Renault Safrane Hatchback 2.0 RN 5d (1994/L) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Best bought used, French executive cars are fairly uncalled for in the UK, so residual values are low. As a second hand car value is excellent, bought new value is mediocre, but worsened by heavy depeciation.
Costs
Economy is poor, even for this class, servicing is reasonable, but some parts can be pricey.
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On the road
Driving
The cabin is spacious and well laid out. Best on motorways, a little ungainly on small, busy roads, but is sufficiently well poised and nippy for most city driving. Reasonable handling and not too much body roll makes it reasonable on country roads.
Performance
For the size and weight of the car the 2.0L engine does a reasonable job. Handling is reasonable for a larger car, but many of the more expensive alternatives out perform on all areas.
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Living with it
Reliability
I have had the car for three years and bought it with very low mileage, only small niggles until recently, but at ten years old reliability tends to dwindle on many cars.
Image
Little badge prestige, but aided by reasonable looks and the fact that there are relatively few about.
Comfort
Chairs are confortable, despite lack of lumbar support. Easily adjusted to obtain a good driving position for most people, but very short drivers may struggle. Loads of leg room front and back and the loadspace is positively gargantuan.
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Security and Service
Security
Deadlocks and immobiliser, but no alarm, which is poor by class standards.
Service
You need to find the right dealership, they vary greatly. I have five within 35 miles two are great, the others less so.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Generally good up to 80,000 miles, when everything seems to die at once.
Other
Most problems seem to be with the wiring loom. They are relatively cheap to repair, but not so easy to diagnose and can be a little frustrating.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes