Highlights
- Rare model RHD UK Vel Satis with genuine 39,100 miles
- ‘Privilege’ specification
- Petrol / Automatic
- Two registered keepers from new
- ULEZ Compliant
- Long MOT
The Appeal
A €550 million design project targeted to take on the non-conformist buyers bored with traditional saloons but craving all the luxury comforts. Renault's Vel Satis was marketed as a luxury five-door executive hatchback after being unveiled as a concept at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. Produced from 2001 to 2009, the name is a combination of velocity and satisfaction using the Laguna and Espace platform of the time.
The unconventional design and the uniquely eccentric features perfectly capture Renault’s early-2000s 'shakin that ass' boldness. The quirky features take nothing from the quality of the product - Emmanuel Macron routinely uses a blue Vel Satis amongst the presidential fleet, during state duties. This pre-facelift example has spent half of its life dry-stored within a Renault enthusiasts collection and boasts both low owners and a genuine 39,100 miles from new. With limited use in recent years and loss of storage this rare Vel Satis is to be sold here with 'No Reserve'.
The History and Paperwork
- Purchased new from Wests Renault Cambridge by the first lady owner in July 2003
- Sold to a Renault collector in 2011, used for 9,000 miles before being dry stored in 2013
- Owners book-pack (leather zipper wallet) is full of original booklets and pamphlets
- Original service book present showing x3 Main Dealer stamps
- Recent maintenance includes replacement of the alternator, battery and clean-out of throttle body
- Many old MOT certificates in the history file
- Current MOT expires 9th October 2026 (no advisories)
- X2 original Card-Keys present
- V5 present
- ULEZ Compliant
The Condition
- Silver-Grey coachwork presents well
- Bodywork is smart and consistent throughout - a few minor scuffs, some paint peel on the rear passenger door and a patch of oxidisation on one black aluminium door trim to note
- Front bumper has some minor paint imperfections and o/s extension piece is not seated perfectly into the rest of the bumper just beneath the lamp spray jet
- Half Alcantara / cloth upholstery - all excellent
- Interior looks high quality - no stains or obvious wear to the upholstery. Excellent door-cards and you can see that the car has seen gentle use
- Fascia switchgear appears very tidy with just some stickiness to the plastics in places often typical of this age of vehicle
- Clear dials and controls are all illuminating correctly
- Carpets remain in good order with thick rubber bespoke over-mats in similar condition
- Some fabric drop on the headlining
- The rear blinds work as they should and are in 'as new' condition
- All glass areas look free of obvious chips or scratches
- Wheels are original, unrestored, and present well with some flaking in places
- The boot area is in superb order and looks hardly used
- Spare wheel present with original jack, tow hook and tools - all appear to be unused
- Rear parcel shelf in 'like new' condition
The Mechanics
- 1998cc turbocharged petrol engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Dipstick check shows correct levels
- In 2023 the vendors garage cleared a fault code: DF413 Throttle Body related. It was corrected with a clean-up and new battery
- The same fault returned in 2025 and was fixed in the same way. The garage advises using the car more frequently
- In 2023 the vendors local garage cleared a fault code: DF413 (Throttle Body). It was corrected with a clean-up and new battery
- The same fault returned in 2025 and was fixed in the same way. The garage advised keeping the battery charged and using the car more frequently
- The vendor thinks the fault should ideally be diagnosed by a specialist and until it is, thinks it is likely to return when the vehicle is used for longer journeys. The fault triggers a dashboard error message "fuel injection faulty" and then restricts the engine revs to 2,500 rpm. Whilst the vehicle is presently driving very well, with no fault or error codes, the vendor wishes to declare the previous issues experienced, in the expectation that the fault may return
- Starts easily and settles quickly into an even idle with no warning lights on the dashboard
- Both remote locking key cards illuminate to unlock the vehicle.
- Neither key locks the car though, so has to be done on the blade
- One key has been sent to a specialist for checking and the listing will be updated if fixed
- Gearbox operates smoothly, the vendor informs us
- Clean and bright under the bonnet
- No obvious leaks or modifications
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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