buying tips for renault 4

[joseph]

Hi all,

I´m new to this forum.I joined because I am going to look at a renault 4 this weekend witha view to buying it.I have always loved these little cars and after 40 years on a motorbike I am about to bite the bullet and purchase one.A 1984,1100.completely resprayed body and interior in tip top condition,94000 kms.(55.000miles) on the clock.I don´t know much about the mechanics so I need your help.
My question to all you lovely experts is "what should I look for..is there any specific problems that I should give special attention to.?...I live in southern spain so I don´t think rust will be a problem.
Any advice will be gratefully received.

Best regards
Joseph

 

[Azazello]

Even the internal part of the chassis was white-resprayed...

 

[claude]

It was mainly chassis corrosion, particularly at the rear where the suspension hangers join that was the death nail for many of these little cars- but if your's has enjoyed it's life in Southern Spain that's unlikely to be a problem. It then just a matter of the usual inspection checks that you would go through with any car up for sale. The engines and gearboxes are generally very tough and reliable so long as they've been properly maintained and regularly serviced.

Claude

 

[joseph]

Thank you very much for your advice.I looked at the R4 today..it is in outstanding condition,body and chasis perfect..only doubt is that it hasn`t been restored mechanicaly and when driving it spits and missfires under load I:E when I changed up a gear ..then it levels out and runs o.k..It spits out some dark brown smoke from the exhaust too...It has been standing for a few months ,could it be just this or a bigger problem?

 

[iMacThere4iAm]

Sounds like the fuel mixture might just be much too rich, try retuning the carburettor and she should run much better.

 

[joseph]

Thanks Tom...just a thought..do you think it could be because it is running on unleaded?...I read some comments on this forum that the R4 1100 should use 98 octane or unleaded with an additive....what is your opinion.?

 

[iMacThere4iAm]

Low octane unleaded tends to cause pinking rather than smoke and misfiring, so it's probably not the issue here.