Vel Satis?

[ReedyGT]

Hi all - just a quick one really!

I am looking at a 2002 2.2 DCi Privilege with low miles tomorrow...

Am I mad!? Is there anything specific to the engine to look out for?

I have done some digging on the car and they seem like a bargain for what they are....

Any assistance appreciated..

Thanks

Reedy

[Mr Jenks]

I am looking at a 2002 2.2 DCi Privilege with low miles tomorrow...

Am I mad!?

Is there anything specific to the engine to look out for? Running would be a bonus

I have done some digging... make sure the hole is deep enough that it cant get out,

they seem like a bargain for what they are....maybe there`s a reason for that

Any assistance appreciated.. you`ll need it, AA, RAC, Green Flag etc

I am FAR from anti Renault but the Vel Satis is the biggest pile of ste they ever managed to produce,

Edited by Mr Jenks on Friday 11th January 20:23

Edited by Mr Jenks on Friday 11th January 20:40

[ReedyGT]

Seriously.... That bad...?!?!..

I do REALLY fancy one... I am from alfa Romeo's though so maybe a glutton for punishment!...

They can't be that bad?

[dapprman]

I almost bought one a few years back and my research at the time never showed any real issues with them. Main problem is that very few were sold in this country and only the bigger Renault garages can or are willing to deal with them.

[AmitG]

dapprman said:

I almost bought one a few years back and my research at the time never showed any real issues with them. Main problem is that very few were sold in this country and only the bigger Renault garages can or are willing to deal with them.

+1

I very nearly bought one too...

On the plus side, they are REALLY comfortable; proper old-school French luxo-barge stuff. The interior is lovely. The seats are the best I have ever sat in, including my sofa at home. It's a hatchback and the rear seats fold down so it's practical too.

On the down side, the 2.2 dCi engine had a lot of problems, although if this one has survived 10 years and has low miles it might be OK. Parts availability seems to be patchy, especially the body panels. This was the deal breaker with me. I had an acquaintence who literally gave up waiting for a new front wing and scrapped the car.

With this one I would focus on making sure it is not a ticking time bomb. Ask the vendor why they are selling, look at the history (not just the service book), find out whether it is due for a cambelt etc. Take a long hard look at the engine bay for signs of leaks, bodges etc. Check the fluid levels and engine bay before and after the test drive. It's all standard stuff but you need to be especially careful here.

Drivetrain is largely shared with the Laguna so parts availability is not too bad there in my experience. It's the panels, glass and interior trim that you have to worry about, so make sure that is all present and correct.

I have a feeling that these will be future classics, but most of them will be gone by then.

Oh, and pics when you get it

[ReedyGT]

Well... the 2.2 Dci was a bit of a dog....

But the 3.0 Dci was not! - deposit down, subject to satisfactory MOT!

Should be picking her up Saturday!

[AmitG]

Congrats!

I had the 3.0 dCi engine in a Grand Espace; it was really good to drive and IMHO suited the car very well. I think it is originally an Isuzu unit?

Maintenance on the Espace was a pain since the engine is so large, and the engine bay so small, that a number of jobs were "engine out". I think the Vel Satis won't have this problem since there is more space in the bay.

What colour and trim level did you go for? How many miles?

[ReedyGT]

It is Vert Abysse colour, really nice in Initiale specification... only done 92K on a '53 plate!