2002 Renault Laguna Initiale 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A highly-equipped heap of fertiliser

Faults:

Gearbox bearing failed within first month

Cruise control failed at 2 months old, fault could not be found, still fails occasionally

Turbo pipe fell off at 6 months

Air filter seals replaced at 9 months

Airbag warning lights kept coming on during braking, problem resolved itself

Inter-cooler and turbo relief valve replaced after 18 months

Radio cover often refuses to close

Sat Nav cannot count the number of turn-offs on roundabouts, is very late giving directions and often suggests strange routes that are longer than need be for no apparent reason.

Fuel consumption dropped during last year from max 54mpg, average 39 mpg to max 42mpg, average 36 mpg, but no fault found by dealer.

General Comments:

The equipment levels cannot be faulted, if only everything worked.

Apart from regularly needing repair, the most annoying thing has been the dealer's attitude. If the cannot find a fault on their computer, it does not exist, and even if you prove the car is faulty they do not know how to fix it.

When the gearbox bearing failed, causing the car to jump out of 4th gear on overrun, it took me 6 weeks and as many visits to the dealer before they admitted there was a fault.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th July, 2004

17th Nov 2004, 08:12

I've had the same problem as you with dealers. My Laguna cuts out randomly, and visit after visit they just tell me nothing is wrong. I have written to Renault UK, but no reply as of yet. I've been to the dealer aprox 16 times (for a year old car) and they are always unfriendly and unhelpful. Looking at other reviews I would say 80% of Laguna owners would agree with this as well as the 'if the computer says its OK... then its OK'

My 1.9 Dci 120 only does 42-43mpg on the motorway in light traffic in a straight line, but the computer says everything find. Most petrol cars will do more than 40mpg on the motorway, these Lagunas are supposed to do near 60mpg extra urban.

Pathetic!

2002 Renault Laguna expression 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good reasonably priced stylish motor

Faults:

No problems at all with vehicle, its performance has been absolutely faultless. I think the car looks great, is really comfortable, smooth and responsive.

General Comments:

Had two previous Renaults, R8/1100 and 17TL, 17 went well, but rotted away faster than melting snow!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2004

2002 Renault Laguna Initiale 3l V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A comfortable high performing car

Faults:

The card key entry system has been problematic, but the dealer has changed the cards and they are fine now.

Warning lights for the air bags have illuminated without there being a fault present.

Tyre pressure indicators have been faulty.

Only serious fault was the failure of 2 high tension coils; this was dealt with efficiently by the dealer.

General Comments:

I travel a lot of miles in the car and it is very comfortable on long drives.

The sound system is excellent.

The Sat Nav is a really useful extra, although the screen can be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

Passengers in the rear have complained about seat belts being difficult to fasten.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2004

2002 Renault Laguna Privilige 1.9DCI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A well designed drivers car let down by build quality

Faults:

Two faulty tire sensors so far.

Exhaust needed replacing after 40,000m.

Head lamp computer replaced.

Ignition key-card replaced.

Turbo unit blew at 53,000m.

General Comments:

The car itself is a well finished car.

It handles well and is more responsive than the 2.0 petrol equivalent.

Very spacious.

Finish a long journey feeling refreshed.

Perhaps too many gadgets which can fail.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd February, 2004

2002 Renault Laguna Authentique 3.0L V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Back to the drawing board

Faults:

Excessive wear of tyres.

Automatic transmission valve body replaced.

High tension coils replaced twice due to misfiring.

Driver window does not close properly.

Body trim discolored.

Interior rattles.

Faulty remote control (2x)

General Comments:

Auto transmission is indecisive. Never seems to pick the right gear ratio.

Engine must be revved high to have good performance, which is a little odd for a 3.0L.

Drives really nicely.

If it wasn't for all the technical problems I even like it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th February, 2004

17th Sep 2005, 03:31

Hi - I am in Australia and read your comments with interest. I have an '02 Laguna Privilege (also 3.0l V6). My report is at the top of the column and I guess you can see that we are very happy with the car. The tyre wear issue I also struck, but it turned out to be die to alignment being done by a regualr tyre shop. Take it to your Renault dealer (mine has the equipment in house) and the problem disappears! It costs the same as your local shop so I guess it just comes down to some tyre jockeys not paying attention to what they are doing!