2002 Renault Laguna dCi Dynamique 1.9 dCi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Last Renault I'll ever buy

Faults:

CD player gave intermittent problems, radio reception poor.

Solenoid for petrol cap door went after 18 months.

Turbo blew up at only 46,000 miles.

Intermittent sensor faults.

General Comments:

Turbo blew up at only 46,000 miles – Renault not interested unless I went to a Renault dealer for repair, in which case they would make a “goodwill gesture”. Research showed that goodwill gestures are typically 20% on a repair costing well over £1000. Got it done for £750 from an independent.

Minor “niggles” began to develop within 6 months of buying this car new. Irritating rattles etc. – nothing major – just really annoying.

Comfort excellent, although the very comfy drivers seat has too little support, so not the car for someone with a bad back to use on long journeys.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th September, 2005

2002 Renault Laguna Privilege 3.0V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A delight to drive and own; grossly underrated in this country!

Faults:

The hazard flasher switch sometimes wouldn't turn off (I got bored one day waiting for my wife and started pushing buttons!). I wish that the fresh air ventilation could be routed away from the hotter parts of the engine so that fresh air was available without running the air conditioning, but other Eurpoeans are similar with this.

General Comments:

I have owned cars for over 30 years and this is the first one that after 2 yrs ownership still impresses me with its comfort, performance, style and composure. If I was to offer a criticism it would be that the automatic transmission calibration could be a bit smarter; but I've adjusted to it and its change points aren't an issue any more. I guess I bought it because it was a bit different and this is just one of the differences! I'm reassured by most of the mechanicals being by Nissan as I can get service most places. Style that still turns heads and lots of features that aren't immediately obvious. A delight to drive and impressive fuel economy. Very reassuring safety credentials that make me cringe when I have to drive a rental Toyota / Ford etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2005

2002 Renault Laguna Dynamique 3.0L V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor value for money

Faults:

Less than 1000 miles on the clock, a wiring loom touches the engine block, repeatedly blowing a 30 amp engine compartment fuse which immobilised the car. It took 3 visits and 9 breakdowns to locate the fault.

Cruise control switch faulty, replaced within 1st 6 months.

Driver side window, safety back off too sensitive, fault returned less than 1 week after dealer fixed it.

Climate control cuts out too soon when on max cool. Dealer says "it's fine, no problem"

Rear Brake Discs unacceptably scored at 18000 miles.

Front Suspension strut rattled and was replaced at 26000 miles.

Leaking Sunroof fills passenger foot well with water. Water also drips though fuse box causing short and loss of electrics.

New Ball Joints and rear suspension bushes at 36000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought the Laguna V6 Auto with all the toys, which are great, the drive is smooth, powerful and very comfortable.

The downside is that I bought it because the 18000 mile service interval would reduce the time that I would be without the car.

The number of times it has been in the garage is unacceptable and if I had the time to fight Renault UK, I would send it back.

I have been subjected to a base level 1.2 Clio as a courtesy car. Not good if you want to drive further than the shops.

Depreciation is simply staggering, if I could afford to change the car, I would.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th July, 2005

14th Jan 2009, 18:12

This is exactly what has happened to my Laguna; everything I mention on mine as well as ball joints, suspension etc... look at my review on my 2002 Laguna Privilege estate bought for $36,000 when two years old and is now worth $9000 to a dealer and $14,000 if I sell it privately.