Right, ok, I know most people on here hate French cars. I'm due to hand my company car back in 2 weeks time as I'll benefit far more from the allowance I'll get in my wages each month, than I will having a new car to drive me the five miles to work and back each day.

 

Initially I opted for one as I was doing about 350 miles a week in it when I lived in Glastonbury.

 

Now, I just don't need it and don't want it. I've been umming and arring about a number of different cars, something repmobile-like really. Had thought about an Audi coupe, but I can't be arsed throwing money at insurance companies when I only want it to beat about it.

 

Spent the last 2 days looking for something cheap, spacious, fairly modern and semi-attractive.

 

Looked at a few 406s, but they've all been pretty tatty. Came across this Laguna, an ex-fleet car in fantastic condition. Nice to drive, roomy, well equiped etc.

 

Sure, it's a Renault and instantly, this makes it a bit of an unknown quantity. But this one's been really well looked after and you can tell by the condition of the exterior and interior, the fact that the last owner fitted brand new Pirelli tyres on it etc rather than a cheap set of pov-spec tyres. Engine is very sweet sounding for a 4-banger.

 

It's a 2000 model Sport.... here's a pic of it. (Bird shit not included in sale BTW!!).

 

Thinking about putting down a deposit on it tomorrow. It's pretty cheap too.

 

Si, I cant speak for that model, but I have an 05 laguna, and its comfortable, quick, reliable & econonical. Good Car mate.

Repairs can be disproportionally expensive. A mate had one that the heater matrix went on it, Renault wanted the shirt off his back to repair it.

 

And then theres the electrics, lets just say I wouldn't ask a frenchman to wire a plug for me never mind wire a car...

Ive had a 94 Laguna which was a lovely car to drive. A bit under powered but it was a 1.8. We had it for 3 years and it never missed a beat even when the cam belt broke :headvswal

Just put a new one on and away it went :bow:

weak engines, weak gearboxes and very weak turbos on the diesels. apart from that they are fine.

weak engines, weak gearboxes and very weak turbos on the diesels. apart from that they are fine.

see nothing everyone agrees, nothing wrong with them! :x:

 

 

 

:rofl:

im not against french cars as the xantia is one of my fave cars ever, but everybody i know who had or has had a laguna has had bad problems.

I had a company V-reg Laguna 1.8 Sport for 4 years. Excellent car TBH.

Only problem I had was when the petrol filter under the car(?) decided to piss petrol all over the road. Interesting moment. :D

Si, I had a laguna for family runabout for a while. Had quite a few of the common faults - Gearbox syncros, Heater blower ..etc but drove ok, smooth, comfy..etc

 

Currently have a 406 2.1TD for family runabout at the moment....a much better car ! I would hold out for one over the Laguna.

I would go for the Mondeo of Focus for a driver

Cheep to run insure and repair, even Top Gear say

they are good and unbeatable on costings.

 

Allan

Well the one I am looking at is the revised model which is supposed to be quite a lot better as they introduced new engines into the range. The 1.8 16v, like yours Graham, is apparently quite a good unit and most of the problems from the earlier models were ironed out.

 

I can't seem to find a nice 406 ATM Dave.

 

Don't want a Ford either. The Mondeos in my price range are the facelift versions (MK2) and aren't in the least bit attractive. Prefer the very first ones, but they are toooooooo old and I hate the Focus (new ones are quite nice) but just can't live with that A-symetrical dashboard.

Xantia Activa would be my choice, v late one have loads of toys and the suspension is sooo comfy on long journeys. plus they are cheap as chips, becuase of they myth behine the suspension being rubbish, when it isnt .

The Mondeos in my price range are the facelift versions (MK2) and aren't in the least bit attractive

 

Agreed

The new focus is nice, I had the ST in pumpkin orange

twaz vey nice :D

I've had a BX before and quite like the Xantia. Would have to be an HDi though if I went for a Xantia. But been looking for nice ones of those too and they still fetch good money.

 

Like the interiors on Xantias too. Pleasant dashboard.

 

Trouble is, I need something pronto as I am on holiday ATM. This very tidy Laguna just appeared and I do actually quite like it. Never thought I'd say that! LOL

from my experience with renault engines i would say they are pretty good. when they get to high miles they sound like a bags of nails but they just keep on going. The rest of the car will fall appart but the engines kep on going

Well the engine in this one sounds really smooth. It's got a lot of service history as it was an ex-fleet car. But a well looked after one. No scratches, dents, chips or anything.

HDI would be the best option as a company car the activa drinks fuel.

Activa was a 2.0 8v turbo wasn't it? Same engine as in the 406 SRi turbo iirc.

My Laguna had 115,000 ish miles on it when it went back and sounded and drove like it was new.

Obviously being a company car it was was religiously serviced but I'd have another one.

A mate has the new shape Laguna and swears by it too.

 

Having said that, my sister has a '51 Megane and it's been a bit of a PITA.

Activa was a 2.0 8v turbo wasn't it? Same engine as in the 406 SRi turbo iirc.

 

yep that the one.

Had 3 Renault Laguna's, R reg 1.8, T reg (facelift) 1.8 sport and the newer shape 1.8 Dynamic on a 51 reg. Had each for 3 years and did an average of 120,000 in each car. Only problem I had was a water pump go. Now have a Grande Scenic and again coming upto 90k miles and no real problems.

 

Barry

Si,give me some notice and pop round and have a drive of the laguna 1.9dci.great on fuel,reliable,6spd box and handles like its on rails.The 406 was pugs biggest flop and residual values prove this.The xantias are ok but that will also be worth peanuts when you come to sell it.And if you get a petrol 406 or xantia it will depreciate faster than shit off a greased shovel.