Spring stops play
2002 Renault Avantime V6 Engine 2946CC/V6/OHC Top speed 134mph Fuel economy 25mpg Work since last report Springs fitted along with new gaiters for MOT.
Avantime ownership is a process of waiting for the next thing to go wrong… I was told. No such luck for me though. I have had trouble-free joy from my French fancy for over 8000 magnificent miles. And I have averaged 29mpg, which from a woofing V6 auto is most acceptable. Keeping on top of problem areas has been the key to good health and I addressed the biggies (belts, plugs, tyres, trim) early on. I replaced everything and it paid me back with on the road excellence.
Until the MOT came along. A cracked front spring and driveshaft gaiter both felled the beast and shocked me. I hadn’t noticed any issues with handling or ride – and I have driven it with enthusiasm over many varied miles. So, new spring please? There was only one answer and it came in the form of Cobra Lowering springs for the Espace III (yes… I know. Who lowers their Espace?)
This is the only option and they don’t do single springs, so the Cobras arrive as a set of four – £182. The cheapest importer is Venom Motorsport, which was friendly and efficient to deal with. It was quick, too. The springs turned up in two days and they were red. It made me want to fit them at the back, too.
MOT certificate on the passenger seat and the journey home was punctuated with the engine light coming on with a resonant ‘ping’. A friend with a laptop plugged himself in and the words ‘Lambda Sensor’ appeared. I found a new old stock item for £30 and fitted it. In one weekend the economics of supply and demand had shown why modern classic ownership can be both expensive and surprisingly cheap.