2008 Renault Laguna diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Renault Laguna diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Renault Laguna diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Renault Laguna

  23.3% All 2008 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2008 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Renault Laguna

  19.8% All 2008 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Renault Laguna

  17.1% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  13.4% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  9.1% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2008 Renault Laguna diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Renault Laguna diesel 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
  46% 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
  41% 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
  37% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Renault Laguna diesel

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 1.6× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?