Real world fuel consumption - Help please !!!

The 360 (2.0) carb models are good on fuel for a relatively big engine (I managed 50mpg on the motorway a couple of times...and 45mpg at 70 wasn't too hard), but that's mainly because it was held back by a tiny carb, and hence didn't perform like a 2.0 car should. The injection version has (marginally) more power, but uses a fair bit more fuel. Bottom line? Injection 360s are the fastest and thirstiest, but not fast enough to justify their thirst, if you ask me. Carb 360s are pretty much on a par with 340s for economy, but you don't get anything extra in terms of performance. The benefit is reliability and longevity of the bulletproof 2.0 engine. 1.4 340s are the best models on fuel when driven gently, but they're also fairly slow. They're quick enough to keep up with traffic without much effort...but try to go any faster, and they drink like a fish. They do whip along surprisingly nicely, for such a small engine in such a big car...it's a very gutsy powerplant. Cheap tax is a bonus. Much as it pains me to say it (mainly because of Chris's love of them ;)), the 340 1.7 is probably the pick of the bunch. They go pretty much as well as a carb 360, they're just as good on fuel, and they're as easy to work on as a 1.4. Personally, I'd have a 360 carb model, but then I know those engines (relatively) backwards. They are more reliable than a 1.7...but a good 1.7 shouldn't let you down, so it's not a big deal. Bearing in mind what a fiddle a clutch is on a 360, that might be enough to put you off! cheers James

I won't mention how much blue smoke your 1.7 blows then, Chris ;) There's nothing much wrong with the Renault motors, and (like anything) with careful maintainance, they're good for 200k+. Having said that, they have slightly more complex intake and cooling system plumbing than the 2.0 units (which can cause problems - particularly in terms of air leaks on the intake, and resulting rough running). The 2.0 lumps will usually give a longer life, but almost all cars will meet their end due to rust long before the engine is shot, so it's kind of a moot point. If you want my advice, look for a 1.7 or 2.0 carb...and pick whichever you find a rust-free example of first. If a 360 needs a clutch, avoid...it's not a nice job. 340s are much easier for clutch changes. cheers James

After 2 abortive previous attempts, last night finally managed to "win" a 1.7 GL 3dr. on e-Bay. Going to collect next weekend - feel like a 5 year old the week before Christmas ! Once again, thanks for your help.

Grand stuff! Post some piccies when you get it!

Will do - watch this space !

360 injection economy