I BOUGHT A CHEAP, RARE RENAULT VEL SATIS FOR £2,000!

[@cliffordspence2915]

We all know Matt has a collection of premium cars but I love the fact he isn't a badge snob and gets excited over very dull things 😂

[@finleypdoherty]

and a berlingo

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

When you were selling cars in spain how did you deal with the transfer???

[@chiquita71]

Definite contender for festival of the unacceptable

I think it's difficult to describe a Vel Satis as 'dull' 😂

[@nygelmiller5293]

Hooray! Someone said it was difficult to imagine this as DULL.

[@JMNTN]

this channel never fails to educate me on obscure Chinese tire brands

[@lincolnengland5005]

You can't beat the Landsail 'Ditchfinders'.......

[@klawlor3659]

Firemax Pro is where it's at! Cheap and....errrr.....cheerful!

[@allanprits3484]

​@@lincolnengland5005 how about LingLong V12 Evo 2 Supersports 😅 (ok i made the V12 etc up...but LingLong sound worse and are even shiter!

[@mecharoo]

the last video on the suzukiAPV was cosmo el jefe 2, i looked it up and it turned out to be some family run company in the US... not sure where the tyres are actually manufactured though.

[@Sam-gw5pl]

Ahhh yes, the classic ‘Arrowpoint’

[@YorkshireMidge]

I remember having a hire car delivered to my home for work use many years ago, and the hire car guy knocked on the door and said I'd had an upgrade with a big smile on his face. Sat outside was 3L diesel Vel Satis, brand new, with only a few dozen miles on it. I couldn't imagine paying for one out of my own pocket, but it was without doubt one of the most delightfully bonkers cars I've ever driven, and I was sorry to see it go back.

[@martsteegh4122]

Exactly what I meant with my comment: If I had to driving a decent amount of km per day and had the choice: a very luxurious car that looks butt-ugly on the outside or the opposite (beautiful but not at all comfortable) my choice would always be the first. (actually it had to be a rather implausible scenario before I would choose otherwise).

[@seancorker5815]

I absolutely love the Vel Setis such a unique and characterful car. The French are masters of how to break down stylishly. Great vid

[@terencejay8845]

I've always thought they were great looking cars.

[@w3dnesd4y57]

It's not ugly, it's different from all the mainstream cars that look the same.

[@AJ-yc3bl]

Crazy cope

[@Account1746]

Cringe

[@norsegolf76]

It is that, but it is also ugly. That said, if it'd been the 3.5 V6 and an automatic I'd be all over it!

[@frimleyfrodo]

Whereas a Renault diesel engine doesn’t frighten me, but a Renault auto box sends me screaming for the hills 😉

[@Tdawg93a]

Be real... it's ugly.

[@kevincockburn7805]

A fine motor. The choice for a man for whom the fiat multipla is too mainstream.

[@TheComputec]

LOL

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Junk just goddamn junk cars. Could not give me one.

​@@scrambler69-xk3kv You've never driven less owned either so shut your pie hole 😂

[@averagedev7768]

The electronics are known to go craizy in these. PT crouser with 2.2 mercedes diesel is a good buy if you want to be mainstreem 😂

[@htimsid]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv So what do you prefer / recommend?

[@TheManmoths]

The best you’ve featured all year! Useless cars but brilliantly cool and innovative

[@marten6578]

what do you mean by useless? it's a spacious and comfortable diesel, can't get any better than that for everyday use. not sure about reliability of that chain driven 2.2 engine though.

[@TheComputec]

@@marten6578 Having owned one and suffered at the financial money pit that it created I can attest that these were stupidly overly complex engines and exceptionally unreliable or to pout it in shorthand, typically french!

[@99ron30]

Saab used the same 2.2 Diesel Isuzu lump in the 9-5. Didn't have an amazing reputation for reliability or economy. But the Isuzu 1.7 Diesels are known for being strong. So I never understood how they got it wrong. Shame Renault didn't put a Sofim 8140 from the old Renault Trafic in it. They are one of the best Diesel engines ever made in my opinion.

​@@TheComputec The engines weren't stupidly complex and despite what you're attempting to say this engine has seen service in various Renault cars and commercial vehicles and are FAR from unreliable. Love to know how yours was a 'money pit'.

