To Buy or Not to Buy: Renault Safrane?

[R9UKE]

OK, one of my all time favourite cars is the Renault Safrane.

I went to view one this evening. It's £250 and is a 1994 2.2Vi RT Executive model.

It's got a fantastic leather interior, 97000 miles and seems pretty well looked after. However, there are a few issues. No MOT. The current owner is an MOT tester and I'm wondering why he hasn't MOTd it himself? Surely he'd know what needs done, but he says he hasn't had time to check, but has still given it an MOT wash underneath!!????

Also, during the test drive, when stopping it cut out. The fuel gauge was sitting on zero, but it was fine while driving, and always started perfectly after cutting out? (would this happen if lack of fuel was the problem?)

Also voice synthesizer doesn't work, and the power steering light is on.

If it was any other car I'd leave it, but it's a rare model and seems great otherwise. However, I don't have the money to do loads for an MOT.

But hey, is there really a perfect Safrane out there?

Thanks.

[Citroenmad]

I voted hope for a better one.

Sounds as though your going to have to put in quite a bit more money. Since your probably not intending on keeping it a long time and safranes are never worth a great deal id say leave it. As your probably not going to get the use or value back when you sell. Try find a better example with an MOT test.

Could be simple things, but more than likely a long list of on going issues.

[myglaren]

Same here!

Are MOT testers allowed to test their own cars?

[R9UKE]

Thanks for your thoughts so far! I'm still in two minds though.

He said he is allowed to MOT his own car, but only after completing loads of paperwork and has to be shadowed by another tester while carrying the test out (here in N.Ireland we have dedicated MOT centres, normal garages are not allowed to carry out the test). Their car also has to be tip top to pass, there is no allowance for the odd small flaw as there is for the regular motorist.

Perhaps this is the reason he hasn't MOTd it. He said all he knows is that is possibly needs a front ball joint?

As for selling it on, I don't think I would. I have a heart for big Renaults and I'd say this one would be a keeper (making money on a Safrane is virtually impossible!).

[Citroenmad]

Well if your going to be keeping it a good while then why not, make thew money and work you will need to do worthwhile if your going to be getting the use from it.

It does seem a little odd that the owner/MOT tester has not got it through its MOT. As it would be much more saleable.

Have you got a way round yuor insurance, if you intend on keeping it?

There is a nice 2.5 V6 Safrane on autotrader, £500 with MOT! Though looks a bit rotten round the rear arches.

[robert_e_smart]

I voted you should get it Luke,

Safranes are like XMs. Non existant over here, and a labour of love more than anything. I like the Safrane, they look like quality big cars.

Its cheap, its near home, and its not going to cost a fortune to MOT, nor a fortune to keep.

I don't look for Renaults for sale, do Safranes come up for sale often over here? Factor in it costing more than it would cost to buy that car, to bring one back from GB.

[R9UKE]

Have you got a way round yuor insurance, if you intend on keeping it?

There is a nice 2.5 V6 Safrane on autotrader, £500 with MOT! Though looks a bit rotten round the rear arches.

No still haven't figured anything out, so potentially I could MOT it then find that insurance is the next nightmare and it was all a waste of time!
And yes that Safrane looks good, but i much prefer the pre-facellift version.

I don't look for Renaults for sale, do Safranes come up for sale often over here? Factor in it costing more than it would cost to buy that car, to bring one back from GB

No... not often at all. There are 3 in the whole UK on autotrader at the mo, all of which are the facelifted ones!

This is a nightmare. The pros and cons are completely equal. I'll see how the poll goes and make a few insurance enquiries.

[R9UKE]

Finally I've come to a decision.

I went to see it again and guess what, the climate control doesn't blow hot! Failed heater matrix. Renault quote £890 for the job.

[robert_e_smart]

A heater matrix change can't be as bad as it is in a Xantia surely!

Can you find out how much trouble it is to change the matrix, and give it a go yourself?

[Citroenmad]

You got a quote from Renault to fit a heater matrix! Do you not have any good independant garages or specialists you use? Thats an awful lot for that.

I too do like Safranes, very rare car now though. I saw a mint mk1 car last year, in black, absolutely lovely condition. I even got a picture of it

Still a hugely popular car over in France, saw a lot of them there last year.

[R9UKE]

After checking with the excellent source of Honest John (www.honestjohn.co.uk) as I do with every car I purchase, I read about the heater matrix (that's where the quote is from). I figured that if it's this much from Renault, it's likely to be at least £300 from an independent garage, as the Safrane's dashboard is a b*tch to take apart to access the matrix.

Also, I bought the original brochure for the 1993 Safrane off ebay, and have learned that the RXE V6 has Computer Controlled self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension!! I'd like to find that model...

Is it anything like Citroen's systems?

I too do like Safranes, very rare car now though. I saw a mint mk1 car last year, in black, absolutely lovely condition. I even got a picture of it

Wouldn't mind seeing that picture!

[robert_e_smart]

Xantias are out for you as well then Luke.

They are prone to heater matrix leaks as well.

Thankfully the dash doesn't need to be removed in a XM or CX to do it. Even though, the XM dash is easy to take out.

Can you not bargain hard with the seller to get it super cheap because the matrix is goosed?

[Citroenmad]

After checking with the excellent source of Honest John (www.honestjohn.co.uk) as I do with every car I purchase, I read about the heater matrix (that's where the quote is from). I figured that if it's this much from Renault, it's likely to be at least £300 from an independent garage, as the Safrane's dashboard is a b*tch to take apart to access the matrix.

Also, I bought the original brochure for the 1993 Safrane off ebay, and have learned that the RXE V6 has Computer Controlled self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension!! I'd like to find that model...

Is it anything like Citroen's systems?

I too do like Safranes, very rare car now though. I saw a mint mk1 car last year, in black, absolutely lovely condition. I even got a picture of it

Wouldn't mind seeing that picture!

Here you go, it was at a VW show, of all places!



Ive never heard of a renault with hydropneumatic self leveling suspension? Cant imagine this is Citroens technology? Wouldnt mind finding out more about that.

[R9UKE]

Wow that looks great, original alloy wheels too!

Yes I was very surprised about the suspension as well, here's a direct quote from the brochure:

"The Computer Controlled Suspension automatically selects one of three damping characteristics, according to driving conditions and the road surface - Comfort, Medium or Sport. Constant interaction between computer and suspension results in less roll on corners, less pitch on uneven surfaces and less dive under braking. The hydropneumatic suspension is self-levelling, so Safrane rides at a constant height and handles predictably no matter how heavily laiden. At motorway speeds, the suspension lowers by 15mm to reduce drag. Ride height can be increased to lift Safrane clear of rough ground or water."

Mustn't have been that good though, didn't last too long in Renault's range, did it!!??

[gollum]

I voted for Hope for a better one. Good luck mate