Item: Used Renault Laguna Hatchback 1994 - 2001
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Hatchback

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

LAGUNA

The Renault Laguna is a comfortable tourer, but it's let down by patchy reliability

Used Renault Laguna Hatchback 1994 - 2001

All versions can be picked up for very little cash, even the posh ones with lots of toys.

Fuel economy figures are about what you'd expect for the class, although with most of the engines, you'll have to fill up slightly more often than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/hatchback/review/n15">Mondeo</a> owner. The most frugal petrol engine, the 1.6, will give you 37.7mpg, while the leanest 1.9 diesel engine gives a very handy 51.4mpg. The 3.0 V6 is by far and away the worst, with 25.7mpg.

Servicing costs are also on a par with what you'd pay for the equivalent Mondeo.

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The Renault Laguna is a comfortable tourer, but it's let down by patchy reliability

If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the 1.8-litre 16v engine, which will give you 35.8mpg and decent performance. Beware though. Pre-1998 petrol cars have eight-valve engines, which are noticeably less punchy.

The 1.6 and 2.0 engines were also upgraded in 1998, but both the pre- and post-upgrade 1.6s feel weak. And, while the 2.0s are okay, the 16v is definitely the pick. You might be tempted by the powerful 3.0 V6 engine, but resist it - it simply doesn't suit the car.

Alternatively, you can find two diesels. The 1.9 is frugal but sluggish, while the 2.2 TD is much more responsive, and you'll still get around 40mpg. That's enough to make it our favourite engine from the range.

As for trim, second-rung RT trim is best - you'll get all the essential creature comforts such as air-con, a sunroof, electric front windows and a CD player. RT Sport models add alloy wheels.

RXE models get climate control, alloy wheels, a CD changer and electric rear windows, while Executive models add an alarm and leather seats.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

There's plenty that can go wrong on this generation of Laguna. And, Warranty Direct tell us that axle and suspension problems are the most common complaint.

The coolant system can also be iffy, so make sure your test drive is a long one to check for any signs of overheating. Water pumps on the diesels have a tendency to seize, too.

The petrol models seem to be quite hard on gearboxes, and they have been known to give up the ghost after around 70,000 miles. Make sure your chosen car shifts into all gears, including reverse, smoothly.

When looking at the service history, check that certain recall work has been carried out. Three were issued, one for cars made in 1994 for a possible lock-up of the transmission, and some cars made in 1995 suffered problems with an airbag warning light. Some 1996 cars also suffered from an overheating exhaust manifold.

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If you're after a car to set your pulse racing, then the Renault Laguna probably isn't for you. However, if you need a car that'll chew up a long journey with the minimum of hassle, then it's definitely worth a look.

It has a supple suspension that soaks up bumps with ease, while it contains wind and road noise better than most cars of this age and type. However, the smaller engines can be raucous if you work them hard, so choose carefully.

The cabin is smart and solid, and there's space enough for five to travel in reasonable comfort. The seats are comfortable, and all but the basic RN model come with driver's seat height adjustment. Visibility, too, is very good.

The hatchback also provides an impressively big boot, making it a practical family car.

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Used Renault Laguna Hatchback 1994 - 2001 review

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