2001 Renault Laguna RXE review from South Africa

My impressions of this car have changed somewhat after the last two and a half years of ownership.

Things that have gone wrong are:

Electrics: lights flicker and fan varies in speed very slightly as if there is a electrical drain or surge. Though the lights and fan have never let me down, the gremlin was never sorted out and the dealership seem disinterested, as if, they know exactly whats wrong, but don't want to get involved.

Within the first two weeks of ownership the shock absorber/lifter for the boot snapped off. It was silly to make a plastic part connect to a metal part in the first place. The problem was fixed under warranty, but the lifter could have cost me almost R700.00 if I was out of warranty. Good quality local brands retail for about R120.00!

This lifter has broken again, and I am out of warranty. Luckily I found a local supplier to replace the plastic in part with a metal one. Total cost to fix was R45.00 including extra spares in case the other side goes. Saving to me - R650.00.

Faulty brake disks. Had to have replaced under warranty, thankfully. The disks have worn out somehow and were grating badly, though the car had only done about 50000 km.

Recently had a 100000 km service done. I told the dealer I suspected a hole in the exhaust system as the car had been using more fuel than normal and I could hear that typical sound a hole in the exhaust normally makes. Got a call from the dealer. Cracked manifold - hairline crack. Repair cost R7800.00

I don't drive like a boy racer and the car has never ever overheated. How in hell can the manifold crack!? I have asked around and qualified people have told me that a manifold should never crack in the lifetime of the vehicle, especially one well serviced and driven properly.

The local Renault dealer cannot do anything for us, so we phoned Renault SA, but they have not even returned our call. I have heard enough evidence to claim that the cracked manifold is due to a manufacturing flaw. I expect Renault SA to replace this part as the problem could not have been caused by the driver.

Though the car is still drivable, it is guzzling gas and noisier than usual. It is shocking that Renault SA are ignoring us. They also don't mind charging R2000.00 for a minor service either! My fathers Mercedes is by far cheaper to run and to service.

The car in itself is great. Very very comfortable and usually very economical. The performance is also fine, not a car to race around in, but a great highway cruiser. The handling around corners is very good.

Features, space etc... are excellent.

Full marks to Renault on design, but I will not buy another Renault. The service department has been friendly and helpful, but very expensive, and not really interested in trying to help out. They are very happy though to overcharge you for every item you need to get from them. I am not sure it is the local dealers fault. Perhaps Renault France are expensive. But owning a Renault is no fun when it comes to maintenance costs. Being ignored by Renault SA is also an insult and a slap in the face.