bramz7 Posted January 29, 2019 Author Share Posted January 29, 2019 I must admit, I am well aware that the Safrane will need constant attention and won't enjoy missed services etc, so I plan on focusing on it as much as possible, and it will be stored too. Oh yeah, the Audi also has electric mirrors. At least manual windows don't stop going down, or up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdearme Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 ...At least manual windows don't stop going down, or up?Is that the *thunk* I hear of a door glass dropping out of its runners? Exiled_Tat_Gatherer, bangernomics and Kringle 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bell Posted January 29, 2019 Share Posted January 29, 2019 That looks mega. Dibs if/when/Tuesday you ever decide to move it on man. gadgetgricey, bangernomics, loserone and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanciamatt Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Will it be the PRV engine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
25v6turbo Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Will it be the PRV engine?Its a Z7X unit chain driven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanciamatt Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 In the early 2000s I worked at motosave in Barnsley and there was a regular customer who came in, he had a safrane and a citroen xm. One was v6 other 2ltr petrol, I can't remember which was which though. Both were nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hertz Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Its a Z7X unit chain driven. Basically the same PRV 3.0 12V as in my A610 sans Turbot. The later ones got the same 3.0 24V as in the Laguna didn't they? Ohdearme 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schaefft Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 Basically the same PRV 3.0 12V as in my A610 sans Turbot. The later ones got the same 3.0 24V as in the Laguna didn't they? Yes and yes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 So, how did we get here? 20190210_165324 by Sam Osbon, on Flickr In short, I have no idea. I had planned something quite different to the scene above, but life found a way. The R19, which nearly became my shortest ever fleet member is now staying. It's got something, I can't quite place my finger on it, but anyone who has driven a slightly better equipped 19 may agree with me here, it's got some real appeal. They're really overlooked, and aside from some dreamers peddling rusty ones on eBay, are mostly forgotten. Aside from the 16v, naturally. The RSI seems to have been a shortlived 'warm' hatch, and was a Cabriolet only spec not long after my one was made. Bucket seats literally stuffed with padding almost make the cabin feel even smaller than it already is, and even a midget (well short legs) like me has to have the seat quite far back. Manual windows all round. My other half prefers this as apparently 'they won't ever break'. No grab handles. Take that occupants, you'll have nothing to hold onto when this beast blasts round the streets. Originally it would have had steel wheels with some seriously, seriously NLA trims attached. I have the steels in the boot but sadly, despite the previous owner assuring me the original trims were also in situ, they are just (awful) universal tri spokes! It also has no door speakers. Oh well. The driving is where it comes alive. As previously mentioned, it does not like motorways, and 70mph is about 3100rpm, which is slightly louder than anticipated. The 0-40 is where this car excels, the short throw gears and peppy torque make it feel like it is flying round the speedo. 19s grip well too, there is a little bit more feedback over bumps (no doubt due to alloys) compared to it's PSA rivals but the gearing (and gearbox itself, which isn't an A-Z of notchy hell) makes up for it, as well as the comfort. I really like it. Could this be the 19 I keep? I've just remembered that my previous two 19s are with other forum members, the krujoe RTI and holbeck(?) GTS-X. The Volvo still doing what it does best, but do I feel a creep of boredom coming in? I miss the almost perfect handling of the E34 i just sold, whereas the Volvo has a tendency to lean heavily on the front, and has the typical atrocious 5 cylinder turning circle. Fast though..... How long will it stay? Place bets now.... (this has nothing to do with the 320d for sale on the forum, honest!!!) bangernomics, Fabergé Greggs, The Moog and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 That shape of V70 has a far better turning circle than the later shape... w00dy and Lacquer Peel 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghosty Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 That 19 is a real looker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Its also certainly a tighter turning circle than the Marea HLX I had, that thing was awful for tight spaces. I do like the late 19s best, despite the typical Renault diluting facelift being in full effect. The full width smoked lights are ace though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 I remember at the time the facelifted 19s came out being somewhat displeased that Renault couldn't be arsed to convert the updated dashboard to RHD, so UK cars got stuck with the old one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 I've got to admit that the alloy wheels and front splitter actually work quite well on your 19, bramz. Wondering what the original trims looked like, led me to this: Hmmm. They look familiar. Oh wait. So now you've twice as much chance (0.5% + 0.5% or thereabouts) of picking up some mega obscure trims! Also, on a personal note; when did the first series, pre-facelift mk1 Clios become such lookers?! Lacquer Peel, Kringle and Dirk Diggler 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel Tidybeard Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 there's something that seem mighty familiar about your renner! OMG! Datsuncog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 I remember at the time the facelifted 19s came out being somewhat displeased that Renault couldn't be arsed to convert the updated dashboard to RHD, so UK cars got stuck with the old one. I never knew that. To be honest, the older dashboard has a bit more charm* to it, at least they moved the window switches which had a tendency to pop out on earlier cars. Not that it matters on mine.... Those are indeed the RSI trims. I suspect Spain will be the only place they are remotely available now. I did hear about a huge scrapyard in Madrid, maybe I should venture there? Incredible that the forum has two 19s in the same batch of registrations! Mine appears to have been a Renault UK pre-reg, as they are marked as the supplying dealer, PO is a Portsmouth reg, so right by the docks they were brought in I guess. In other news, think I might flog the Volvo, it's a great car but I don't know if I like it. Anyone want it? £750 to a shiter..... bangernomics and Fabergé Greggs 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabergé Greggs Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 In other news, think I might flog the Volvo, it's a great car but I don't know if I like it. Anyone want it? £750 to a shiter.....Yeah maybe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangernomics Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 What Volvo? Is it Automagically geared? