Renault Avantime - Dear god what have I done.

[Steve421]

So, having decided that I'd had enough of paying £350 a month for a reliable, modern car on finance, I decided to sell up and buy a nice, cheap runaround with no monthly outgoings. So what did I do? I had far too many beers and ended up with a Renault Avantime.

Yes, it has more electrical issues than an Alfa in a lake and yes I know I'm going to spend whatever money I've saved on persuading it to work properly, but I love it.

[Shiv_P]

Brings fond memories of the top gear episode

[Steve421]

With the windows and sunroof down there literally is "more air than in Montana" to quote Clarkson.

[ZX10R NIN]

Wow I'd forgotten all about these a true wafto car.

[Steve421]

Indeed, I thought I'd need a boating license when I first climbed inside, it's tremendously relaxing to drive though! Strangely enough there's not a squeak or rattle to be found. Need to spend the weekend giving it a good service and cleaning every electrical contact to within an inch of its life.

[Mammasaid]

Well done Sir <doffs hat>

[ajprice]

Nice

[Hammy98]

Always liked these, reminds me a bit of the Espace F1.

[Matt Cup]

Make sure the rear light electrical connections are cleaned up, I believe they are the root of most electrical gremlins.

Also don’t forget to get an F1 spoiler fitted!

[carinaman]

I like them and usually read the adverts if I see one for sale.

Are they CANBUS?

[Trevor555]

Well done, a proper, rare, modern classic.

Half the battle with one of these is not letting the battery go flat, that in its self can cause electrical problems.

Keep the thread updated with pics please.

[Steve421]

Will do! At the moment the main issue is the electrical warning screen illuminating when the car is started, which forces the car in to limp mode and eventually causes the engine light to stay on. A basic OBD reader (and the torque app) show a P0120 throttle pedal sensor fault, but the car has recently had a brand new throttle body. Hopefully going into a specialist on Monday to diagnose

[helix402]

Doesn’t the throttle pedal have two potentiometers? I’m no Renault expert but most fly by wire throttle systems do.

[Steve421]

I believe it does! There's a chap who breaks these and specialises in the Avantime, so I think it might be worth ordering a new pedal from him.

[VitorioVeloce]

Steve421 said:

Yes, it has more electrical issues than an Alfa in a lake

as an alfa enthusiast it is heartwarming to read there are worse cars in terms of electrics

That said, love the car! proper left field choice and should be plenty comfortable and enjoyable once fixed

[SVX]

Love these! That colour combo in 3.0 litre auto guise

[Podie]

Good work, must have taken a few brave pills.

Hope it works out well for you!

[Uncle John]

Remember the slogan on the ad for these:

‘Space is the ultimate luxury.’

Brave man, keep it updated.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

I'm so unlucky, if I bought a Renault Avantime, I'd probably write it off in a head on collision with a Vel Satis.

[Shakermaker]

I do rather like these. Which engine does yours have?

I note the values on these are also going up - not long ago you could pick them up for about £1500 but they've probably all been broken by now, decent ones seem to be maintaining a good price now