[@TheComputec]

Voted number 13 in the worst engines list "The 2.2 Renault dCi engine offers an outstanding balance of power and fuel economy, although at the cost of reliability. One of the most common failures of this particular engine is its weak head gasket, which can cause the coolant to leak and eventually end up in the overheated engine. Many people have reported fuel injectors being faulty and expensive to repair. Take this into account, as injectors are sensitive to fuel quality. Renault recommends changing the oil every 18,000 miles (30,000 km). However, there are proven records that used cars equipped with Renault 2.2 dCi engines require far more attention than the manufacturer stated many years ago. It’s recommended to change your oil and filters twice as often - at least every 9,000 miles (15,000 km)." Main bearings and crankshaft timing issues were prevalent You must have been lucky, or just owned a relatively new one in the warranty period. They were dogs !

[@paulbradford8240]

In 2006 I nearly bought one of these. It was advertised in the Exchange and Mart. It was left hand drive and French registered and was ideal as we were moving to France. There were several left hand drive, French registered cars listed on the same advert. It might be as many as ten or eleven. One of them was a Smart car, with damage. I called the number and it was answered as 'Pinewood Studios'. I assumed that I had dialled incorrectly, but asked if it was the right number for the French cars for sale. It was and they were the cars used in the Parisian location filming for The Da Vinci Code. After speaking to the guy and finding they were to be sold as seen with no guarantees, I backed out. My only knowledge of the Vel Satis was the tv sponsor adverts at the time. The car was priced at around £6k from memory. When we got to France I wished I'd bought one as they were very sought after cars here and were selling for twice the price!

[@neilsg2001]

My brother bought a 7.5 ton truck from Pinewood for no money, a few years old but with no miles on it, it had only been driven around the studios.

[@nygelmiller5293]

I've seen this video several times, and each time I notice something new. FASCINATING. It's like a book in a bookcase, that is too unique, to ever get rid of, once you have read of it! So I've written down the title of the video, and will watch it AGAIN. (And again!)

[@nigeltoon1848]

I bought one of these as a one year old in 2005 with 10,000 miles on it. Same engine. Registered as a Renault management car like they all were. Not quite as comfy as the XM and CX’s I had, but it was ok. Turbo blew at 110,000, sold for spares after six years and another 110,000 miles. As an 06 reg, that’s possibly one of about 40 found in Ireland that Renault couldn’t sell. That’s the original factory accessory phone holder - my Nokia 6310i lived in it. Found the cup holders yet?

[@pointiscrap]

I was waiting for the rear/front under seat storage and front cup holders. Yeap I've still got one.

[@nigeltoon1848]

@@pointiscrap I’d forgotten about the storage under the back seats.

[@JDT-19933]

​@@nigeltoon1848You were only one and driving already¿ 😂

[@majorlaff8682]

@@JDT-19933 Not just driving, where does a one-year-old get that kind of money?

[@mrright8794]

As a one year old in 2005, where did you get the money from to pay for it and could you reach the pedals 😅

[@theMaster...]

I had the predecessor to the Vel Satis, the Safrane. I loved that car. Some of it's tech would put modern cars to shame...

[@martinmcdonald4207]

I remember the Safrane replaced the big 25 model. Loads of space inside.

[@markwoodhouse4284]

Safrane, there's a name I last heard 25 years ago. Great cars but we didn't sell m/any during my time in a Renault dealership.

[@robjamescapel8891]

I had a M reg Safrane, dark green with black leather interior. 2.2 petrol, a great and comfortable car.

[@woutermemelink4507]

Funny, had a R25 with superior seats, after that a Safrane V6, full option. Lucky i had a 2 year extended warranty. Display broke and a year later the auto gearbox. But so comfy to ride. Both of them. I think i prefer the old 25.

[@drivenchris]

Growing up my parents had a 25 and replaced it with a Safrane V6. Truly awful reliability but it was a lot of car and great looking. Some very fond memories of it, I remember it had a speaking on board diagnostic thing which made me think of Knight Rider, even if it was telling us about the broken suspension and not a witty comment about our enemies. 😂

[@danmiddlehurst6462]

Tbf the previous owner has done it credit.. But it does look like the handbrake surround does look like it's painted in magnolia emulsion 😂😂

[@steelelfc1]

I thought the same! What’s gone on there!?

