CarCredo

Renault 19 I B/C53 (1988–1992)

3.8/5
Reliability score Average
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

5 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.4 (B/C532) (58 Hp) CAT (C1J) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 (B/C53P) (60 Hp) (C1J) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 (B/C53B) (73 Hp) (F3N) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.7 (B/C53C) (90 Hp) (F2N) No reports 0 No issues reported
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1.8 16V (B/C53D) (135 Hp) (F7P) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.9 Diesel (B/C534,B/C53J) (64 Hp) (F8Q) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

19 i - A Satisfying Ride

I'm really pleased with this car. It's comfortable, spacious, and doesn't generate high costs. I regret not installing LPG after buying it, but I didn't think I'd be driving it for so long. If it had a slightly stronger engine and rear-wheel drive, I wouldn't be thinking about switching to another car. I believe that with better care against road salt, one could drive it indefinitely.

Pros: Comfortable, Spacious, Low running costs
Cons: Could use a more powerful engine, No rear-wheel drive, Requires better protection against road salt
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

My 19: A Renault Nightmare

When it comes to my '19 model, I can't say a good word about it. The reliability of this car convinced me I will never buy a Renault again. I took care of this car as best as I could, and I'm a mechanic myself, but there wasn't a week I wasn't fixing something on it. The engine could refuse to obey at the most unexpected moments. Either it wouldn't start, or it would suddenly start sputtering, not to mention the oil leaks. Despite replacing all the seals and O-rings, it would still leak after a while. The engine...

Pros: None
Cons: Extremely unreliable, Constant mechanical issues, Engine problems (starting & sputtering), Persistent oil leaks
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

19 Renault - A Super Little Car

Super little car. I bought it from my neighbor who imported it. He had it for about 3 years and only did the timing belt, filters, brake pads, and clutch cable, of course. I bought it after it had been in an accident – the left chassis rail was bent and the whole front end was crooked (neighbor hit a tree). It was patched up without any electronics or power steering. I didn't go easy on it at all. I've had many budget cars, but only this Renault took such a beating. Whenever I could push it, I never held back and always gave it full throttle.

Pros: Super little car, Tolerated rough treatment
Cons: Bought after an accident, Bent chassis rail and front end, Lacked electronics and power steering
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

19 i: Still Underrated?

We (my fiancée and I) think this car is heavily underrated. We've had it for 2 years and recently returned from a trip to Italy. Comfortable, soft, sofa-like seats - during the drive, we didn't feel the need to get out and stretch. The car didn't let us down. Gas consumption is 10l/100km. Visually, we only like the sedan. The trunk is spacious, but unfortunately it's loud at 120km/h... For us, the car's silhouette is a plus - because it's well-maintained and rarely seen on the roads, we are often approached about it.

Pros: Comfortable, sofa-like seats, Spacious trunk, Attractive sedan silhouette, Not frequently seen on roads
Cons: Noisy at 120 km/h, Gas consumption: 10l/100km
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

1980s Gem Found by Chance

I stumbled upon this car by accident while looking for a beat-up old car locally; I hadn't considered this model at all before. I went to see it; it was a car from the deceased first owner in very good condition and for a ridiculous price - it was a sin not to take it ;) The car charmed me from the start with its beautifully drawn body line, designed by the famous Giugiaro, and a nicely designed interior. I've been driving it for a year; I've already done long trips (including to Germany) and I'm very pleased.

Pros: Beautiful Giugiaro design, Well-designed interior, Great value for money, Reliable for long trips
Cons: Potential for hidden issues in old cars

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