R19 purchase help

T

tassiedevil

New member
Tadpole
Joined
Jun 7, 2004
Messages
6
Location
Blackmans Bay
Hi, first time possible purchaser to be of an R19 in Tasmania.
I need help from people experienced with R19's, all input advice gratefully accepted.
Choice of 2 on offer locally at this point in time. Which is best value for money, or, which is the best buy?
Number 1.
1994,manual, 1.7 litre, injected, 180,000 k's,Baccara, (whatever that means), leather upholstery, airco, power steer,elec mirrors / front windows only I think, central locking,6 stacker CD, alloys,(plain looking), not sure if they are factory or after market, minor,(very minor), body damage, runs well on test drive. Requires obvious minor mechanical work, CV boots, something noisy behind dash on passengers side, ? noisy heater fan / airco.
full service history
$7500, listed, no negotiation yet.

Number2
1995,man,1.8 litre, injected, 104,000k's, better looking alloys, rad/ cass, elecs as above, ? elec rear windows on this one, radio controls on stalk, no obvious repairs needed, same noise behind dash, body work good, paint fair, cloth upholstery, runs well on test drive.
full service history
$8900 listed, no negotiation yet.
For purpose of comparison,assume warranty details identical.
 
Hi, knock a few tousand off. Good cars even if some members think they are a bit of shit. Had mine up to 180kmh and it was very stable and quiet (auto).
Autos can give some trouble but they are easy to repair and with a proper oil cooler should be as good as any. Have to mention that mine are a 91 and 92 build.
Going to work in Melbourne traffic it uses just under 9 l / 100km. Driving in the country they can sit on 140 all day and one can converse normally.
Engines are very durable.
If you are at all handy, they are easy to work on.
The cam belt must be changed at 100,000km. But it's easy.
Most parts are no problem. Caravell imports are excellent.
Just replaced middle stragulation box and rear muffler for 290.
If you rely on other people or mechanics to do routine work on the car then you'd probably be better off with a jap car.
Anyhow, inspite of the R19 being a Frech Corolla, it is nice to drive, economical, and easy to work on.
All in all, given the stupid speed limits it's OK.
My main gripe is, that it does not fit well between parked cars and the tram in Melbourne (the left mirror is a problem)
JoBo
PS: Or you could buy a Cit and spend $10,000 in 3 years maintaining it (like the guy in Sydney). It may well be a nicer drive, but what are the speed limits in Tas.?
 
tassiedevil said:
Hi, first time possible purchaser to be of an R19 in Tasmania.
I need help from people experienced with R19's, all input advice gratefully accepted.
Choice of 2 on offer locally at this point in time. Which is best value for money, or, which is the best buy?
Number 1.
1994,manual, 1.7 litre, injected, 180,000 k's,Baccara, (whatever that means), leather upholstery, airco, power steer,elec mirrors / front windows only I think, central locking,6 stacker CD, alloys,(plain looking), not sure if they are factory or after market, minor,(very minor), body damage, runs well on test drive. Requires obvious minor mechanical work, CV boots, something noisy behind dash on passengers side, ? noisy heater fan / airco.
full service history
$7500, listed, no negotiation yet.

Number2
1995,man,1.8 litre, injected, 104,000k's, better looking alloys, rad/ cass, elecs as above, ? elec rear windows on this one, radio controls on stalk, no obvious repairs needed, same noise behind dash, body work good, paint fair, cloth upholstery, runs well on test drive.
full service history
$8900 listed, no negotiation yet.
For purpose of comparison,assume warranty details identical.
Click to expand...

I would urge you to look at a rough 306, Xantia or even a good 205 for around the same money before you commit yourself. These represent better value for your hard earned imo.

But if you must buy a R19, go for Number2. But try and get it for Number1's price (or less). Why not make a silly offer on it? It's not going anywhere.
 
Hi, just remembered, if you don't want any creaks or rattles in the dash board then buy a toyota.
Repaired the brackets on our R19's on the top left and right of the dash. Easy job.It's quiet now.
They are designed (the brackets) by someone who had a few too many bougalaise.
In any case, all cars seem to have their ideosyncracys. It's a matter of choice/money and information for problem solving.
To be objective, look at Choice reliability surveys and see what makes come out on top and then decide if you like the way the drive.
JoBo
 
Baccara was the top model of the 19 line, it got alloys, airbag and extra fruit.

The 1.8 litre one sounds the better car, it has a few extra kW's 81 as opposed to 68.5kW of the 1.7 so more open road oomph that the 1.7 lacks. But negotiate a much better price, especially if it requires a respray.

Check the service history carefully for proper servicing, things like the already mentioned timing belt at 100,000k's and also regular coolant changing with the correct type. Using the incorrect coolant can cause corrosion of the radiator and engine internals.

Do all the usual other checks, for brakes, tyres etc. I'd be worried about the paintwork on the 1.8 though as the metallics on this era of Renault usually last quite well, it it going off because of previous extensive accident damage and poor repairs?

The 1,7 sounds too pricey if it needs the work you have mentioned, and for those k's.
 
I have a 92 19txe and urge you to definitely get the price down, the first one has highish kays and some panel damage, and as for the 2nd one, well mine has immaculate paint and it is 3 years older so I would be sceptical about how it's been treated, in vic you can get good roadworthy cars in the same era as the second one for 8k if you look around. Personally I think both are well overpriced as parts for these cars are dearer than jap parts(excluding honda) and neither of the cars you stated have a roadworthy.
 
dave from bendigo said:
Ias parts for these cars are dearer than jap parts(excluding honda) and neither of the cars you stated have a roadworthy.
Click to expand...

Dude ! Where are you buying your parts - not in Bendigo I hope!!!!
 