[@6ettinold]

We had a Multipla some years ago. The switches and centre speedo binnacle had that sort of matt rubberised soft-touch coating on them. It had degraded and deterioted and looked like it was melting - similar to the handbrake surround on this Renault. I used nail varnish remover to fetch it off. The plastics polished up perfectly and just lacked that soft rubberised feel.

[@Sam-gw5pl]

Agree!! Had to pause the video.Looks like it’s made out of melted wax or icing!

[@Noaddedsalt01]

You would be surprised by how often this happens to most cars of this age. Most of them have this coating in black, so it doesn’t look as noticeable but it is awful and feels very sticky to touch.

[@andreasu.3546]

It was covered with this "soft touch" rubbery paint that inevitably turns into goo after a few years. So many cars of the era had this (Volkswagen!) and it even was on a Motorola phone I once had. Disgusting stuff. Someone must have had a go a scraping it off and then stopped half way in the process.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

When you said £500 should fix the car, i said to myself, `good luck with that`. I thought to myself you would be lucky if you got out of there under £4,000 , so you did ok. A lovely car to take on a trip to France where everyone will gladly let you out! Well done for giving this odd ball Frenchie a second chance.

[@thegingerone6381]

One thing that really stood out in this video… how quiet it is inside the cabin with regards to engine/road noise

[@snacklofter]

Thanks Matt. I always link the Vel Satis & the Vauxhall Signum together in my mind!👍👍

Ha, good shout! Very much similar concepts. I like them both as well!

[@frimleyfrodo]

It’s wearing a Hampshire registration as the vast majority were registered by Renault themselves as they arrived at Southampton docks.

[@Box500spooks]

I had a 53 reg 3 litre turbo diesel auto version a few years ago. It was a fantastic car, exceptionally comfortable, drove well and was surprisingly reliable. The looks are odd, but they grow on you. That phone holder, incidentally, was for a Nokia 6310, and was part of a very expensive 'phone preparation' pack. The ICE was incredibly good quality, but the various electronic components were distributed all over the place, and had non-standard connectors, making adding any other phone kit impossible.

[@PLively]

How wonderful to have so many contacts/regular "partners" in the motor trade who look after you so well! It's great that you're in the position to keep these cars on the road, even when you sometimes don't make that much money out of it. The love of cars trumps all! This is why I love watching your videos, Matt. Keep up the good work.

[@alancobbin]

So glad you finally got one,I’ve drove a 3.0dCi about 15 years ago and I absolutely loved it,nice one Matt 👍

[@abufrejoval]

@user-io2et5bv2s Yes and no. I did have it as a company car for half a year, but since Renault never gave it a Diesel particle filter, it's basically become illegal to drive in Germany. The facelift version did get the filter and a few urgently needed extra horses, but I hate what they did with the front design: wonder if one could retrofit the older grill?

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

​@@abufrejovalI reckon it should be possible

[@scunetom]

I love that car. I used to see them in France back in the day and they always seemed odd but serene as they glided down the autoroutes! And no annoying DPF nonsense. Good buy Matt. If I lived in Engalnd I might make you an offer!

[@tammcc6185]

Was always fascinated with this and the Avantime. Crazy period for Renault. Both cars apparently very popular with the Top Gear lads (original of course). Would love an old, well kept Avantime 😀

[@williamhodgson1428]

Always loved the Fuego.

[@JMc.D]

I remember sitting in one in a Renault showroom around the time they came out. My outstanding memory was the interior space and comfort of the seats. I was impressed.

[@DieselPower1968]

The 2.2 dci engines are normally around 150-160 bhp..very good engine Mat 👍

[@volt8684]

Many in the espace

[@efterblivna]

@@volt8684 had one in Espace III. First gen of 2.2dci 130bhp.

The thing is ylu know someone is going to say that's rubbish for a 2.2 turbo (it isnt) but the torque from one of these will be monstrous!

[@mrlister2000]

I'm a huge Renault fan having owned a Scenic 2, Espace, Grand Scenic 2 and now a Grand Scenic 3. I'm also a huge fan of the Vel Satis, the Avantine and the Wind. All quirky cars with character, unlike the boring cars you see today. The handbrake should automatically release when you drive off!!

[@drivenchris]

I’ve got an eBay alert setup for a Gordini Wind, and I’m genuinely worried I might buy one if I ever get the notification 😅 the curse of being a Renault enthusiast!

