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Hello,

I wonder if anyone can help? I've been offered a renault laguna 1.8 dynamique (2001 model, newer shape) by a relative. Does anyone tow with one of these, if so, what are they like?

I have a 1994 2.0 (8 valve)cavalier at the moment that tows our van well (950kg tops) with 4 bikes on the roof.

Thanks,

Mustard.

We used to pull a Bailey Caribou 213 with our Laguna 1.8 RT with no problems.

The 8v engines are a bit lethargic in the first place, but they still pull. Don't expect rapid performance!

Just find a truck, and follow it at 56mph and you'll be fine!

I had a 2001 1.8 Privilege Sports Tourer for 3 years and would stongly recommend that you think long and hard about getting one. Get feedback from as many previous drivers as possible.

Whilst the car was nice to drive, well equipped and very comfortable, it had 22 visits in those 3 years to various dealers, mainly with electrical problems, but I also had a rear damper replaced within 2 months from new.

And don't get me onto the tyre pressure sensors.....

It is also very light with lots of weight saving designs, such as plastic front wings and multiplexed wiring to reduce the weight of the wiring loom (and more to go wrong!)

Hi,

We have a Renault Laguna 1.9 dci Dynamique and used it as our towcar with our new van for the first time this weekend. Going down to Bashley wasn't very comfortable to be honest, but husband was a little stressed about towing a new van in a new car...coming back was much better (think he had relaxed). We're towing a 2002 Sterling Europa 490, and we're towing at about 91%. We noticed that it wasn't really big lorries that caught us, but smaller, faster transit vans like Mercedes Sprinters - but as long as you're aware of that it's fine. Only other thing to mention is that there is so much torque in the engine that when you pull away if you don't get it right you can spin your front wheels because the van don't move as quickly as the car wants to.

Not sure about the petrol version, ours is diesel.

We're aware that it's not a perfect match, but its safe and we'll stick with it til we afford a 4x4!!

Hope this helps,

Lisa Jane

Hi, I tow with a 1.9dci 03 Laguna and it tows very well. Plenty of torque compared to the Peugeot 406 petrol estate I had previous.My van is an Avondale Dart 510, MTPLM is 1250kg and so far no problems towing it. I havent had any faults with electrics or engine with 20500miles on the clock.

I would try to go for a diesel if possible.

Paul

Having looked into this a bit further I think I'll give it a miss. It'll probably pull my van ok at the moment but I have my doubts if I move to a slightly heavier van.

I think I'll wait for a while and see if a suitable vectra or something turns up.

Thanks for the comments,

Mustard.

I wouldn't bother looking for a Vectra either!

They tow well, but have the same towing characteristics to the Laguna. They go very well by themselves, but don't like caravans on the back of them. They don't like it up 'em you know!

The vectra didn't get a good towing review in the motor magazine,

I have a laguna 1.8 petrol and pull a swift challenger no problems,the only thing i did was put shock absorber spring assister on the rear to keep the cars bum up

Scott

I think the main problem with Renaults as towcars is the weight issue.

It suddenly came to light a couple of years ago that many Renault towing limits were set for the driver only in the car.  The minute you put just one more person in the car, the towing limit dropped like a stone.

This might seem a bit academic, until you happen to be towing in the summer in a popular caravanning area where the police are mounting caravan checks, and then you could suddenly come unstuck in a big way.

It seems a crazy situation and I personally wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.  And if you want a real frightener, check out the Laguna at Honest John's site.