2003 Renault Laguna petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Renault Laguna petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Renault Laguna petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Renault Laguna

  27.5% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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 joints4.9× usual
  Renault Laguna

  16.5% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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 ends2.3× usual
  Renault Laguna

  14.4% All 2003 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.8% of all 2003 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.

• Steering swivel joints8.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  8.2% All 2003 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.1% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Renault Laguna petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Renault Laguna petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  48% 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
  40% 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
  32% 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
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Renault Laguna petrol

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 2003 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2003 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?