[@pug2052]

A Renault enthusiast 😳 I can’t comprehend 2 words I’d never thought I’d hear togetger

[@drivenchris]

@@pug2052 looks like you're a Peugeot fan, surely you of all people can understand the French car thing!

[@pug2052]

@@drivenchrisyes I can appreciate the French car thing I just can’t stand Renaults they are Just badly built plasticky tat Peugeots and Citroens have character

[@ThaDutchDK1989]

Just avoid that shit 1.2 TCe Renault/ Nissan engine it’s junk ( in my eyes ) and Renault enthousiast is pretty normal cause Renault sport are the king of it hatches 👌

[@JMc.D]

The amount of cars I’m seeing coming through my unit where the service history falls off a cliff when COVID hit is staggering.

[@Kim-Jong-Un-4]

It was hardly a priority at the time was it...

[@jos_t_band3912]

@@Kim-Jong-Un-4only for normies

[@shabba890]

Was an excuse not to give a shit. Plenty garages were still open.

[@JMc.D]

@@Kim-Jong-Un-4 but even since. I’ve seen more than a few cars recently that have impeccable service history’s up until 19/20 and nothing recorded since. Maybe a sticker in the window but nothing in the book.

[@Sid3300]

Defo keep it and take it to Rustival! Didn't know you were a Hubnut fan 😁

[@sebastianohalloran9093]

Wow, I’ve just found even more respect for Matthew. Comes from a family of Renault owners? Likes cars and houses. Lifelong Renault fan here. I’m 43. My first car was an R11 (bought at 16), I’ve had R21s (still have a rare R21 TXE auto with digital dash) and also a Savanna. Plus a ´92 Clio. Parents owned said Clio and still have a Clio estate plus had a couple of Savannas. My Aunt had an R18 GTX estate, Uncle had a V6 R30 and Savanna. Always knew Matthew had a bit of class, aside from the manners, humility and love of all badges in particular JLR. Good stuff!!!!

[@johnpirie3800]

Clio estate? Didn't know it existed. Nice one buddy.

[@vedggie]

Uncle had a Renault 20' he bought it at the car auctions and drove it for years, loved it. I always fancied a V6 30. Good brand.

[@erniefoster7116]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say. I don’t mind the look but i own 2006 Hyundai Terracan and love her, Still in almost as new condition. With 250,000 kms and almost nill mechanical issues. Anyway great video. From Down Under.

[@malcolmrobinson3675]

This was a lot of fun Matt! Being an old fart I am going to say I was one of the six folks you mentioned who had one of these when new. I’d just set up my business and had left behind my company Audi A6 and was offered an ex demo direct from a Renault owned dealer, they had loads of them all with 5 or 6 thousand miles and Renault were desperate to get them off stock and onto the road, the deal was truly astonishing, on a 12 month contract hire I got the 3.0 Diesel Privilege model and unbelievably paid £129 per month plus VAT (I only paid £129. Plus Vat up front) At the time promoting a new business I used to go to lots of networking events and many was the time folks would take the p*** out of my weird car but honestly it was great, it was quick extremely comfortable and cost me less than a Corsa to lease. I remember it fondly it was so spacious and wafted along, I never looked at it in terms of a ‘wow what a beautiful car’ sort of thing but it was a great thing 🙂

[@marcduthie4327]

Definitely a road trip. Looks like a fun little car. Have a good week. Marc from Australia 🇦🇺

[@MichaelSmith-lx2dt]

I remember the Renault 25 used to love those

Those and the 21. A mate of mine had a 21 Turbo. Brilliant motor! I wonder how much a Quadra is worth these days?!

[@ClansmanIan]

It's a lot of car for the money:-) I had a few Renault 25's back in the day including the flagship Baccara...now if you can find me one of those... Keep up the good work, best car channel by a country mile.

[@justinlinnane8043]

OOH love these obscure french cars !! have always wanted one of these or a Citroen C6 !!

[@garyburke301]

You really cant beat the Hydractive suspension on the C5 and C6. Amazing comfort and handling.Really miss my C5.Always wanted a C6 too.Shame the parts are difficult to source these days

[@justinlinnane8043]

@@garyburke301 I've had almost every versions of the CX and several XM's including the top of range V6 and back in the day had a superb leather clad manual renault 30 V6 . nothing like a good french car to stand out form the heard

[@asdasd01]

Yes! Finally someone to review this so interesting and practical car! You are true car enthusiast, besides the money making.

