Hello from a 2CV enthusiast!

[Rhythm Thief]

Hi all. I've run Citroen 2CVs for years but have always considered Renault 4s to be just as interesting, probably better and certainly rarer. I've joined to find out a bit more about them so I can (possibly) to replace my aged and very rusty 2CV with one.
I don't believe in having Sunday cars, so anything I buy will be my only transport, other than my push bikes. What's the spares situation like? If there's one thing we 2CVers are spoiled with, it's an abundance of new spare parts! Cheers folks, looking forward to posting a bit more.

 

[jjad]

Ooh - a potential convert!

The biggest problem with the 4 is probably the chassis, in particular the inner rear suspension mounting point. This is a relatively difficult and expensive repair to do, and has probably consigned many R4s to the scrap heap. Unlike for 2CVs, there seems to be no-one who makes replacement chasses.

I've not had problems getting parts (except for a headrest, which because our R4 was built in Slovenia, couldn't be got from Renault UK - it took the kind help of a forum member from Bosnia and Herzegovina to get one!). If your local Renault dealer can't get parts for the 4, then see this thread.

Failing that, parts can sometimes be obtained from other friendly faces on this forum.

Derek at Renospeed in London runs a R4 specialist garage and is very good.

For an everyday car, I think a later, GTL type would be better, as it has the more powerful 1108cc engine. However, depending on your requirements and expectations, the smaller engined cars might be fine.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[angel]

I would add to what jjad said, that even though the R4 does not have such abundance of parts (and parts suppliers as well...) as the 2CV, you will end up finding what you need with a little more searching, especially if you have a newer (late 70s onwards) R4.
Parts available for the R4 are normally not reproduction ones, they come from well-known manufacturers, so quality is rather good. That's in contrast with the 2CV or, say, the Mini or the VW, where a lot of modern reproduction parts are just meant to be fitted and look nice, and not stand everyday use.

Welcome aboard and happy 4Ling!

 

[malcolm]

All that seconded. I run a GTL as an every day car. All the bits needed to keep it going are available from motor factors and it never needs much.

I reckon the R4 is about halfway between a 2CV and a proper car. You'll not find cheap replacement interiors for the R4, and you need to do all the welding yourself (or get Renospeed to do it). No new chassis available for the R4 (yet). C or D registration R4 GTL would be a good option for every day use - they got a lot better at rust proofing by then.

South of France cars can make a good import too - no rust down that way, but they insist on putting the steering wheel on the passenger side. I reckon that's so the driver can have lots of wine and let the passenger steer the car home.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Thanks for the welcome. Doing my own welding ... well, I know one end of a MIG from another, but I'm by no means an accomplished welder. Still, there's only one way to get better at it, and my 2CV has an awful lot of rusty bits. In fact, the easiest way to sort the 2CV out will be to chop the back off and make it into a pickup. But I digress.
I'm off to Ebay to see if I can find any for sale. What sort of money should I be paying for a reasonably sound but scruffy R4 with an MOT?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Oh, and here is my previous Renault ... I used to practically live in this.

 

[jjad]

When test-driving any R4s you see for sale, you may notice they offer a little less torque than your previous Renault. However, they do fit in the small garages often found in modern houses.
Good luck!

 

[malcolm]

Here's my guess on prices: http://www.renault4.co.uk/price-guide.htm There's a buyers guide linked in the navigation there too that talks about rust a lot.

eBay can be a bit funny if a car is shiny. Best to get one that hasn't been polished. I'd value late LHD cars about 30% lower than RHD cars in equivalent condition.