Elderly Renault Automatics - worth the risk?

[theorganist]

I have been trying to find a replacement for my Allegro for some months now.

 

I ideally wanted another Maxi but everyone is either a bit (or much) too expensive or needs to much work for me to contemplate, if only I could weld!

 

I do really fancy this Renault 9 automatic which is on e-bay atm

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280690882308&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

It has only done around 55,000 miles and has t & t.

 

Would the combination of it being an old Renault and an automatic mean that it is probably best avoided?

 

Any opinions would be gratefully received.

[Cavcraft]

I think it was later Renault automatics that were known for chocolate gearboxes. The one you pictured is unlikely to make much more than the start price (if indeed attract any bidding at all) so I wouldn't think you could go too far wrong with it as long as the fluid is nice and clean and it changes gear nicely.

 

What's the worse that could happen? The box could self destruct so you could either convert to manual (which admittedly might be fairly tricky trying to find the parts) or strip it for bits to save other ones and send the rest over the bridge. The latter option should (not definately, just should) mean you wouldn't lose much money at it.

[Guest Len H]

It's not like Renner make the autoboxes, they'll be made by some crew like ZF and sold to various manufacturers.

[theorganist]

It's not like Renner make the autoboxes, they'll be made by some crew like ZF and sold to various manufacturers.

 

I realise that its just that you hear these stories or rumours!!

 

Thanks Cavette I wasn't sure if the "rumours" applied just to more recent cars, I think it is worth looking into at that price.

[dollywobbler]

Some cars with larger engines and auto gearboxes - Renaults and Citroens certainly - can develop issues. If it's the ZF gearbox used in smaller stuff, like the BX diesel and the like, problems seem to be much rarer. Fluid condition is everything so ideally, you want to view the car so you can check how it changes gear (1980s autos aren't always super-smooth, but jolting and slipping in gear are bad news) and sniff the fluid (burning smell is bad news).

[boobydoo]

That looks a great little buy.....it's low ownership and mileage so can't be that bad!!

[theorganist]

Think I am going to be too late anyway, apparently someone is going to view it tonight so "it might be sold".

[Bren]

It seems to be early 90's onward were the auto boxes were problematic due to their complexity and quality of electronics.

 

I had a P reg laguna auto, the vendor admitted to me that he had spent £500 on the box, and that was trade prices as he was a workshop foreman. I went ahead and bought it anyway.

 

A few months down the line the SERV light came on and car would not pull away in 1st.

 

I took it to selector gearbox in Garston who sorted it with a secondhand valve chest - still cost £200 +.

 

I kept the car for another 18 months, sold it with a £200 loss - not bad.

 

I know the trade are wary of modern french autos, some won't even retail them as they are certain to be subject to a warranty claim.

 

If it's cheap enough though, it may be worth a punt.

[wuvvum]

I'm not so sure - my 1981 Renault 5 auto succumbed to gearbox trouble - the box was microprocessor controlled even in those days (and obviously the electronic bits are now made of purest unobtainium coated in rocking horse shit). Personally I wouldn't touch that 9 with a bargepole.

[theorganist]

Just had confirmation from the seller that they have sold it this evening .

 

Oh well, will keep looking.