Used Renault Laguna Hatchback 2000 - 2008 review
Choose the right Renault Laguna, and you'll be able to enjoy quiet, effortless motoring
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What's the used Renault Laguna like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Renault Laguna like?
The Renault Laguna rides the lumps and bumps beautifully both in town and on the motorway. Yet it's also crisp theorugh the corners, and the firm body control ensures it's stable at all times. It's not terribly engaging, mind you - the steering is too vague for that - but it's competent.
Motorways are the Laguna's ideal home. Long distances disappear effortlessly in hushed comfort, helped by the good driving position, excellent provision of creature comforts and, apart from smallest, smooth, willing engines.
Overview
Choose the right Renault Laguna, and you'll be able to enjoy quiet, effortless motoring
Pros
- It's a refined cruiser, and was awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test
Cons
- The smaller engines need working hard, accommodation is average and the cars are unreliable
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The cabin isn't the roomiest, though. Tall people will get a gentle head massage from the roof lining, and those in the rear struggle for foot space. The payoff, however, is an impressive, rectangular luggage area that can be extended by split/fold rear seats.
As well as luxury kit, the Laguna is packed with safety features that helped it to a maximum five-star rating in its Euro NCAP crash tests.
Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Renault Laguna?
Overall, running costs are pretty average. Servicing bills are typically higher than for a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra, and significantly dearer than the Peugeot 407's, but cheaper than the Laguna's other rival, the Citroen C5.
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However, if something goes wrong, it isn't likely to be that cheap to fix. Figures from Warranty Direct suggest the norm for repair costs is roughly 50% higher than for the Mondeo, Vectra and C5. In addition, some owners find front tyres wear quicker than expected.
Insurance is more modest and fuel bills are positively bashful. Our favourite car, the 150bhp 2.0 dCi diesel, yields an official 48.7mpg combined average, which is slightly better than the 130bhp 1.9 dCi and slightly worse than the 120bhp 1.9 dCi. The petrols range from high-30s to the gallon for the 1.6s and 1.8s to high-20s for the V6.
Tips & Advice
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Laguna should I buy?
Not the 1.6 and 1.8 petrols, that's for sure. Of the other petrol engines, the 2.0-litre is decent, the 2.0 turbos swift and the 3.0 V6 with an automatic gearbox smooth
However, the dCi diesels give the best balance of smoothness, speed and economy. The 120bhp and 130bhp 1.9s are the best option, while the 150bhp 2.0 dCi is great if you have the cash.
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Since the Laguna's introduction in December 2000, all models have had air-con, anti-lock brakes, remote central locking, a CD player and good safety kit as standard.
Expression and Dynamique trims up the ante still further; Privilege gives leather seats; and Initiale comes with gold-plated bells and whistles. Privilege is a good choice if funds allow.
A GT badge means the more powerful version of the 2.0 turbo (just over 200bhp), alloy wheels, part-leather trim, satellite-navigation and uprated suspension that sharpens the handling.
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Whatever your choice, though, you'll find plenty at supersites and Renault approved used dealers. Beware of private sellers off-loading trouble-prone examples.
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Renault Laguna ?
Renault Laguna
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault Laguna
1.5 dCi eco2 Dynamique TomTom Euro 4 5dr
£899
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About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
News and advice
News
New Renault Laguna not confirmed for UK
* New Laguna and Espace may not come to UK
* Dealers do want bigger cars, though
* Standalone premium brand will launch in Asia
Thu Jun 20 2013
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Next Renault Laguna could be an SUV
* Next Renault Laguna might not reach UK
* Could be SUV-style model
* Decision due in three months
Mon Dec 19 2011
News
Next Laguna and Espace confirmed
* Renault's family car and MPV not axed
* Next Laguna to have 'more edgy' design
* May be an all-electric Laguna, too
Thu Sep 15 2011
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Renault Laguna: sharper, leaner, cleaner
* Renault simplifies the range, too
* Improved economy and emissions
* Prices drop by up to 1855
Tue Oct 26 2010
See all latest advice