Long-term update: Our Renault Safrane loves power windows
Our 2009 Renault Safrane continues to chug along reliably thanks to its Nissan underpinnings, as we predicted back when we bought the car new in 2010. Well, reliably except for the power windows that is.
After the driver-side window dropped down due to a faulty power-window regulator, we got it changed under warranty last year. Then in March this year, just before the warranty was going to be over, that same window started making weird noises as if it was struggling, so we got it changed under warranty again.
Right after the warranty ends, the passenger-side power window starts making struggling noises, while the rear windows occasionally take a while to respond. When we took the car in for a 40,000-km dealer service this week, we asked them to take a look at the windows as well.
The service cost Dhs 655, and we were told some alternator belt had a crack on it, so we took their word for it and gave them the go-ahead to change that as well for an additional Dhs 207. We were pleased that they chose to replace the passenger-side power window under goodwill warranty, without us asking them. The rear windows were working fine at the time we handed in the car, so they couldn’t replicate the intermittent issue with them.
We hear the pre-2007 Nissan Altima, on which the Safrane is based, had the same problem. Aside from that, the car has been as reliable as any Toyota, and generally cheaper to maintain as well, thanks to its 10,000-km service intervals.
Original Mileage When Bought: 110 km
Latest Mileage To Date: 40,100 km
Latest Average Fuel Economy: 9.5 litres/100 km
Cost of Latest Problems: Dhs 207
Cost of Latest Maintenance: Dhs 655Total Non-Fuel Running Cost Since Bought: Dhs 2955
Comments
coolbema
My Safrane 2009 108000kms on clock still running like horse without any single problem. They are built on strong base and I like to things about this car, firstly cabin is very quite and smooth drive, secondly all parts are cheaper and available at Nissan.
Jumaalbalooshi
Does this mean that Renault duster is also realiable and cheap to run like safrane
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Theoretically yes, but not for the same reasons. No other model by Renault is based on a Nissan.
farrukh
Same safrane model is available in Japan market as Nissan Teana j31..you can google it !!
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I even have a model of a Nissan Teana.
Khaled Rahravan
By the way the Renualt Duster is made in Romania and is originally called dacia duster. Therefore, I would not count on the quality of that car. I mean, honestly, how many cars do you see in the global market that are produced in Romania?
Asif
Mash, you met the right guy to finalize the car and no regrets for it.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Hehe, sure.
shafiq
hey asif im looking for a car will come by sometime.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Asif’s now at the Shk Zayed Rd branch.
shafiq
thanks mash
ram
hi folks …i own safrane 2010 2 ltr , clocked 75 k .facing some minor issue like , increase in cabin noice . but overall the ride quality is great . thinking to trade in for a 4wd …any recommendation . i am considering below a) ford explorer b) kia sorento c) ford edge d) xtera e) prado .
thanks
ram
farrukh
Hi Mesh!!
Are u willing to sell ur Renault Safrane? I have already one in white so interested to buy in black if u are planning to sell. let me know Thanx.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
We are actually planning to sell it after the end of Ramadan. Drop me an email at editor(at)youknowwhatwebsite.com so you’ll know when we’re ready.
farrukh
Hi..
Im trying to sned and email on your given email but its not going through just receiving a failure notice.
editor(at)youknowwhatwebsite.com
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
You know, “youknowwhatwebsite.com” is just a way to avoid spam messages. Replace it with the name of this website.
RJ
Lol.
farrukh
hahaha 😉
Mabini
really hahahaha he didn’t get it
Ironman
😀