Faults:

When car was first bought the gear linkage rods were misaligned making 1st gear almost where neutral is and second gear where the handbrake is. my father very knowledgeable with cars managed to fix it easily.

Also when bought the rocket cover gasket had broken and was leaking oil, although this was easily replaced.

Also I developed a power steering fluid leak which meant having a new hose fitted, now no leaks at all.

General Comments:

Car has very good grip, excellent acceleration between 3000-4000rpm although isn't too keen on hills.

Being the first car I purchased and not being a very tall person I do find it difficult to see out the back when reverse parking, hence dent in back...oops.

Engine noise is low on motorways and general comfort is very high.

On the one occasion I did have the experience of being a backseat passenger it did feel very small, lots of leg room and as it is a family car for children in the back it would feel rather safe and the seats are very padded and the back is high.

3rd and 1st gears can be tempramental if not at correct revs.

Don't get me wrong, I love this car, I get approx 36mpg round town and on long journeys have got 53mpg. excellent round town, very responsive, great handling, sweet car.

Only thing I would change is to put air con in as it does act like a greenhouse in the summer.

Faults:

Failed to turn over 3 times in 6 months.don't use key fob as no battery. works OK then nothing. once after I had driven 20 miles then stalled in traffic jam. x files job.

General Comments:

OK apart from this. ticking time bomb.

Faults:

Before purchase, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.

Motors in both electric mirrors are shot, the electric windows are slow and unwilling at times and the lights have a habit of turning on and off as the brakes are used. Bad design or bad build?

Very slow when cold, a rattle appears from the engine when revs exceed 2000 rpm at times. Shudders too until warmed up.

General Comments:

Awful performance with regard to engine pull at any time, is exacerbated by lack-lustre feedback in steering. This is somewhat conpensated for by better than average road grip and handling.

Very comfortable at most speeds, engine is quite good in 5th gear, clever design (e.g. audio controls on steering wheel) make life a little easier in traffic.

Economy is quite bad for a 1.4 engine, averaging 33 in town, 36ish on journeys, combined about 35ish.

If considering purchasing, would do well to think about Laguna 1.6 ~1998, much better car, not much more money.