Renault Laguna Hatchback (1994 - 2001) 1.6 16V Alize 5d (1999/T) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not a Mondeo man or Vectra sales rep, the French option, the classy and refined look.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
One of Renaults best looking cars - smooth lines and aerodynamic - much nicer than the current Megane, which is boxy and ugly.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Would certainly like the new 07 Laguna, have seen previews of it - what a Lovely car. Renault lost the plot a bit for the last few years with the ugliest cars they have ever produced, such as the Avantime, Vel Satis and the rear end of the Megane Hatchback, but the new Laguna is just sheer class.
What are you likely to buy next?
Don't want to buy another car for a while since the Laguna still has a good few miles left in her, but will wait for prices to drop on MkII Lagunas, then might possibly consider one for a trade in.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,300
When did you buy the car?
June 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got good part exchange on my old '95 escort, as I only paid £400 for it and got px of £595 against screen price of £1495 on Laguna.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Nice looking and pretty economical
What was the dealer like?
Usual Dealer, rather pushy but I knew what to look for so beat him down on price by highlighting faults on Laguna to get reductions, and showning all new parts on old car to get top PX price.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Its a lovely car to drive, apart from the rather heavy cable operated clutch, this is its only let down, as the gears are fine and the steering is really responsive and light. Its got excellent visibility from all angles. Its very well soundproofed and I could hardly hear the loudly blowing exhaust when I bought it from inside when driving it. Top marks for the French for a beautiful smooth drive - If you have been to France - their roads can be a lot rougher than ours, so Renaults have always had good suspensions.
What's it like to park?
Its good and light on the steering, so its easy to park for a larger car. Much nicer than the Mondeo that I had a while back.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The usual wear items such as the exhaust blowing - noted before buying it, and patched up for cheap repair. Heater blower resistor failed - £50 from Renault and replaced myself. Needed service, did myself on the cheap. All these faults enabled me to beat the price down. Clutch pedal a bit rough and squeeky but engages OK - It has done 85K miles so cant expect perfection!
What's most practical about your car?
Its a lovely seating arrangement with huge boot - ideal for my dog! Good engine - pulls well and very economical for a 1.6.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Its got a high level of equipment, and I like the electric sunroof and Air - Con, (which I had to re- gas - cheap kits for this from Halfords, or Kwik Fit do it for Under £50) Also has an Oil level readout when you start it, so you never run low on oil.
