Renault Kadjar dCi 110 – 323,603 km – 2015 – Klokje Rond

It’s definitely uncomfortable when you no longer have confidence in the car you depend on. This is the case with Piet-Jan Coremans and his wife. Their Renault Kadjar failed three times in a row, resulting in significant expenses. “I had planned to drive this diesel for up to half a million kilometers, but all that malaise made me have doubts,” says Piet-Jan. He’s not happy. “I have to be able to count on my car. And I want my garage to realize that a car that keeps letting you down is about the most annoying thing that can happen to you. There you are, all day at the sharks and a lot of hassle. And a lot of extra costs in the bargain.”

All lights on red

So, that’s out. Piet-Jan has blown off some steam from that time in November last year. “I was shocked, all the lights on the dashboard turned red. There were numerous glitches and I was almost three grand poorer before everything was back in order.” For the record, it should be noted that a major service with regular maintenance was included in that amount. A fault in the exhaust gas path was the culprit. Well, sometimes things go well, sometimes things go wrong. But it didn’t stop there. “A few months later the turbo broke down,” grumbles Piet-Jan. But the last straw came three months later: the gearbox failed, so that shifting was no longer possible. The computer unit of the robotized container was broken. And a new one was very, very difficult to get. A term of one year was even mentioned. Piet-Jan just about exploded. “It could take a very long time due to parts shortages. Thanks to the importer’s mediation, a suitable calculation unit was found in Corsica and it was ultimately sent and installed.” With a car age of eight years and more than three tons on the clock, there was no longer any warranty or leniency and Piet-Jan therefore had to invest €2,349 in his French companion.

That companion goes on the road partly for business and partly for charity. “I have my own company in stainless steel constructions for in, on and on yachts. I am also active in healthcare. I am committed to helping patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlling the disease, especially through prevention, saves the community a lot of money and patients a lot of misery. In short, I’m extremely busy and I’m going all over the country. My car is crucial for this.”

Why choose the Renault Kadjar

Piet-Jan spends a lot of time on the road and that almost cost him his life. Years ago, a taxi in a great hurry pierced the side of his car at an intersection in Friesland. “Afterwards I heard that I had rolled over three times and was found in the meadow with my chair and all. I was knocked out, my car completely destroyed but I’m still here.” Curious as we are, we ask Piet-Jan about the how and why of his choice for the Renault Kadjar. “We went to the 2015 AutoRAI and the Kadjar was there to shine. My wife fell in love instantly. Those beautiful lines, round and flowing. That suits my business; Everything about a yacht is fluid and round. I then drove a Laguna diesel, a lovely car by the way.” For a long time, Piet-Jan did not regret his switch to the Kadjar. Until that autumn day in November. “What else awaits me?” he now wonders.

That calls for further research. One thing is clear: all the repairs he has had to perform have been carried out professionally, because the complaints have not yet appeared.

Kadjar can continue well!

A French SUV built in 2015, with more than three tons on the clock. Judge Joep Schuurman rubs his hands in advance. But the test drive isn’t that bad. “And since a test drive is usually a pretty solid reflection of what we find on the bridge, that makes me a little happier.” This becomes apparent at the end of the ride: as the Kadjar currently stands, the Piet-Jan can continue driving just fine. But that confidence has to come back a little. If only for some much needed peace of mind.

The opinion of Carrec Technocenter

“A French SUV with more than three tons on the clock from 2015, I had some thoughts about it. But the roots of this car partly come from Japan. That will certainly work out favorably in the long term. The list is fairly limited, no wrong score at the moment, so definitely worth a thumb.”

This is what’s wrong with it

● The engine ticks for a while after the cold start and sometimes stutters a bit under load

● The steering wheel is slightly crooked when driving straight ahead

● The wiper blades are mediocre all around

● The heater valves in the dashboard are noisy

● The car vibrates a bit when braking

● The engine is leaking oil at the oil pan/rear crankshaft seal

● The front brakes are mediocre