2002 Renault Laguna: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Renault Laguna?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Renault Laguna than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Renault Laguna

  26.3% All 2002 cars

  12.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints4.1× usual
  Renault Laguna

  14.4% All 2002 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering swivel joints8.3× usual
  Renault Laguna

  8.3% All 2002 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  12.8% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2002 Renault Laguna MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Renault Laguna MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  47% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering
  17% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Renault Laguna

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2002 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.3× as often on the 2002 Renault Laguna as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?