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 No it's manual, and it's a 1999 V70 TDI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 16, 2019 Author Share Posted February 16, 2019 Sat in the 19 today and got it up to temperature, just to ensure it doesn't get forgotten about. A bit miffed about insurance still. Anyway, had a proper peek under the bonnet (well, I had already done this with the seller, unusually for me), and noticed it has a new radiator, expansion tank and fresher looking alternator than assumed. This is on top of the reasonably new stainless steel exhaust (mid section and back I believe), new tyres, new headlights etc. I think, for the £550 I paid, I got a bit of a bargain. Inside I noticed the later 19s have blanking plugs for the choke handle, and this one even has a blanking plug for the dash display dimmer, WTF? Not that I like my dials dimmed, but that's seriously mingebag. I do want to return it to more original condition, already slinged the 16v badge off the back, now fancy an original Renault stereo as well. In other news, I have started fancying MK1 Mondeos, specifically higher spec models. What they like? RobT, BorniteIdentity, beansbeansbeans and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangernomics Posted February 16, 2019 Share Posted February 16, 2019 Sat in the 19 today and got it up to temperature, just to ensure it doesn't get forgotten about. A bit miffed about insurance still. Anyway, had a proper peek under the bonnet (well, I had already done this with the seller, unusually for me), and noticed it has a new radiator, expansion tank and fresher looking alternator than assumed. This is on top of the reasonably new stainless steel exhaust (mid section and back I believe), new tyres, new headlights etc. I think, for the £550 I paid, I got a bit of a bargain. Inside I noticed the later 19s have blanking plugs for the choke handle, and this one even has a blanking plug for the dash display dimmer, WTF? Not that I like my dials dimmed, but that's seriously mingebag. I do want to return it to more original condition, already slinged the 16v badge off the back, now fancy an original Renault stereo as well. In other news, I have started fancying MK1 Mondeos, specifically higher spec models. What they like?I had a 2.0 ghia auto that was lovely, slow and thirsty but probably the best drive second only to my XJ’s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 16, 2019 Share Posted February 16, 2019 Don't get a 2.5 V6, they are quite underwhelming and you would probably be disappointed. A nice 2.0 Ghia isn't a bad place to be. KWhite, egg, bangernomics and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 Well the Mondeo I had thought about messaging about has gone. Typical, but the fact I didn't go for it right away suggests it wasn't that necessary a buy. I sort of fancy something else to tinker with, but I can't make the money add up, so looks like I'm sticking to roffles for the time being. One thing I forgot to mention about the 19, it does that typical 90s Renault thing of running hot in a normal way, even the book says this is normal. Still doesn't stop me sweating until the fan kicks in! Oh FWIW, it has no issue with hot starting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 So after years of wanting to, but never quite having the confidence to (have you seen the state of some of them for sale on gumtree?) I have purchased a classic era MPV. Classic era is something I just made up, but during the mid to late 90s there was an explosion of them brought to market, but this particular one stood out: 20190227_150224 by Sam Osbon, on Flickr I actually always liked the 'wacky' styling. Yeah it looks like a duck on meth, but who cares? Whats the next best thing? A vomit laden Zafira A? Pass. 20190227_150234 by Sam Osbon, on Flickr According to the internet, this was the second widest car for sale when new, only being pipped to that particular post by the Rolls Royce Silver Seraph. Driving wise, it becomes obvious quite quickly that it is wide. The wheels feel quite far apart, but that makes it feel particularly planted on bends, so you can approach far more enthusiastically than first thought. It doesn't seem to roll, at all, which in an era where the A class Mercedes attempted to crush some poor Swedish motor journalists is welcome. There is that typical Fiat firmness to it, which makes every single blemish in the road shake through the cabin, but otherwise reasonably smooth. Visibility is second to none, the depth to the front windows is at first a bit unpleasant as you feel exposed to everyone else, but you soon get used to it.The massive surface area of glass probably makes it a great mobile greenhouse in summer mind you. 20190227_150201 by Sam Osbon, on Flickr 20190227_150140 by Sam Osbon, on Flickr The interior is a fantastic display of modular bravery, the rear seats can be removed, the middle front seat folds down, then becomes a table with four cupholders, with the seat belt mount becoming an oddly well thought out armrest for the driver. Twin electric sunroofs, foglights mounted just below the windscreen (high beams are in the bumper!), a glove box on either side of the dashboard, various storage holes and a complete walkthrough in the front due to the handbrake being mounted on the right hand side of the driver. Yeah it's an acquired taste, a mobile creche, a six seat van etc, but I really like it. It's no ball of fire and the gearbox is notch central, but there's something wonderfully oddly appealing. It's probably the signs of some extreme unnamed fetish, but there we go. Plan is to use it to move house, and then decide from there. Bloody good on fuel too, 190 miles used just over a quarter of a tank! Dave_Q, shedenvy, ProgRocker and 32 others 35 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernaut Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Fucking hell! That was an unexpected turn! rantingYoof 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuvvum Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 foglights mounted just below the windscreen (high beams are in the bumper!) I always thought it was t'other way round? Nice purchase - bloody good engines those 8 valve JTDs. Craig the Princess 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsuncog Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 It's awful! It's wonderful! It's both! I remember seeing one of these in early 1999 and having no idea what to even think about it. I still don't. Distinctive, for sure - and getting scare. Well bought. I don't think I want one, but I'm glad someone here does. The only pre-facelift Multipla local to me works as a delivery hack for a Dominos franchise, so I'm sure yours at least smells better. Enjoy. Ohdearme 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Oddly, I have seen two other pre-facelift examples this week, and a ropey facelift today. There is still a handful in London.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tickman Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Fantastic purchase I will have to keep an eye out for the sale in the middle of March. garethj, stephen01, bangernomics and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted February 27, 2019 Author Share Posted February 27, 2019 Hopefully a bit longer than that as I need it to move house with in April! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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