1997 Renault Laguna RT 1.8 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Nice car - as long as you don't want to change gear!
Faults:
Water leak into the rear footwell - cheap.
Heater matrix failed - very expensive.
Paintwork is easily damaged.
General Comments:
Good spec and very comfortable with lots of space in the front. Not so good in the back though. Unfortunately there's lots of things to spoil an otherwise good car.
Drives well, but the engine is seriously under powered for a 1.8.
The biggest problem is the gear change - either it's the worst design ever or Renault fitted my Laguna with a box of old nails. It's obstructive and a downright pain to use. The car has to be almost stationary in order to change down from 3rd to 2nd. Changing up is often bad as well - it's just not reliable.
The heater matrix failing is a common fault apparently. If you've got air con you'll need a big wallet to get this fixed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 14th May, 2001
5th Aug 2001, 21:49
Acquiring my Laguna 1.8 RT at 100k was a bit of a risk, but apart from a radiator change the car has given me no problems in the last year, now at 124k. However watch out for that extremely clunky gearbox, coasting seems to be a necessity for it! But overall the car has performed very well especially on long distances, and R reg cars are bargains at the moment, I got mine for £3500.
24th May 2001, 13:55
Gearbox, forget it.
I have had my Laguna for 4 years and have covered about 50,000 miles on 2 gearboxes. Have the box checked if you are buying second hand. Re-manufacturers will tell you, the gearbox is the weakest link?