2008 Renault Laguna petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Renault Laguna

  15.9% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, 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) joints1.9× usual
  Renault Laguna

  12.5% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, 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 joints1.9× usual
  Renault Laguna

  7.8% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, 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.

• Anti-lock braking system3.2× usual
  Renault Laguna

  3.2% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Steering rack2.9× usual
  Renault Laguna

  2.9% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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 2008 Renault Laguna petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Renault Laguna petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  39% 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
  36% 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.

• 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
  9% 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 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Renault Laguna petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?