[@dinotaylor1]

I thought these were well ahead of their time, Matt? We had 3.0 litre diesel autos on the hire car fleet I worked for (back in the day) and they were well rapid. Good luck with it! Cheers, Dino 👍

[@HoustonRamm]

I’ve had two of these years ago. First one was bought at a year old and did 100,000 in three years - such a spacious comfortable car, and perfect reliability. 2.2 manual diesel.

[@livc444111]

The Renault chief designer for the 90s is the famous Patrick Le Quement and even he admits the Vel Satis is ugly. Le Quement has said on many occasions that the Renault bean counters got in his way and forced him to make ungainly alterations to the original drawings.

[@oliverstemp9132]

The original VelSatis concept, which was a coupe, was really striking. Actually good.

[@livc444111]

@@oliverstemp9132 yes it was

[@keithhoughton4308]

Wasn't this and the Avantime the end for Matra?

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@keithhoughton4308 only the Avantime was built by Matra.

[@lordbungle6235]

He also designed the Ford Sierra (again a ground-breaking design at the time.)

[@oliverlondon5246]

I like them, not as much as the Avantime of course. I even wanted to get one back in the days. And I don’t think they are ugly at all 8:31

[@frozen_corn5555]

Actually saw a 2003 Vel Satis on Irelands version of Autotrader for €1000, but I'm 15 :(

[@amarii-]

Its so annoying being able to see cars but not drive them :(

[@amarii-]

I get your pain

[@woodant1981]

Donedeal? And tbh I live in Ireland too and the selection of cars is awful here. Very bland and nothing compared to the UK, maybe the only benefit of living there

[@woodant1981]

NCT expired '21 is it? Silverish, petrol 2L. It's always NCT and tax out on donedeal isn't it🙄

[@frozen_corn5555]

@@woodant1981 is indeed

[@rchaffer]

That was one of the most well-integrated adverts I've ever seen - so relevant and fluid that we were half-way through before I realised what was happening. Magnificent

[@7804t1]

Please get a signum next !

[@davek7256]

That was last serviced about a mile from where I work! If I remember correctly it was launched alongside another unusual car called the Avantime which like a 3 door Espace. Now that was a bizarre car. You need to hunt of those down! Great vid as always 👍🏻

[@carolcooks1208]

Park up somewhere ‘Scenic’ .. nice pun

[@AK.2425]

He says that all the videos, but it’s definitely a unintended pun on Renault videos.

[@IanMay-g5u]

I asked my uncle, in 1980, what he thought of the Renault 4. He said that they were all innocent.

[@tonyfurneaux3399]

Hi Mat, great content, I would go for the satis mate, but I live in Canada lol. Love your channel, my go to for interesting stuff, honest viewpoint, and old school fun information.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

You can't predict some things, but a big old Renault never will let you down on the surprsing- front!

[@andrewf1326]

Great video as always. Bit of a James May moment with the vents to the back seats which was a gem. Thanks as always for sharing 🙏👍😊

[@trainman86trainstramsandmore]

This is one I have been looking forward to

[@Andy-ev8sf]

I love it! Anything quirky and different is awesome. 😊

[@markevans4452]

Years ago the family and I went to a garage in Blackburn to look at a Honda for the missus. There was a 3.5l one of these sat in the corner of the showroom. A few weeks before there had been a car review saying that Renault were only shifting 5 a week across the whole of Europe.... No one would go near it at the time.

[@norsegolf76]

Was looking forward to this video! Too bad there apparently won't be a road trip in it after all, but it was great to see you do the Vel Satis!

[@thedaviess]

Pah! Only here for the WonderGrip van photobomb 😎

[@alansorbie4038]

I’ve always liked these. So I was very pleased to get one as a taxi at Lyon airport a few years ago and even more pleased to find it was the 3.5V6 petrol. It had about 300,000km on the clock and the engine sounded a bit clattery but that was all part of the experience. Shortly after my mate inherited one from a relative which I think was a 2 litre turbo. It had been off the road a few years but with a bit of fettling gave another couple of years service before blowing up. I didn’t realise there were any left!

