Hi Trevor, I'm not trade either but I do have a password to get into the BCA site but this doesn’t allow me access to the online auction, sorry. However, I shall see what I can find out. My guess is £150 - 300 kind of range. Brad

Good to speak to you today, Trevor. Your car is being auctioned tomorrow at 1pm BCA Bristol. Ive owned a Vel Satis since 2003 and they aren’t great in so many ways. But they are individual, quirky and interesting. I don’t blame anyone giving up on almost any French car from around 20 years ago - they are too much like hard work.

This appears to be a lovely car. Good luck with the sale. In the final months of the Vel Satis being on sale in the UK, Renault dropped the three trims and sold only the Privilege trim. This confused me as the Privilege was always the middle trim, above Expression and below Initiale. Overnight, and for the final couple of months, the Privilege became the top trim. Basically, it was the old Initiale but with a lot of the options included such as the sunroof. I’m not sure how many were sold but I’d guess under 40. So, a rare model in a rare range.

I’ll take these off your hands, Trevor, if they are still available. Thank you

If you want to sell it, let me know. I’m going through a Masochistic phase at the moment.

These are frustrating heaps of poo too much of the time. I’ve owned VS since 2003 and I’m on my 6th and not certain why. I think it’s the looks and the space. It’s not the dodgy electrics, sticky trim, the rattle suspension or the lacquer peel. I think I stick with these because I love an underdog and I’m now immune to their foibles. I have also learned how to fix them despite limited mechanical knowledge. What I can say is that a LOT of issues centre around a failing battery or bad earths. As for changing the alternator on the 3.5 it’s not a terrible job but you will need a few hours and a removal of the front drivers wheel and arch liner. I done this job twice now and if I can do it so can anyone. Unless you’re Stevie Wonder.

I was caught out in Birmingham a month ago. Driving what I thought was a ULEZ compliant Espace 3.0, I found out yesterday my car ISN’T ULEZ compliant there. But it is in other cities! So watch yourselves. And check on line whenever visiting ULEZ cities. One last point which is also frustrating me is that when I go on the Birmingham ULEZ checker, my car is recognised as a Renault but model is “unknown”. Birmingham also don’t appear to publish their ULEZ parameters so maybe my car could be compliant, the model just not being recognised by their system.

Too true. My first Vel Satis was a new 3.0 diesel which lasted 48000 miles before getting a new engine. That one lasted until 68000 miles before seizing. It also needed a new transmission and lots of other work. My next Vel Satis, and all of them sinc, have been 3.5 models apart from a lovely red 2.0 turbo and a Hessian 3.0 diesel which I broke for parts, most of which I still have (just in case). The 2.0 litre turbo was £90 and the 3.0 was £125.

I’ll chip in with £20. Just £100 to go…come on, girls and boys. These cars are troublesome and quirky, like a lot of French cars, and we could all do with a bit of help to keep them going from time to time. Can anyone else find a few quid to chip in and support Kieran?

Where is the car? And what colour is it? Any pictures?

Surprised that I am the first to comment but here goes. Kieran, you’ve done a very professional job creating this site. You should be congratulated. As a serial Vel Satis owner starting 19 years ago with a new 3.0 diesel Privilege (which was almost the worst car I’ve ever owned in terms of reliability and dealer support - two new engines in 68000 miles, one new transmission at 48000 miles and about 10 trips to the dealer in 3 years) and, seven more cars later, I have a 3.5 Initiale. I’d like to see your site survive and grow even if there are only a handful of owners contributing to its content. I’d be happy to ‘chip in’ if it would help.

These are heavy on batteries, as was my Citroen XM. I often approach my car and hear the electric mirror motor whirring despite the car being locked and unattended for several hours. It’s French - designed to charm and irritate in equal measure,

I’ve run 3.5 Vel Satis cars since 2002. I’ve changed the ATF numerous times and never have I had to have anything reset in terms of the electronics. Just make sure the level is spot on. Take time to get it right.

My Grand Espaces are too small for that as I am very very tall.

This is a horrid job so well done. I need to get these changed on my 3.5 as well.

Here’s another of my big old Renaults. 2002 V6 3.0 24v petrol engined beast. Perfect condition and just under 60000 miles from new. But completely worthless. Another car I’ll never part with.

This is one of mine. Paid 200 pounds for it with 69000 miles on it. Spent under 800 getting it right - new shocks, drop links, arb bushes, one calliper, rear springs, spark plugs, all filters and atf fluid change. Still only worth 5-600 quid, I’m sure! But won’t part with it. Love these cars even if Renault didn’t make them exactly what you’d describe as a quality item!

I had the squealing from one of my 3.5 models. I simply changed the belt. Got the garage to fit it for a tenner. Took ten minutes