Second-Hand Sense: Some say the French don't necessarily make the best cars but they do make the most comfortable ones. Whether or not you subscribe to that view, it's hard to argue that one of the best features of the Renault Laguna is the spacious comfort which makes it popular with taller, big-mileage drivers.
When launched in the mid-1990s, the Laguna had a big advantage in its looks. But in 2004, these looks are rather dated. Renault likes to describe the car as a "five-door coupé" and, in fairness, the profile was rather avant garde when compared with direct competitors such as the Ford Mondeo and the VW Passat. However, many people seemed to pass over it in favour of the more familiar competitors. Perhaps people have funny feelings about French cars - a major criticism is that everything about them can feel soft.
With the Laguna, this is actually true - its ride is far softer than the Mondeo and Passat - and everything from the seating to the steering suggests softness. The Laguna is not the car for a driver who likes strong feedback.
Long, low and elegant is probably the best way to describe the car, while allowing for those dated looks. It's roomy and comfortable and rear-seat passengers get a fair share of the space too. The boot is also big enough for most needs.
The Laguna drives well, is quiet at speed and at its best when cruising. The power steering weighting can be hard enough in city conditions and loosens up with speed.
There are a number of engine options and the basic one with an output of 110-hp serves the Laguna well. The 1.9 diesel is the workhorse unit and has proven itself in the high mileage stakes.
The Laguna has not been without its faults. There have been problems with dodgy electrics, power-steering failure, faults with manual and automatic gearboxes, early failure of timing belts on diesels and problems with the hatchback lock.
Renault has been improving recently, but second-hand buyers should remember that the company was joint fourth worst out of 22 makes in the British Motor Warranty Direct ratings in 2001.Nor did it do terribly well in the 2003 Which? survey. There have been general recalls in 2001 and 2002 for problems with a potential throttle jamming problem and engine software difficulties.There have also been more limited recalls for different versions.
As early as 2001 the Laguna achieved a five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests and it's to Renault's credit that it has continued to invest in safety as much as it has. The 2001 tests showed the car to be "extremely stable and provided good protection for occupants." No points were lost on side impact and only one was deducted for front impact performance.
A used Laguna can be had for reasonable money. A 2002 1.6 with 37,000 on the clock has an asking price of €16,950, while a four-year-old with the same engine and 65,000 on the clock has an asking price at another garage of €8,500.