[@raki31]

he's so excited, he's forgotten to close the Jaguar's doors!

[@localreviewking134]

No Jag door`s never close flush

[@JeffPower-dv3zl]

😂😂😂❤​@@localreviewking134

[@keithhoughton4308]

​@@localreviewking134Because the windows don't work and the seal is made of kryptonite.

[@lise1255]

If you have a jaguar, you also have people for that sort of details, - and a mechanic in the trunk.

[@henrykravitz468]

I am delighted you saved it, another weird-looking car, but a spacious inside vehicle. Hope whoever has it after you look after it. Great Video and have a great weekend

[@adriansweet3359]

The Aventime is equally wierd acording to i drive a classic on KZbin. Looks very comfortable must admit

[@abufrejoval]

I got to drive an Avantime for a couple of hours and I wasn't impressed by anything. I looked way faster than it drove and the door mechanics didn't really make for easier entry, just lots of extra weight. I've had the same V6 in a Matra Grand Espace and I had the VelSatis with the Isuzu V6 Diesel for half a year, both were just way superior to Matra's last gasp. I also drove a Clio with that V6 as a mid engine with rear drive, but evidently I'm no race driver and the noise was just too much to love. I did get to like that V6 in the Grand Espace eventually, especially after an LPG conversion and when going to France via Belgium, where a liter of LPT was around €0,30 and I could put the pedal to the metal. It ran 240km/h according to the speedometer which was great until you needed to brake for some idiot who thought a Grand Espace must be slow because of its looks. The Avantime was just weird, but the VelSatis was a really great car, one of my all-time favorites, which I still miss.

[@bfgtech48]

I drove one of these and remember putting a card in a slot to start it. It was a great car to drive, and it was fully loaded.

[@andrewmoody-vi1dw]

I love my 2.2dci vel satis. It's done 130k now. It isn't chain driven and the water pump likes to leak. Some w@nker keyed it the other day. I need to repair the aircon and a passenger window. Mpg is rubbish for a diesel, maybe 40mpg. I love it...well fugly😂

[@leenevin8451]

I just changed my air con compressor that was knocking (£130) I also did Orifice tube £3 Condenser £25 (mine was missing fins) Receiver/Drier £20 All new seals £20

[@pdunne86]

Thanks to the UK 🇬🇧 for ure support to Ireland 🇮🇪

[@tug1345]

3 fun facts - the Vel Satis 3.5 V6 is I think a version of the engine in a Nissan 350Z, the Safrane was available with a Volvo 5 cylinder, and the 25 donored it's gearbox to the Lotus Esprit

[@RWL2012]

yep when he said *3.5* V6 I knew the engine of the petrol version was borrowed from Nissan (as Renault only made V6 petrols up to 3.0 but they were in partnership with Nissan at the time)

[@pilou827]

And other fun fact, the 3.0 Dci V6 was from...ISUZU!

[@williamhodgson1428]

I have nearly always changed my cars every three years. I’ve had my 2017 Megane Signature Nav since2018 and I have no intention of changing. One of the nicest, smoothest, reliable and economical cars I’ve owned.

[@EportChris]

“With a mere one hundred and seventy break-horse-power available, progress is too leisurely to be called fast, but on the motorway in sixth gear the Velsatis slow pace really becomes a pain. Uphill runs become power-sappingly mundane, while overtaking National Express coaches can become a long, drawn-out affair.” Not my words, Carol. The words of Top Gear magazine 😅

The words of TopGear magazine? Opinions from the hacks writing for TopGear magazine back then and beyond are not to be tossed aside lightly... they're to be hurled with great force.

[@ZGVlogs]

*All the windows Work* It's actually a good car this. If only it was that easy lol. Another awesome video

[@gt197]

“With a mere 150 bhp available, progress is too leisurely to be called fast, but on the motorway in 6th gear the Vel Satis’ slow pace becomes a pain. Uphill runs become power-sappingly mundane while overtaking National Express coaches can become a long, drawn out affair. Not my words Matt, the words of Top Gear Magazine..”

[@TheComputec]

150bhp was quite decent in that era to be fair... Exactly the same as a mondeo 2.2 TDCI and with pretty much the same 0-60 time and fuel consumption (I owned both)

[@danjones6279]

Tremendous @gt197 😂 😂

[@rodddrake]

😁

[@pilou827]

@@TheComputecAnd Vel Satis was not particularly advantaged by its aerodynamics!...

