Used Renault Laguna Sport Tourer 2000 - 2008 reliability

Renaults give their owners more grief than most other makes. The What Car? Reliability Index rates them poorly, while the JD Power customer satisfaction survey reveals plenty of unhappy owners. The Laguna, at least, is no better or worse than other models in the line-up.

First off, check all the necvessary recall work has been done. There have been several recalls to fix, among other things, a fuel leak and safety-related problems with the towing ball (where fitted), as well as several to cure acceleration problems.

That aside, the 1.9 diesels can suffer turbo failure. Have an emissions check done before buying and check that the service history is complete, because missed oil changes can make such problems happen even earlier.

At the same time, look for any electrical glitches: check that all the warning lights come on and go out when they should, and that the climate control and other minor functions work correctly.

Many cars have tyre pressure sensors fitted, but these are often inaccurate or have stopped working long ago.