2002 Renault Laguna Dynamique 19.dci

Summary:

Brilliant package

Faults:

Electrical ignition fault has come on twice.

After this has happened, I noticed that it was after refueling, and if I stopped the engine and locked the car, it would remove the problem.

Apparently it's due to a faulty turbo pressure switch that cuts off the turbo, hence the limp home mode.

General Comments:

The new Laguna II is my 5th Laguna, and I have to say that apart from the niggle of the ignition fault, I have had 20K of faultless comfortable driving.

I tow a caravan, and this car has amazing pulling power, which is way above its class, plus the wide track gives it good stability.

The level of trim is impressive, and the half leather helps with the kid's spills and food remains.

I think the other reviews are over the top from people who expect something that's not achievable. Remember this is a Renault costing 17k, not a BMW or AUDI costing 25K, but look it has twice as many extras including. You'd never get half leather, air con, CD, electric sunroof, alloys, spots, and spoiler included on a BMW or Audi.

I also had a pressure sensor light up, but a check of the pressure showed it was over inflated, so a few pounds removed and all was well.

So overall I rate this car very highly. I know it's got a few electrical faults, but the ride, economy, equipment and general ease of use massively outweigh any small faults.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2002

7th Dec 2002, 17:20

Interesting comment about Audi, BMW etc. However, and this is a very important point, when you spend £19,000 on a new car you do expect the thing to run - and I mean further that 274 miles and it should last for more than 24 hours without braking down. The Vehicle Inspectorate, together with Which Magazine (Consumer's Assoc) are at this moment trying to force Renault to recall the faulty batch of Laguna's. I am now in discussion with the BSI to have Renault UK Ltd's ISO 9002 certificate canceled due to their totally lack of customer care. By the time I've finished with Renault, they'll wish they had stopped importing cars into the UK years ago.

2002 Renault Laguna Dynamique 1.8

Summary:

A luxury cruiser for small hatchback cash

Faults:

Remote central locking didn't lock front passenger door when new.

Slight buzzing from stereo.

Dealer quickly sorted out.

General Comments:

I thought long and hard about getting this car. Especially as I had my heart set on a Golf - but really glad I did.

Not only do you get much more room and electric toys to play with, but the auto box is a lot smoother and gives you the option of semi auto - which is fun on bends.

The spec is much much better than on the Golf I was looking at - and the design is well thought through - with more places to put things.

Unlike VW dealers, Renault main dealers are happy to talk discount. There are also some really good deals around at the car supermarkets - although some are Irish spec. Do your own jokes!

My advice: contact a UK car broker like Carfile (see back of What car) and get them to quote you a price. Then either order through them or play that off your local dealer.

Good luck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2002

2002 Renault Laguna Privilege 1.9 dCi turbo diesel

Summary:

This car is so unreliable it is dangerous both to the driver and other road users

Faults:

I purchased the car on 01 March 2002. After one day (on 02 March 2002) and 274 miles the fuel injection warning system activated and the car went into "Limp Home Mode" - that was nice on a busy motorway, with my family in the car.

This "fuel injection warning" then came on every couple of days, making me late for business meetings, social events and work.

After 18 warnings, the type pressure sensor faulted as well.

It is also very uncomfortable with loose, creaking seats.

This car had been returned to the dealer on 6 separate occasions between 01 Mar 02 and 01 Jul 02 and they were completely useless. Now they deny that anything is wrong and have deleted my records from their computer system so that they don't have to say how often I had been back for repair!

The car has not been used since early July 2002.

General Comments:

I took deliver of a brand new Renault Laguna dCi on 01 March 2002. It broke down on 02 March 2002 - and continued to break down 17 times more before I stopped using it.

I have just received my "independent engineers report" and it clearly states that Renault Technical Department are fully aware that a batch of Renault Laguna dCi models were delivered with a major fault.

There has been no recall notice and Renault have kept this fact secret from the General Public. I think this information should be made known to the buying public - so they don't get stuck with a pile of junk, as in my case.

Needless to say, the dealer, the HP company and Renault UK Limited are all "keeping house". So, my solicitor is proceeding to take them all to court to recover my money.

If you want to know the outcome of the court case, please let me know.

You are welcome to view any or all of my supporting evidence.

Best Regards

Simon Bunce

scbunce@btinternet.com

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th October, 2002

12th Jan 2003, 17:14

I have had a very similar experience to Simon. My Renault Laguna is the same model and it has been plagued with minor faults. Renault Customer Service do very little apart from making the odd sympathetic noise and sending a few "dealer vouchers" to use at their overpriced outlets.

27th Jan 2003, 12:41

Thank my lucky stars! I was choosing between the Laguna and Primera. In the end, I chose the Primera T-Spec - the wife is happy I don't annoy her now :-)! Lots of toys to keep me occupied! Maybe the site operators should consider sending these comments to Renault in France. So many customers all complaining of poor dealership service can't be wrong!

Mike.

2002 Renault Laguna Dynamique Sport Tourer 1.9 DCi

Summary:

Great car, poor back up

Faults:

Faulty paint work, including dust under the paint on several panels, fingerprint type marks etched into the paint work and a bumper several different shades of colour.

The drivers side rear door seal protruded past the bodywork.

General Comments:

A fantastic car to drive and look at, but the dealer and manufacturer back up is so slow and poor to react to complaints.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th July, 2002

3rd Feb 2003, 10:48

Can't believe you can make a fair comment after only covering 200 miles?...