[@andrewpoules9109]

Megane cc 1.9 dci has less grunt but they perform best on the motorways so I guess you haven't driven one six gears in 2004 years ahead of virtually every other other manufacturers and 4th gear around town gives you 20 to 80 mph and great flexibility they drive brilliantly it's the actual German wiring that plays up and causes reliability issues

[@Spheredalai]

im happy to inform you that rustival is right around the corner and this is definitely the quirky hubnutting car to bring there

[@simonbell2578]

I worked for Renault when the valsatis and Aventine were launched. I had two valsatis company demonstration which I used as my company car I had 2.2dci dynamic and 3.0dci v6 initial 2.2 was good but 3.0v6 diesel was quite quick

[@James-ld2jc]

I commented on a previous video about buying a weird French shed. And this shows up... you have excelled yourself

[@DaDa-David]

Velocity and Satisfaction? Sounds like something from Ann Summers.

Thinking of adding one to your top drawer?😂

[@DaDa-David]

Maybe, at least this one doesnt run on batteries.

[@myoldmate]

I owned a 2005 Scenic for 7 years. Loved that car. So much space inside and a lovely cabin to be in.

[@MyRealName]

This one will sit on the lot till the end of the year, won't it? 😆

[@martinnorth2680]

Reckon there's a niche market out there somewhere.

[@shanecarroll6509]

I can see him keeping it as a run around 😂

[@amgjens]

@@martinnorth2680 There's a Vel Satis club even in the UK!

[@PrivateBAustin]

I'm going to say someone buys it off the back of this video.

[@PrivateBAustin]

​@@shanecarroll6509He does need a dog car

[@HJ-vs7lf]

Amazing car, definately not ugly. This is true french class and coolness. It's not trying to be anything it's not, it doesn't have angry headlights to intimidate fellow road users. It might not be objectively better than a German car. But just like your Jaguar that's not the point of the car, the point is to make driving a pleasure. Truly one of the last Frech luxury cars.I love the wood. The interior looks to be about the same finishing quality as my XJ from 2003.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

It'll sell & it'd sell higher too. There are more people (like me) out there who like oddball cars, these, the Avantime, C6's etc And we are entering that time when the wannabe buyers are out numbering the cars. I've enjoyed 2CV's, Renault 4's, Mk1Rav4's, 4L Jeep Cherokees and hardly been able to give them away....now?

[@alexgreaves8600]

Worked on these, Renault thought they would take on bmw and Mercedes for some reason. Even had a designated sales person for the adventime and vel satis. The clutch hydraulics always failed, as did the electric handbrake. 1 minor mistake. The 2.2 dci G9T engine does infact have a timing belt. Nice video!

[@chrishalstead4405]

Who could possibly have predicted that a weird Renault wouldn’t prove to be a treasure trove??? 😅😂

[@clivehunte3026]

This car was a head of its time. I used to own the Renault 19 and the Megane estate, when you tested the windows it reminded me of the problems I had with both which were the electronic sunroof on the 19 and the drivers window on the Megane would always get stuck, but Overall no major problems. I loved those 2 cars and I love the Valsatis.

[@stevie007]

Hi Matt

[@adammccormack7494]

I was the proad owner of excacly the same modal and colour loved it to bits such a comfortable all bells n whistles.. Loved it . Only traded it in for The Grand espace.. Dymonique as family exspanded

[@eksebro]

I love these unusual cars , I’d be very tempted to keep it. Engine wise I’d give it a simple stage 1 remap within tolerances (it’s a biggy car) for better performance and improve fuel consumption, it’s so left field , yeah I’d keep it! Nice pic Mat. 👍🏻

[@megapangolin1093]

Cracking car, Matt, 2K is a total bargain. That car will last for years, if you can get the parts, easy to drive and own. Run it on a shoestring. Great video. Love these weirdies..

[@r7coo]

I had one of these as a hire car at Strasbourg airport and 2004, a drivers car it was not but I really enjoyed having in for a couple of days. A great find!

[@christianvann4222]

Aahhhh, so that's where you have been! Amazing work mate. You deserve all this!

