Faults:

Where do I start?

On the day of purchase, and giving it its 1st motorway test, we noticed on accelerating, the car pulled to the left heavily, and when you released your foot from the pedal, it shot back to the right. It was like I had no control and the car was steering itself.

It was also badly creaking when you pulled away.

The power steering goes hard if you turn too quickly; has almost caused a few accidents when pulling into parking spaces. The Dynamique hasn't got EML or whatever you call it.

The air conditioning controls back light has stopped working, so you can't see any info at night (£470 for a new one).

It's went to the dealers 6 times in 3 months, and even though they claimed to put new bushes and a new power steering valve in, the problems still persist, so that's the warranty gone now.

The lumbar support has gone in the driver's seat, and now the wheel sensors keep coming up warning in cold weather.

General Comments:

It's a shame, as my mk1 Laguna was the best car I'd ever had.

But that's why they've given it the name "Dynamique", because like the jewellery with the similar name, it looks good until you look close and realize it's not as good as diamond.

And for your information, a service is £280, and a cam belt change is £495.

Faults:

Speedometer gave up at 43000 miles, complete panel had to be replaced. Very pricey.

Interior lights will not go out when someone leaves the car.

Alarm had to be replaced as would go off any time for no reason.

Rear shocks giving loud groaning noises at 40000 miles, had to be replaced.

Leather seats showing wear on seams at 38000miles.

General Comments:

The cabin is nicely finished and comfortable.

The car feels solid and safe.

The plastic wings and bonnet are a big plus as far as stone chipping go.

Faults:

Fuel Injection System fault signaled which results in NO throttle control (Twice). The second time the car was out of warranty and it cost £300 for a new throttle body.

Anti-pollution system fault signaled. Luckily, this just needed the management system to be reset.

Rear suspension arms bent and out of line.

Rear wiper failed resulting in the replacement of the rear window glass by the dealer. The rear wiper has never been able to perform a full sweep since, despite numerous attempts by the dealer to resolve it.

Driver's window fails to operate (intermittently), the dealer has never managed to solve this problem.

Unable to open the boot of the car due to water getting into the the switch mechanism and shorting out the switch.

1500 miles after a service at the dealers, I needed new brake discs (front and rear) due to the brake pads wearing away. The dealer failed to mention to me that I needed new brake pads when it was serviced.

Numerous faults with lights due to electrical problems.

Numerous rattles that the dealer has never been able to solve.

General Comments:

This is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. My young children now call it RUBBISH Renault which I think is very apt.

The car seems to be too technically advanced for the the dealers and most of the time they need at least two attempts to fix the problems.

The dealers are among the worst I've ever dealt with. They fail to take ownership of their mistakes which normally end up costing you more money (see the brake disc fault above).

On the plus side, it is very comfortable. It drives OK, but is a little under powered (I had the 1800, but I think it needs at least a litre engine). It has exceptional looks.

However, this doesn't make up for the unreliability issues.

I'm changing my car on Friday as I need to own one that I can trust. Needless to say, it is NOT another Renault.