Renault Laguna I

Laguna in brief

The Laguna was produced in three generations: I generation — 1993–2001, II generation — 2001–2007, III generation — 2007–2015. Most of them can be found in hatchback and estate bodies (the estate is often called Grandtour), and the III generation also included the two-door Laguna Coupé. Later, the Laguna was replaced by the Renault Talisman.

The Laguna is appreciated for its smooth, comfortable ride, spacious interior, and generous equipment for a modest price. Since production ended a decade ago, it's one of the more affordable mid-size cars on the used market, although many have high mileage.

II and III generation — what's the difference

The II generation (2001–2007) was the first car to receive the top five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It featured a keyless entry card instead of a traditional key, but early models were known for electronic glitches. The 2005 facelift models are considered more reliable.

Third generation (2007–2015) — larger, quieter, and more refined, with better sound insulation and more modern diesels. GT versions could come with the 4Control system, which drives the rear wheels too, making the car more agile. The 2010 facelift brought a new front end and improved equipment.

For most buyers, the third generation is the most appealing — it's newer, safer, and more reliable. The second generation is only suitable for a very tight budget and when in excellent condition.

Engines and gearboxes

In the second generation, you'll commonly find 1.9 dCi and 2.2 dCi diesels, along with 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 petrol engines; the most powerful versions had a 3.0 V6 engine.

The third generation saw the 1.5 dCi (around 110 hp) and 2.0 dCi (around 130–180 hp) diesels become popular. Petrol engines included 1.6 and 2.0 naturally aspirated units, plus a 2.0 turbo, while the most powerful versions (especially the Coupé) had a V6 diesel or petrol engine.

Gearboxes are manual (usually six-speed) or automatic. In the used market, you'll often encounter diesel cars with a manual gearbox.

What to check when buying a used Laguna

For diesel cars, check the turbo, injectors, dual-mass flywheel, and particulate filter (DPF) — high mileage can be detrimental to these components. The engine should start easily, run smoothly, and not consume excessive oil.

Check all the electronics: the ignition key and its reader, windows, climate control, instrument cluster, and electric parking brake (if fitted). The automatic gearbox should shift smoothly, without any jolts.

Older cars often have many worn-out suspension parts, so it's worth checking them on a lift. Check the ride by looking at service records and the vehicle's maintenance history — in cars of this age, it might have been tampered with.

Trims

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the trims most commonly found in Europe.

Comparison of third-generation trims

For most buyers, the best choice is the third-gen Dynamique with the 2.0 dCi engine, especially after the 2010 refresh. The Initiale and GT are worth considering only if in good mechanical condition, as their more complex equipment is costly to fix.

Frequently asked questions