[@Chris-mh3vf]

Many years ago I was lent an aventine to test drive for a week, it broke down after 2 days and I was then lent a 3.5 v6 petrol aventine same colour as 5hat , it was great particularly liked the lil@c interior lights and inset lights in the dash. Didn’t buy one but I have fond memories

[@josipdundic1554]

Finaly on video,this is amazing car.I had a same one like this,same motor and everytging else,only automatic and it is mindblowing car,so much ahed of its time,it is wierd cambo of minivan,hatchback,suv tipe of car,.I love it

[@davidsewell3745]

Loved my MK1 clio 1.4 RT 1995 in met red when i passed my test, fantastic little car wish i still had it

[@BenHArtist]

Always quite liked these, my mate had one as a demo, the 3.5 V6 petrol and it was rapid! Ever had one of the Renault Avantime Matt? Crazy looking, and rare as hens teeth!

[@stevenbrown8857]

I really love that car interior, I was grinning watching, a car with personality. That car made a great video, and imo was well worth saving, even if not the best financially it wasn't a loss 😊

[@andrewlaw]

I had the same car in fire red many years ago. Supremely comfortable over long distances but you always had a niggle that it was going to go wrong. The sunroof would stop working periodically, as would the cruise control. And the clutch slave cylinder went on mine immediately as well! Nice from the rear/side profile but fugly from the front. I wish I still had it though, it always got noticed.

[@ndsd04]

I had Avantime for 5 years, loved it as did my kids. Never let me down and was such a cool car to own.

[@777gordini]

First renault was a 12 estate fitted with a R17 1.6 motor. Loved it. Had an R17 Gordini for 21 years alongside my everyday. Last two renault have been a 2002 V6 Laguna wagon which was OK after working out its weak points( Tire pressure sensors and under seat connector) Written of in a head on crash..a Very safe car to be in a crash...Have a Kangoo 2 1.6 manual express (with seats) which is like a swiss army knife...Would love you to do a Laguna Coupe...2.0 turbo petrol...Like a small Aston Martin should have been...

[@jeremyrichards8327]

I had a Laguna with a non turbo 2.2 diesel and even that basic setup was faster than you would think. It is a 12 valve 4 cyl and was quite smooth for its age

[@seankelland.simplecinema]

Loving this car more and more! Quirky and comfy! I loved driving the mid 2000’s Laguna back in the day! Pleeeez road-trip this car! Head to Croatia etc :)

[@Eddison548]

I’ve always liked something a bit different and was tempted to by one of these a few years ago. Another interesting and enjoyable video. Thanks for that.

[@AFP557]

Beautiful. Wish you did a road trip to the cote d' azur with it though.

[@mervtaylor]

One of the best vids for a while, not a fan of premium motors and certainly not Land Rovers but this was great. I loved the front end, not so much the back. More "weird" please!!

[@stereobrian8113]

You don't have to hold START push button until engine starts. Just a quick push is enough. Also as mentioned by others, handbrake automatically releases as you start driving. BTW, just year later they released much better multimedia system with navigation, Bluetooth, voice commands...

[@binarydinosaurs]

Picked one of these up in Paris CDG airport back when they were new. 3L leather monster. I didn't care how bonkers it looked, for autoroute cruising to nigh-on Biarritz it was splendid. Luxury car for a week. The only downside was nobody knew how to drive the CD player. Nothing in the manual, we even took it to the local dealers who did the classic Gallic shrug. I finally worked it out on the last day 😆 Wouldn't mind another go, if I'm honest.

[@indecisiveauto]

There's a second rustival on in September 28th this year if you're thinking of going!

[@alanbarlow8966]

We used to have one when they were new. It was the 3 litre diesel privilege model with all bells and whistles. It was a brilliant car and a head of its time

[@ryanwoodley9891]

The car will have keyless entry, so need to put card in slot. Will also have an automatic handbrake that will release when you pull away and engage when you switch off. I have an Grand Espace a few years newer. But similar features.

[@MadLFC]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the case of the Vel Satis, the beholder was blind. Seriously, this is classic French eccentricity rivalled only by Citroen. It's a work of art in the style of modern not classic art. A much more interesting car than its contemporaries.

[@silkdestroyer]

Talking of old Renaults, I have a 1949 760, which I have had completely restored. 17hp!!