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Renault Laguna

With the current model getting all the attention thanks to its futuristic looks, class-leading safety and impressive comfort, the previous- generation Renault Laguna could seem distinctly old hat these days.

March 2003

With the current model getting all the attention thanks to its futuristic looks, class-leading safety and impressive comfort, the previous- generation Renault Laguna could seem distinctly old hat these days.
Which is bad news for dealers struggling to shift stock, but ideal for second-hand car buyers after an inexpensive yet stylish family hatchback or estate. It's now nine years since the Laguna replaced the Renault 21, and over its seven-year lifespan the model helped to re-establish the firm's reputation as a maker of dynamically accomplished and well finished cars.
But if you're buying one, it's important to choose carefully. Early vehicles suffered badly from electrical problems, which were only finally sorted towards the end of the production run.
Checklist
* Electrical faults are rife on early cars. Immobilisers, airbag warning lights, radio units and alarms are all affected.
* AutomaticS can be problematic, especially with the 2.0-litre unit, where the engine can lock in gear. Ensure that all the gearchanges are smooth.
* Wet front carpets mean a leaking heater matrix. It won't cause a breakdown, but repairs can be expensive.
* Driveshaft failure affects manual models which are constantly driven hard. Listen for clonking front wheels.
* Be wary of ex-fleet high-milers. Worn bushes, damaged anti-roll bars and broken road springs can all make the normally impressive handling sloppy.
Glass's View
Despite more new-shape Lagunas coming on to the market, prices are holding firm for good examples of the old model, says trade bible Glass's Guide. Early and low spec cars, however, are increasingly cheap and represent great value, providing you don't expect much back when you come to sell. There's lots of demand for good dCis and estates, but 3.0-litre V6s are practically impossible to shift.
My Laguna...
It's now five years since Greg Singleton bought his Laguna, and he's still very happy with the car. "I always buy Renaults because I have a friend who works in a dealership," said Greg, 34, from Eastbourne, East Sussex. "He looks after the maintenance for me in his spare time, as he knows the cars really well." Greg's M-reg 1.8 RT is running well, despite being an early example, and has covered approximately 55,000 miles as an everyday family car.
It has suffered one breakdown, due to a faulty starter motor, but Greg's only other expenditure has been for routine items such as brake discs, pads, tyres and exhausts. "That said, windscreen wiper blades rarely last more than six months," he revealed. "And the wide A-pillar restricts vision." Although Greg likes his Laguna, he's decided the time has finally come for him to part company with it. "My wife has just given birth to our third child and the Laguna doesn't come with three proper seatbelts," he said. "So I'm now looking to buy a decent second-hand Espace."

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By far the best Laguna is the 1.9 dCi, but it was only offered in the final year of production. Otherwise, we'd go for the petrol models, as the 2.2-litre diesel is slow and the 1.9 dTi unreliable. Post-1998 16v engines are the best, with even the 1.6 giving economy and performance. Avoid RN spec, and go for the well appointed RXE if you can.

For a review of the new Renault Laguna visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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VERDICT

    By far the best Laguna is the 1.9 dCi, but it was only offered in the final year of production. Otherwise, we'd go for the petrol models, as the 2.2-litre diesel is slow and the 1.9 dTi unreliable. Post-1998 16v engines are the best, with even the 1.6 giving economy and performance. Avoid RN spec, and go for the well appointed RXE if you can.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:3
Running costs (ppm):35-58p
Insurance groups:8-14

HISTORY

    1994: Laguna range is launched to much critical acclaim. Initially avail-able with a choice of 95bhp 1.8-litre, 115bhp 2.0-litre and 194bhp 3.0-litre petrol engines. Trim levels are entry-level RN (1.8 only), mid-range RT, plus RXE and range-topping Executive, with leather and air-con as standard. Body style is five-door hatch at launch, with estate appearing two months later. 1995: Diesel models appear for the first time using 2.2-litre unit. Normally aspirated delivers 85bhp, turbo 115bhp. Sporty 2.0-litre 16v joins the petrols. 1998: Range receives major revisions, with an entirely new engine line-up. Entry-level powerplant is now 110bhp 1.6-litre. New 1.8-litre 120bhp and 2.0 140bhp petrol units also appear. Direct- injection 1.9-litre dTi turbodiesel re-places the aged and sluggish 2.2. 1999: Laguna Aliz
 
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