1998 Renault Laguna RN review from UK and Ireland

Nearside passenger window glass jammed half-way.

Tail exhaust box fell off (common Laguna problem).

Bonnet catches stuck (another Laguna quirk)

Airbag light permanently on due to faulty under-seat wiring (this has been happening to Renaults for years, shouldn't they have fixed this by now?)

Seems to eat brake pads compared to previous cars I've owned.

The engine is fairly lively for a 1.6, indeed it has more power than the older 1.8 8v models. Not much torque though so you have to work the gears to get the best out of it. Economy is excellent considering the size of the car.

Handling is good and the car feels safe to drive, however the front tends to pitch up and down slightly at high speed on anything, but the smoothest motorways.

The brakes could be a little more effective.

Comfort is reasonable. I am 6'4" tall and my head just avoids touching the roof interior. Visibility is seriously impaired by a thick and poorly placed A-pillar. The interior trim is solid with no buzzes or rattles. Equipment is good for a base model.

Not much of a car for the home mechanic. This is the first car I've had to send a car to a dealer for a cam belt change (expensive), however routine maintenance such as oil changes is easy enough.