... I was hoping to try to get as many of the following as possible -
An 03 plate or newer
As good a specification as possible
A reasonable looking car
A car that could take five people with space for shopping/luggage
An economical car with at least 40mpg
After looking at a lot of different ... Read review
Advantages: The spec, the price, economical and practical Disadvantages: Boot a little limited, lack of feel, nondescript looks
...406/407, Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Renault Laguna and others.
I finally whittled it down to just the Laguna and Mondeo, though the Mondeo had some advantages, it is definitely a dull looking car, unless you can afford the ST24 - and I couldn't, as well as the fact there are so many for sale. So when I had decided on the Laguna I checked out all of the different models in the range, and settled on the Initiale - Why? Because the spec was ... ...
Carminat Satellite Navigation
Xenon Lights
Front and Rear Fog Lights
Cruise control
ABS
Traction Control
Electric Sunroof
Electric Mirrors
Electric Windows (Front and rear)
Keycode entry/engine start system
Multi cd player
Dual zone Air Con
17 inch alloys as standard
Tyre Pressure sensors
Trip Computer
Full Leather Interior
Multiple ... more
Five months ago my S Reg Laguna RT was getting a little tired and I decided to look for something newer. I prefer to purchase outright and I had a maximum budget of £7,000.
I looked on the net and local car supermarkets at a large number of cars, and had a number of choices. I was hoping to try to get as many of the following as possible - An 03 plate or newer As good a specification as possible A reasonable looking car A car that could take five people with space for shopping/luggage An economical car with at least 40mpg
After looking at a lot of different cars including the Toyota Avensis, Peugeot 406/407, Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Renault Laguna and others. I finally whittled it down to just the Laguna and Mondeo, though the Mondeo had some advantages, it is definitely a dull looking car, unless you can afford the ST24 - and I couldn't, as well as the fact there are so many for sale. So when I had decided on the Laguna I checked out all of the different models in the range, and settled on the Initiale - Why? Because the spec was absolutely amazing. The spec for the Initiale is - Carminat Satellite Navigation Xenon Lights Front and Rear Fog Lights Cruise control ABS Traction Control Electric Sunroof Electric Mirrors Electric Windows (Front and rear) Keycode entry/engine start system Multi cd player Dual zone Air Con 17 inch alloys as standard Tyre Pressure sensors Trip Computer Full Leather Interior Multiple 12v points (3) Immobiliser/Alarm Multiple airbags Seat Belt Pretensioners Electric memory/heated front seats High level rear brake light
The Initiale is the highest spec Laguna, and is quite rare to find (There is the slightly higher GT spec car, but this is mega rare, and due to a more powerful engine is in a higher insurance group and has poorer fuel efficiency). After some searching, I found an 03 plate car in mint condition with only 43K on the clock for £7,000 at a local dealer. I took the obligatory test drive and traded my old car in (Got a good price too!). From the outside you can't tell this is a different model to the rest of the range, as there are no badges, though the small GPS fitment on the roof and the larger 17 inch alloys are the only giveaways.
The outer styling on the car is quite pleasing though definitely a little nondescript (I have had to search twice on large car parks already!). It does look quite squat and aggressive, and though I tried to get a metallic black car, even the silver version I have is attractive, though I think this is subjective, especially when you compare it to some other models in the mid range area.
THE INTERIOR Clearly a lot of time went into the development of the interior and it is light years ahead of the old model. First, it seems to be far bigger inside, with plenty of room inside, and can take five adults quite comfortably. Whether it is the seats or the height there is definitely more headroom in front and back so this is also a major plus point. Up front the seats are comfortable, if a little too soft for my taste, though you do have a large arm rest. Inside the arm rest is one of the three 12v power points, and plenty of storage space. We tested it and it can take 8 cans of pop, so it is very practical. Behind the front visors you have mirrors and courtesy lights - a nice touch. You also have a cup holder in the centre front console - quite handy. For some reason you have three interior lights for map reading, why three I thought when I first noticed, and I still have no idea (Perhaps in the unlikely event you need to read three separate maps at once!) The dash/console layout is well sorted, though it has a pull done/flip front arrangement for the CD/Sat Nav area and this can be quite annoying . I Doesn't always lock or open first time, so I prefer to leave it open. Another nice touch in the Initiale is the rear window lock button , situated by the electric window controls. This I have found on several occasions to be very useful, when the kids start playing with the switches in the rear. In the rear you have pull down sun blinds on each side as well as a further 12v power point (For a DVD player, PSP etc). You also have a pull down armrest/storage area, that has a cup holder.
