Renault 18 Turbo (1981-89)

The Renault 18 Turbo, while innovative for its time, had several common issues that owners often encountered:

1. **Turbo Lag**: The Garrett T3 turbocharger used in the Renault 18 Turbo was known for significant turbo lag, meaning there was a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger kicking in.

2. **Corrosion**: Despite improvements in rustproofing, corrosion was still a problem, particularly in areas like the sills, wheel arches, and rear quarter panels.

3. **Electrical Issues**: Electrical faults were not uncommon, affecting various components such as the central locking system and electric windows.

4. **Cooling System**: Problems with the cooling system, including radiator leaks and thermostat failures, were also reported.

5. **Oil Leaks**: Oil leaks, particularly from the turbocharger and engine seals, were another frequent issue.

Despite these faults, the Renault 18 Turbo remains a beloved classic for many enthusiasts.
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Generations
The Renault 18 had **two main generations** during its production run from 1978 to 1989. The first generation was introduced in 1978, and the second generation, which included some updates and improvements, came out in 1984.
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Trim Levels
The Renault 18 was offered in various trim levels throughout its production run, catering to different markets and customer preferences. Here are some of the notable trim levels:

1. **TL**: The base model with minimal equipment.
2. **TS**: A step up from the TL, offering more comfort and features.
3. **GTL**: A more luxurious version with additional features.
4. **GTS**: A sportier trim with enhanced performance and equipment.
5. **TX**: The top-of-the-line model with the most features and luxury.
6. **Turbo**: The high-performance variant with a turbocharged engine.
7. **TD and GTD**: Diesel versions, with the GTD being more equipped than the TD.

These trims varied in terms of equipment, engine options, and other features.
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Engines
The Renault 18 was offered with a variety of engines throughout its production run. Here are some of the notable ones:

### Petrol Engines:
1. **1.4L Cléon I4**: 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp)
2. **1.6L I4**: Available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions
- **Turbocharged**: 125 hp
3. **1.7L I4**: Available in different power outputs
- 79 hp
- 96 hp
4. **2.0L I4**: 105 hp

### Diesel Engines:
1. **2.1L I4**: 66 hp

These engines were paired with either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission, and some models also had a 3-speed automatic option.
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Performance
The Renault 18 Turbo offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:

- **Engine**: 1.6L turbocharged inline-4
- **Power**: 125 bhp (127 PS/93 kW) at 5500 rpm
- **Torque**: 181 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 121 mph (195 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: Between 10.1 and 10.8 seconds

The car was known for its relatively low weight of around 1040 kg, which contributed to its agile performance. Despite some turbo lag, the Renault 18 Turbo was praised for its strong mid-range torque and overall driving experience.
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Spares
You can find spare parts for the Renault 18 from several online retailers in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:

1. **AutoPartsPro**: They offer a wide range of parts for the Renault 18, including brakes, filters, suspension components, and more.
2. **EU Spares**: This site provides original equipment (OE) parts for the Renault 18, covering various models and years.
3. **AutoDoc**: Known for a comprehensive selection of car parts, AutoDoc also offers support in multiple languages.

These sites should have what you need to keep your Renault 18 running smoothly.
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Specialists
Yes, there are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can help with your Renault 18 Turbo. Here are a few options:

1. **Renault Auto Stores** in Bangor, Down: They specialize in Renault vehicles and offer a range of services including repairs, diagnostics, and MOT preparation.
- **Address**: 15E Clifton Road, Bangor BT20 5EW
- **Phone**: 028 9145 0813

2. **Charles Hurst Renault** in Belfast: This is a well-known dealership and service center that can handle various repairs and maintenance for Renault vehicles.
- **Address**: 62 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6LR
- **Phone**: 028 9517 2412

3. **ClickMechanic**: This service connects you with mobile mechanics and local garages in Northern Ireland. They offer a range of services including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance.

4. **FixMyCar**: Another platform that helps you find local garages and mobile mechanics for specific issues like turbo faults and replacements.

These options should provide you with the support you need to keep your Renault 18 Turbo in top condition. *****

Racing
The Renault 18 did have a presence in motorsport, particularly in rallying. Here are some highlights:

1. **Group A Rallying**: The Renault 18 Turbo was homologated for Group A rallying. It competed in various national and international rally events during the early 1980s.

2. **Tour de Corse**: One of the notable appearances was in the Tour de Corse, part of the World Rally Championship (WRC), where it showcased its capabilities on the challenging tarmac stages.

3. **National Championships**: The Renault 18 also participated in several national rally championships across Europe, often driven by privateers and smaller teams.

While it wasn't as dominant as some other rally cars of its era, the Renault 18 Turbo's participation in these events helped to enhance its reputation and showcased its performance potential.
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Values
The value of a Renault 18 Turbo today can vary significantly based on its condition, mileage, and originality. Here are some recent examples:

1. **Well-maintained models**: Prices for well-preserved Renault 18 Turbos in good condition can range from **£7,000 to £10,500**.
2. **Restored or low-mileage examples**: These can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching up to **£15,000** or more.

The market for classic cars can be quite dynamic, so it's always a good idea to check current listings on classic car websites and auctions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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