Renaults - level of standardization?

czenda · Unread post by **czenda** » 02 Jul 2005, 02:39

Hi, I am thinking of buying a Renault - possibly mid-90s Espace.
I am driving Citroen BX right now while my relative drives PGT. As we were used to a high level of spare parts interchangeability with our previous cars (namely Fiat and VW), we are ALWAYS surprised by enormous number of badly documented variants of almost any spare part needed. Good example is a number of alternators fitted to my Citroen - they come from at least 5 different manufacturers.
How is the situation with Renaults? I know it is hard to generalize, but we do not know anybody with hands-on experience with the brand, which is why I am asking this question.
When I asked a spare parts dealer about Renault parts standardization, he said something like "It is the same as PSA... do not be surprised, it is a French car. They put in anything that fits in and it only depends on how they slept the night before."
Is it an exaggeration, or is it more or less true? I always thought Renaults were somewhat "spartan" when compared to Cits/PGTs, but I am not so sure about this anymore.
What is your opinion? Thanks in advance.

icenutter · Unread post by **icenutter** » 29 Sep 2005, 15:26

In my experince Renaults are rubbish for this; the clio 1 has 2 types of rear drums (you can't tell the difference until you take the drum off - then you have no car to go and get the parts in), and there are two types of front shock - one with 52mm spacing and another with 54mm (close enough to make it difficult to tell the difference at a glance)
Sorry to be glum. [:)]

Mosser · Unread post by **Mosser** » 29 Sep 2005, 16:17

Mid 90's espace's always had really weak and unreliable gearboxes that were prone to gear teeth breaking off, each time it happens its a grand for a recon gearbox fitted and i went through 3 of them in 180,000 miles, i dont think the gearbox is strong enough for the size and weight of the car really, other than that, i never really had many problems with my espace and it was a very nice car to drive, pity it didnt have air con though !!

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 30 Sep 2005, 00:38

Currently the wifes has a phase 2 Reno Megane soft top year 2001. I drive as a works car a Reno Megane TD 5 door year 2002. The interior is the same. Dash board the same floor mats, carpet, radio, steering wheels all that kind of stuff. GSF are good for most of all the bits you'll ever need though.