THE TOYS The Sat Nav, is a Carminat system. The system comes on automatically when you start the engine. It is very easy to use, though time consuming as you need to enter the town and street name for each new destination. So far after using it quite a few times I haven't had any problems with the routes, though if the final destination is on a street you don't know or a long street it can take time to find the exact location - a problem you don't have with a system that uses post codes. If you needed to use Sat Nav on a regular basis, then I think other systems will be quicker and more practical. The Cd/Radio is a real treat (Well the CD is, not the Radio). You can load up to 6 CD's into the front Player, and the sound quality is as good as most. However, as the car doesn't have a standard aerial, the radio signal is not always picked up as well as it should, resulting in some 'crackling' when in poorer signal areas. The Trip Computer is superb. This is accessed with a button on the end of the wiper stalk. Each press takes you though overall mileage, overall mileage/time to next service, trip mileage, miles per gallon/consumption, maximum distance on current fuel, distance since last fill up, average speed and finally cruise control speed (If accessed). This is very handy, easy to use, and very practical for long journeys. The rear parking sensors come in quite handy, and you get the standard intermittent beeps up to 10 centimetres away. Good for inexperienced drivers though many will not need it.
ON THE MOVE To start the car you put the key card in the slot and press a Start/Stop button. As the engine starts the Tyre Pressures and Oil are checked, and this is briefly shown on the display. The engine is not as quiet as you might expect, and is certainly noisier than I expected, though at speed it is not excessive. The 1.9 and 2.2 DCI cars are Turbo Diesel and suffer quite badly with Turbo Lag. This is especially noticeable in 2nd and 3rd, when it takes around two seconds before you get the acceleration you wanted - two seconds ago!. This means a little more care is needed for some driving such as busy islands, motorway driving etc. The suspension is very soft, indeed it feels like I am driving my sofa it is so soft. Great for long distances but it means you have practically no 'feel' for the car on the road. This I feel it perhaps the biggest weakness in the car, and does mar the driving experience to some extent. However, I am a major fan of motor racing, and take the car to a wide range of venues/locations some are little more than dirt tracks and fields, and the suspension copes well in this environment. The engine is a 1.9 120 hp common rail diesel. I have checked over a few trips and have returned 32 miles per gallon for around town, and between 48-50 for distance/motorway. I can be a little right foot happy, so take this into account. However, the car does fell quite nippy for a diesel, and it cruised very comfortably at 90 when I was late for an appointment and the motorway was clear. The manual says it tops out at 125 (90 is my limit!), and it stated a 0-60 on 10.5 seconds, though I haven't tried, I sense these figures would be quite achievable. For some reason the car has six forward gears ?? Is this a lorry or a supercar, why so many? From what I can tell the 6th forward gear is for distance cruising at low revs=even better fuel consumption, though I have to admit I thought this was what 5th was for (When I first noticed it I thought of the guitarist in the Spinal Tap movie with an amp going up to volume level 11).
SAFETY AND SECURITY The following is a direct quote from Parkers - Laguna was the first ever car to receive five stars for passenger safety in the Euro NCAP tests. The standard list of safety features is impressive, including airbags throughout the cabin, ABS with brake assist, power steering and five three-point seatbelts with pretensioners. Security is fully kitted out as well - with deadlocks, an electric steering lock, an immobiliser, keyless entry and remote central locking - so safety and security is undoubtedly Laguna's strong point.
RELIABILITY One thing that worried me a lot before purchasing was reliability. I have had two Laguna's before and have had no major problems , and I know others who have had similar experience, yet the Laguna has had a lot of problems with reliability from many owners. So far after three months I have had no problems, but lets face it almost any car can have problems.
CONCLUSION Overall I would highly recommend the Laguna, especially the Initiale, it is without doubt one of the best value mid range cars available. A new 1.9 DCI Initiale is quoted at over 20K. Taking depreciation into account, a saving of over 13K on a low mileage diesel seems a smart move.
Advantages: Stylish, well equipped, technology laden car Disadvantages: Not the most practical of estates and the engine is a little fussy
...cars - the VW Passat, Renault Laguna and Saab 9-3. You may have read my Saab 9-3 op - and if not, why not? -, so now it's time for round two and it's time for a Parisian challenger in the face of the popular Renault Laguna and here is my op on it...
THE CURRENT FACE OF RENAULT
Well, Renault are probably set to go down as having one of the most bizarre ranges of cars in the world, by 2003 with an onslaught of stunning - or weird - new cars. The ... ...of the new Laguna, the Renault range was in need of a boost. The Clio, Megane and Laguna ranges were looking towards retirement and at the time sales weren't great for the brand. What they needed was a style boost and the Laguna was just the job. Taking styling cues from the 1995 Initiale concept, the new Renault Laguna shows the way for the comparatively dull Ford Mondeo. At the front, the sharp front-end is complimented by aggressive headlights ...
