- Broad engine lineup and generous equipment for Laguna II.
- Five-star EuroNCAP safety; Laguna II was Europe’s first with top rating.
- Common issues include EGR failures on diesel, oil leaks, and electrical faults.
- Practical owners praise value, reliability of 1.9 dCi and GT variant appeal.
Renault Laguna II, launched in 2000, is one of the most appreciated family cars in Renault’s lineup. With a broad range of engines and generous equipment for its era, this model earned the trust of many Romanian drivers through its value-for-money proposition.
As the successor to the first-generation Laguna from 1994, the second-generation model brought significant safety improvements, becoming the first vehicle in Europe to earn five stars in EuroNCAP tests. Production of this model ended in 2007, when it was replaced by the Laguna III.
Real owner opinions of the Renault Laguna II
Experience with the 2.0 i 16V Turbo (170 HP) engine
Stelian Chirita explains why he chose this engine: ‘Engine, comfort, options, looks, noise—it’s basically the ideal car in terms of value for money of its time. The sensation you get even in sixth gear is great.’
Impressions of the diesel version 1.9 dCi (120 HP)
Carsic Mitica says: ‘Equipment, comfort, safety, quietness, a sporty look that’s appealing, with little mechanical and electronic knowledge I service and repair it myself, reliability, interior looks pleasant.’
Mitrica Marius adds: ‘A perfect car for a family, looks great as a wagon, spacious, lots of equipment, easy to maintain. I knew what I was buying.’
Sporty GT variant (204 HP)
Roicov Alexandar, a self-professed model enthusiast, states: ‘Because I am a major perfectionist, and my long-standing fixation is the Renault Laguna II, and the dream of every Laguna enthusiast is a GT (gasoline).’
Common problems of the Renault Laguna II
Main technical issues
- EGR valve – common failure, especially on diesel engines
- Oil leaks – affect high-mileage engines
- Catalytic converter – symptoms, causes, and replacement cost on petrol engines
- Power steering system – can develop faults over time
- Electrical issues – sensors, wiring and electronic components
Owner experiences with reliability
Stelian Chirita notes about the 2.0 Turbo engine: ‘The issues relate to sensors and other items prone to wear: hoses, wires, window regulator components, buttons, contacts, interior trim, rubber, brake pads. It depends how much you run it.’
Carsic Mitica reports for the 1.9 dCi diesel: ‘It has low consumption; minor issues: steering wheel airbag clock spring, I replaced all wheel-speed sensors, alternator was replaced/refurbished by me. Otherwise it’s okay, no major problems.’
Range of available engines
Gasoline engines
- 1.6 16v (K4M-710): 109 HP and 148 Nm – Entry-level engine, economical for urban use
- 1.8 16v (F4P-C770): 118 HP and 165 Nm – Good balance between performance and consumption
- 2.0 16v (F5R-700): 138 HP and 200 Nm – Standard choice for more power
- 2.0 16v Turbo (F4Rt-784): 208 HP and 300 Nm – Sporty version of the range
- 3.0 V6 24v (L7X-731): 204 HP and 285 Nm – Top-end engine, rare
Diesel engines
- 1.9 dCi (F9Q-T752): 99 HP and 200 Nm – Base, economical
- 1.9 dCi: 120 HP – Popular variant, good compromise
- 2.0 dCi (M9R-742): 148 HP and 340 Nm – Preferred for touring
- 2.2 dCi (G9T-D703): 148 HP and 250 Nm – Alternative to 2.0 dCi
Recommendations for choosing the engine
Experts consider the 2.0 dCi 150 HP as the best choice in the lineup, one of the most refined four-cylinder diesel engines on the market. It’s economical and offers excellent performance for this class.
A pleasant surprise is the 1.5 dCi 110 HP, which, despite its lower power, delivers surprisingly good performance.
Be careful with gasoline engines — they tend to burn more fuel, and the automatic transmission on the 2.0 turbo 170 HP version is considered not well-suited to the engine’s characteristics.
Used market prices
Renault Laguna II remains an affordable option on the Romanian used-car market:
- Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi (2006) with 284,000 km: approx. €1,300
- Renault Laguna Grandtour 2.0 (2007) with 220,000 km: approx. €2,800
Prices vary with condition, maintenance history and available equipment.
Buying tips for a Laguna II
Advice from experienced owners
Carsic Mitica suggests: ‘Have a person with field experience review the car if buying used. Make sure everything is serviced on time and don’t rely on the idea you’ll fix it tomorrow. First, verify real serial numbers, the technical condition should be good, exterior and interior appearance acceptable.’
Mitrica Marius warns: ‘Be very careful with the engine type, preferably with a DPF and Euro 4 minimum. Laguna is a good car, in my opinion, only after 2005. Watch the mileage and service history. Maintenance is very important for this car.’
Critical points to check
- Engine: check for oil leaks and proper operation
- Electrical system: test all electronics
- Interior: plastics wear easily; check their condition
- Service history: essential for a car requiring regular maintenance
- Real mileage: verify consistency with documents
Enache Adrian recommends: ‘Choose this model only if you want comfort and a good driving position. I’d advise being very careful with the engine to avoid oil leaks, watch the electrical system, and take care with interior plastics as they wear or scratch easily.’
Conclusion
Renault Laguna II remains a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable, well-equipped family car. While it shows typical age-related issues, proper maintenance and choosing the right engine can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a problematic one. Diesel engines, especially the 2.0 dCi, prove most reliable and economical in the long term.