Simon said:
Baccara was the top model of the 19 line, it got alloys, airbag and extra fruit.

The 1.8 litre one sounds the better car, it has a few extra kW's 81 as opposed to 68.5kW of the 1.7 so more open road oomph that the 1.7 lacks. But negotiate a much better price, especially if it requires a respray.

Check the service history carefully for proper servicing, things like the already mentioned timing belt at 100,000k's and also regular coolant changing with the correct type. Using the incorrect coolant can cause corrosion of the radiator and engine internals.

Do all the usual other checks, for brakes, tyres etc. I'd be worried about the paintwork on the 1.8 though as the metallics on this era of Renault usually last quite well, it it going off because of previous extensive accident damage and poor repairs?

The 1,7 sounds too pricey if it needs the work you have mentioned, and for those k's.
Click to expand...

I'd agree that no. 2 is the better buy of those two. But seriously consider the Melbourne market - bound to be a big choice of lower priced cars.

Then, as someone else said, if you're going to spend up to $9,000 on a secondhand French car, I'd go looking seriously at a 306. More around, better known, better cars, better spare parts support, better drivers and so it goes. Only my view of course, but we have 4 Renaults (1 for sale) so I can't be accused of bias against them....

Good Luck

JohnW
 
205, Xantias, BX's, 306's etc... You'll find there all a better drive by a long shot than a R19.... Get a BX for a 1/3rd of the price & live happily ever after :joker: :joker: R19's are complete slugs, especially the automatic versions (though the manuals are pretty bad too). I don't know why ??

seeya,
Shane L.
 
Thanks to all that have given advice / help. Now I am more confused.
Started off looking at a SEAT Cordoba and then moved to a NISSAN Pulsar and was then looking at the 2 R19's. Thought that I was on to a good thing, ie the were much better featured than the other two, and the seats are comfortable!!.
Soooooooo, what is a Xantia, or a BX.
Looking at the local Trading Post down here, 306's are roughly $1K more expensive.

Maybe I should get hold of a Melbourne Trading Post.
 
Lookup Citroen,

note: if you end up with a BX there not many cars that'll keep up with it, especially given a twisty bit of road. A BX will kill a R19 :D

I'd probably get a Xantia over a 306, only 'cos there resale is so much worse that you get a lot more car for you $$$$. Certainly I don't think you'll be dissapointed with any of the cars above.

BTW: People might be picking on the R19, it's actually not a bad little car, it just defines the term 'mediocre' in IMO. Who knows, you might drive the R19 and decide you like it & it's the car for you :dance: (BX still kills it in just about every aspect though :banana: ).

seeya,
Shane L.
 
dave from bendigo said:
Haakon, you will be pleased to hear that I buy my parts from european auto imports and not in bendigo.
Click to expand...

Good!! Try Carrevelle Imports as well :wink2: I find these 2 places provide froggy bits much cheaper than most Jap stuff is.
 
get a late model R19 the lathe better i think, more reliable....:nownow:
 
Thanks to Simon, dave from bendigo, JohnW & double chevron. Your comments have helped me to make a more informed decision. They will also help me to negotiate a better deal as I am armed with a lot more knowledge.
Both of these cars are at used car dealers, and I now feel more empowered to get attempt to get a car more on my terms.
I think that I will investigate the BX, Xantia & 306 options some more, with a tendency toward the 306 as I am not after a sports car, more something more practical. I am tending more and more towards a European car as there is definitely an increased level of refinement / comfort.
No doubt, I will hit this site again with a view to getting constructive feedback on other issues, if I can't strike a "good deal" on car 2.
thanks again simon, dave john & double.

michael s
 
note to ranger.
i have no idea on how to send a pm. i was a forum / chat site virgin until 2 days ago. regardless, the cars where white and bluey/purple respectively.
 
tassiedevil said:
I think that I will investigate the BX, Xantia & 306 options some more, with a tendency toward the 306 as I am not after a sports car, more something more practical. I am tending more and more towards a European car as there is definitely an increased level of refinement / comfort.

michael s
Click to expand...

Just another thing to consider. Who is going to service the car or are you proficient at doing your own repairs? If you are not going to do your own repairs, it may be worthwhile considering who is going to be carrying out the servicing of your new car. Consider if the dealer or an interested marque specialist is in your area for whichever car you choose. It could save hassles and time in the future.
 
another good point thanks Simon. I'm okay with basic stuff. Their is a local guy who has a reputation of being good with frog stuff.
Realistically though, is it really necessary to have a specialist?
without knowing what i am talking about, i would have thought that any grease monkey with all of the modern gear would be able to tackle most stuff on most cars?????
 
Yeah, sure, Renaults (or many other cars) are not rocket science. If he/she has passion, patience, technical aptitude a working brain and honesty - no problem. (even i manage to do most things myself and i'm not Einstein)

JoBo
 
JoBo said:
Yeah, sure, Renaults (or many other cars) are not rocket science. If he/she has passion, patience, technical aptitude a working brain and honesty - no problem. (even i manage to do most things myself and i'm not Einstein)

JoBo
Click to expand...

I agree with you entirely JoBo! However even so called specialists and experts who are in the business of repairing cars for a career, trade, business, enjoyment and general community service have been known to stretch their sphere of knowledge to gain new customers.

However if you can find somebody who has a good verifiable reputation and a passion for the customer and their car (regardless of marque) all the better.

So to summize, no a specialist is not necessary, but having someone who knows what they are doing and doesn't charge a Euro premium for essentially "normal" cars is preferable.

But I would imagine something like one of those proper Citroens with float on fluid suspension would require a modicum of specialist or prior knowledge in a mechanic.
 
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