Solex 04.03.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
Advantages: great engine, stylish estate, great spec, Disadvantages: poor load capacity compared to competition
I owned this car for 9 months and have managed to rack up 30,000 miles, so I believe i'm in a good position to coment on all aspects of owner ship.
Design
The 'sports tourer' has been designed with the 'not so sure about estate car' market in mind. The sports tourer acheives this by a gradual transition of the tail gate which granted does look good but the load capacity suffers and theres a danger of loads resting / going through the rear window! ... ...the rest of Renaults range, I personaly think it looks great.
Inside
My Expression model comes with a great spec for a car of its price I wont list 'em - check out the Renult UK site for details. the interior is clean and tidy the dash has flip down panels to cover the CD player and any valuables, the centre arm rest is very comfortable and has a lot of storage space inside along with a lighter / phone charger port. The massive sun roof gives the ...
B-atch 23.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
I drive a reasonable number of miles in my work (around 3000/month) and have recently had the opportunity to sample several cars in this class. The Laguna has been my least favourite for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I have been driving this particular vehicle for around 5 months. It is a hire car, and I am unsure of the trim level - there are no other markings on the car other than 1.9dCi. It is an up to date model - 05 plate.
My main issue is ... ...the door handle is constantly rubbing my knee. This sounds minor, but when you are in a car for a couple of hours it becomes a huge annoyance. I have tried every adjustment but have yet to find a comfortable seating position. Also note that boot space is less than I expected.
Another area worth mentioning is the sun visor. When this is down, it manages to obliterate most of the windscreen. I have now developped the habit (as has my wife, who is ...
cpennington 28.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
I bought my 2001 Laguna II, 4 years ago, with 49,000 on the clock. I am not a high milage driver and have clocked up only 33,000 miles. Since then I have had numerous problems with the dashboard key reader unit and have replaced it. I have replaced three tyre pressure sensors due to malfunctions.
I have had problems with the electrics atributed to the sunroof, and it has also continued to leak rainwater into the interior if left pointing nose down ... ...for suspension mountings, timing belt and waterpump. Just before Christmas 2007, I had to replace the flywheel as the gears where slipping, and decided to replace the clutch which had about a year left of life, at the same time. Total cost this time was £1200. Add to that, the servicing costs and this car has cost me a small fortune and now I am caught with a car I have spent so much on, it would be financial suicide to trade it in.
Although I always ...
Sheepsy 13.01.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
My parents have owned a Renault Laguna since 2004. We decided that since our accident, we would need a car with a very high safety standard. The Laguna ticked all of the boxes with its excellent five-star european safety rating and sufficient boot space.
In general, the Laguna is a good drive which is very smooth and durable on lengthy journeys but there are some major problems.
The main two problems that we have experienced is that the tyre sensors ... ...our local Renault garage for repair at £75 a time. We have now stopped going to the garage and just put up with the annoying unfixable sensors. The second problem is fixings within the car seem very cheap and can be removed very easily and many of the speaker covers etc. within our car are virtually hanging off.
Overall though, I believe that for the safety rating of this car, it is a very good buy especially if you can find it cheaply second hand. ...
Coops2404 21.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
Value for Money
Road Handling
Comfort
Features
Fuel consumption
Looks
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Advantages: Patient, informative and helpful. Child friendly dealership. Disadvantages: Very short test drive
, and some of those are townie miles.
There is nowhere to put my fire extinguisher and warning triangle without them rattling around ~ I'm a safety girl!
There are electric front windows, interior light, and interior mirror light on drivers side.
Central locking, which relocks if you don't open the car within a certain amount of time ~ still trying to work out how long you've got!
De-mister and rear window heater very speedy!
CD, radio ~ FM, MW, LW all adjustable by a stick next to the steering wheel. Sound quality not bad.
Overall still very happy!
Further Update
On a completely different note, but regarding the same dealer.
Our RenaultLaguna1.9dCi has recently experienced some major, and expensive £2200! (Help) probloems. WA Lewis have been exceptional in their customer care. Without going in to all the details ...
ciaomeister1 07.02.2006 (15.02.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Renault
Advantages: Practical, comfortable and well equipped Disadvantages: About to be ousted by new model
us to about 5 cars but 2, the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra were struck off quickly. That left us just 3 cars. The...
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As you probably have guessed, this op centres on the latter, and after a test drive, a detailed briefing and several figures later, I am ready to indulge you with this op. Enjoy...
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Before I start, I'd better just run down the meaning of these ominous sounding new tax laws bearing down on us in April.
When cars are launched they will be subject to a Carbon Dioxide emissions rating, which then gives them a percentage that puts them in a group. This is a fixed tax rate that company car drivers pay. But the less economical the car is, the higher the group ...
