Avantime Owners UK
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Comments
General impressions are good, though the crashy worn out dampers and drivers side control arm are ruining the impression. The 2.0T is quite peppy and more than adequate. Recent fill up was 71 litres, which seems bigger than the tank - might call local weights and measures team!
It is not advisable to put grease on the sunroof as it attracts grit, which in the long term will cause more issues and be hard to remove. The sunroof is always slow and often juddery, what seems to be best is regular use and of course the silicone spray, but you have to run it a few times before it works. If theres still issues you can take the sunroof off and give the rails a proper clean out. Also, only use the sunroof with engine on, I don't know that running it without the engine does damage but its painful to watch as it is so lethargic and usually needs a hand.
RE roof rack - have a read of this http://www.Avantime-owners.com/forum/discussion/1251/roof-barsrack#Item_1 nothing is still available, but if you can identify what part numbers were may find a second hand set.
Was wondering about the grit-grease dilemma. Suppose ill run it a few time to et the dried out surfaces lubricated then wipe down to avoid excess grease, see if that is the right compromise.
Comment: All references to "TO" are an abbreviation of "Toit Ouvrant" - "Opening Roof".
The part number for the little 20g pot of grease is 7711419865, I think. I've got one somewhere in the garage. I also found mention of a Molykote silicone grease in a 100g tube, 7701028179. Both of these are still available from Renault.
However, I am cautious about using this in the light of comments made here about not using grease...
So true for so many things ;-)
From my personal experience, I would not use any type of grease even that Renault recommend but stick to the aerosol silicone oil like this or similar;-
Doing some simple jobs, one by one (is there any other way).
Its all in the detail, new number plate for 8 looks spiffing.
One thing that is bugging me is the light grey rear wiper cowl. Just NO! …….Soon to be black.
Have also lined the boot with plastic matting and cardboard tub to avoid staining/stench when the inevitable happens with our largish five month old (Dulux dog) puppy Duncan.
Our seven month old (human) has moved on to a forward facing child seat and he loves the view out afforded by the cinema seating, shrieking with delight like a tetradactyl for the last trip to the marsh.
Have bought some silicon sheets (blue and clear) which I will put on the door treads to stop marking by may daughter, as they are currently immaculate and it seems a shame to spoil them, likewise the boot lip which will get trashed by Duncan.
As for transporting anything under 30 years old, I suggest getting a trailer.
heres my cardboard carbuncle
including plastic liner for doggy based accidents.
I think i bumped the pipes in the centre of the car yesterday and spotted a dripping leak
are they AC, turbo cooling? wierd place for pipes, beside the exhaust! Looked expensive. I think ive seen something on those here somewhere, will have a read tonight.
Impressed with table carrying capabilities. Not too bad for a two door.
Negatives are:
the handling set up, we were expecting boaty around corners but, the pitching is worse than ive experienced. Fenland roads tend to have a lot of dips in them due to the soft earth underneath. The car feels unsettled front and rear like the axles have never been introduced. We have new dampers but the garage decided not to fit them for whatever reason. Im doubtful that is the issue. Its very much a Lockheed Starfighter rather than a F15 Eagle, handling wise.
Radio reception seems poor.
Positives
As a car nerd its quite an exciting dadwagon, biggest sun roof, double door hinges, no b pillars, cinema seating, built in front seat belts, easy fold seats, commanding view.
The kids really love the view out, the grand air has been awesome in this endless summer and the seats and driving position are very comfortable. The engine is great (2.0T) Im still waiting to calculate fuel economy, suspect about 33mpg). This owners website has been great and gives a great feeling of security with such an oddball car. The blue colour is the most common, but really nice and complements (and does not clash with) our other cars.
Load lugging wise, occasionally the junk-in-the-trunk shape isn’t volvoesque/cubic enough, but we have had a sideboard, plants and five tables in the back so overall it is fine.
Need to add the rubber footsteps, rear seat mat (messy kids) and dog scratch protector at the rear.
A few niggles to sort; wobbly indicator, 3 x scuffs, missing plastic, cracked rear view mirror perimeter, cracked plastic vent, broken armrest hinge, paint that wiper cowl to black, corrosion on the roof rails.
All to be done before the trip to France.
Have recently noticed it has parking sensors which was a nice surprise. Especially with that arse.
The electric lumbar support is a nice oddity.
Fi
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finally detail cleaned the air box and new filter.
The intake hose is split near the opening but doubtful this can make any difference.
Interior rear view mirror cracked on the periphery.