2003 Renault Laguna Extreme from UK and Ireland - Comments

I particularly want to draw attention to the keys supplied with Renault Mk.2. They are in the form of a metal card, which is very easily lost and at £145, very expensive to replace. There is a hole in the card, but it is impossible to put this card on a keyring since the card has to be inserted in the ignition hole side first.

After losing a card, I used the replacement on a day to day basis, and recently this failed when I was away from home. The card contains a manual key, and I looked in the instruction book to see how it worked. The book says remove a plastic cap from the drivers door to reveal a keyhole. In fact, the keyhole is on the passenger side.

When I tried to operate the manual system, I discovered that the key was a blank. My Renault garage demonstrated that replacements keys randomly come from the factory as blanks. What is more, I enquired of the garage as to why, when using a manual key, it is only possible to lock the passenger door. They said that the only way to secure the car with the manual key is to exit via the boot!! My garage tell me that a further two keys have arrived from the factory, but the manual key in each is a blank.

Unless you are very, very careful, expect high running costs on keys alone.

Seem like youre just a clumsy forgetful old so and so who has to have a moan at something.

I have a 2004 initiale - no problems and my spare key card is kept with my credit cards in my wallet. Can't do that with normal keys!!

I've recently bought a 2005 Extreme and I love it, I did worry about the key issue however I think these cards are a better option. You get lots of extras and after having test drove the boring mondeo and vectra I was left with no option, but to purchase the laguna.

Simply don't lose the key then, and in fairness it's a risk with anything that requires a key. Don't have a problem with the key, it's thin and light weight and fits nicely in my wallet.

Anyway it's a key.

I have the 1.8 16v model, just to mention something about the car itself. Looks good inside and out, comfortable, handles well and there's plenty of room in it.

A negative point is that a granny on an electric scooter will have you at the lights as the engine is underpowered, but it still drives well around town and on the motorway.