

Andrew
 
BTW the 3dr & 5dr are exactly the same size!

But yes, a mtb fits in the back, although I remove my front wheel (its QR) for ease of positioning and moving it about, for the 7 seconds it takes to remove, it makes life easier!
Rear seats need to be folded forward to behind the front seats
 
Point to remember not all hse have fuel burning heater and heated screen.

There should be a buyers guide somewhere, I shall look for it before I write a long essay!

Short list is look for a fishtank in the rear cubby hole, obvious vcu and normal things like clutch. Matching tyres are a plus. Make sure the temp gauge sits in the middle as thermostats are a pain and heater matrix occasionally leaks on the passenger footwell.
Check all electric windows, cables have a habbit of breaking
Egr valves stick and injectors fail...same as any modern diesel and same as r75

Atleast you will be familiar with the engine!
 
Last edited:
Couple of really little but annoying when they go wrong, things to check....

Make sure the windscreen wipers work on all settings. The delayed wipe often fails and the wipers park where they like! Not expensive to fix but maybe a good bargaining tool.
Check the lights behind the heater switches all work. Just had to change mine and on the facelift, there is a lot to remove to get to the bulbs.
 
As you said the sunroofs are a common fault, as are the window regulators if you buy one with electric windows. The big one is the vcu, but other than lots of niggly things which are fairly easy to put right yourself (if you're handy) they're a good motor. I've worked out that I've spent an average of £200 on maintenance per year over the past 7 years on mine, which isn't so bad when you compare the running costs to other vehicles on the road. Power fold mirrors are also a pain in the arse. Mine has been a real good workhorse over the years and has taken me to Spain on several summer hols, and also up the Alps for the snow. I've called it a few choice names when it's played up, but got it fixed and loved it again in no time.
 
HI Andrew.
Small world seems you are of the same thought as me I guess you will quickly work out who i am from the forum name ;)
 
All sound advice thanks, happy to hear some more common things to check if there are any and I'll make a crib sheet! ;)

Hi Arctic :) I'm going to see Terry in a couple of weeks to try to get to the bottom of a couple of niggles, if he can't fix them, I'm thinking no-one can and if that happens I shall be changing cars!

Liking this place already! Does the Renault 5 inline 'stat mod work on the FL like it does on the R75?
 
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