Description
The time has come to sell my wonderful, crazy, Renault Avantime. You are probably aware that the Avantime was a concept car that Matra produced for Renault, but production ended after making around 4000 vehicles with only 400 coming to the UK.
My car is the most desirable version - the Privilege 3. 0 litre V6 Manual. There are only 15 of this spec left on the road in the UK. I have had the pleasure of 14 years of ownership, covering just over half of the recorded 95k miles, but I am doing less and less each year! It is still a stunning vehicle which displays all the drama from the showcar's 1999 reveal, with the architectural design, Grand Air function and amazing parallelogram doors to ease access. It still commands a presence that belies its Espace roots.
My example is finished in Steel grey (Steppe) with a Sahara beige leather interior.
It still drives very well - I have just come back from a 350 mile weekend tour, averaging 46mph and 32mpg.
It is ULEZ compliant.
MoT to January '26
Cambelt, Auxbelt & water pump kit fitted in December 2021 at 90, 388
Good depth tread on all tyres
Removable tow bar fitted.
Grand Air function opening the panoramic sunroof and side windows operates as it should at the touch of a button
The in-built Sat-Nav works but the maps are over 12 years old.
It has both cruise control and speed limiter functions
All interior storage covers deploy and latch as they should.
Now for the bad bits, for a 23 year old it is still in good shape, but there are a few bits that have suffered with age common with many Avantimes...
the CD autochanger doesn't work
some of the interior soft feel painted parts have gone a bit sticky
there are marks on the bottom of the a-pillar trims following a dash removal when the blown bulbs on the digital speedo and rev counter were renewed.
the gearknob could do with recovering
the roof rails have suffered with the usual blistering
the Alloys would benefit with a refurb26 years ago I was stunned by the press reports of the avant-garde Avantime at its dramatic reveal at an event at the Louvre. I couldn't afford one at the time, but bought the best example I could find, when I could.
It is a crazy MPV coupe which occupies its own unique market segment, and stills draws attention wherever it goes. It was an essential and stylish transport for our family holidays - 5-up with luggage for 2 and 3 week tours of Europe.
This is a fabulous opportunity to own a good example of an amazing car and enjoy the feeling of driving a concept car that even now is like piloting a space-ship.
