Comments on: Renault cuts back Aussie operation

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:49:06 +0000

Have owned a Laguna 2 liter expression since 2007. I was told the V6 was less reliable than the 2 liter four. My Laguna has more features and is a better ride than a 2001 Mercedes C200 which I drive as well. I prefer the Laguna. The Laguna delivers better handling and performance and has a better equpped interior than the Mercedes or 3 series BMW’s and cost a third less. It has been very reliable. Replaced the timing belt at 105k, had to replace the harmonic balancer too which cost and extra $800. $483 for a spare key hurt but a toyota owner gave me some horror stories about Toyota parts and delays for toyota turbodeiseils so I accepted it. It is now 6 years old and still feels like a new car. Very well built body.

By: john

john — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:30:07 +0000

Well, lots of opinions for each side of the fence, though i wonder how many of the negative comments are ‘qualified’ ie: actual experience. I bet 90% are based on website reads and not real ownership.
I purchased a Laguna Privilidge LX 3.0v6 for the wife & kids as their safety is paramount, and Renaults safety crash tests confirm their at the forefront of safety development. That aside my criteria was also based on value for money, quality – materials textures colors fit finish etc, luxurious cabin feeling, individual styling, efficiency, engineering and new technologies.
In all categories of importance to me, Renault came up trumps as the best primary vehicle for my wife & kids. Its COMPARATIVE VALUE was not brilliant, but reasonable – remember you must understand ALL its features and components BEFORE you can brand it as being overpriced, and just for the record was far better value and more exciting than the VW offerings.
The car has been looked after and has treated us good and will definately look at the brand again.
For all the pros, negatives exist such as unreasonable servicing rates that should be improved and the cost of keycards that MUST be improved/revised, if Renault Aust. wants to be taken seriously and looks to current owners to trade up/ update and be ambassadors for the brand – there is no better advertising than a 100% satisfied customer.
Renault Aust – 5/8 of the way there, though you need to listen to and focus on customer needs, wants and expectations. – The cars are fine and sell by volume in europe – its the indirect costs associated with Ren-Aust. that turn folks away.

By: BSAPL

BSAPL — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:32:26 +0000

What was the result of your Laguna. Did you dispose of it. Mine has just died . They say $10K to fix and its only worth $5K but I still owe $12K. What can I do???????

By: Fred Head

Fred Head — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:17:11 +0000

Hmm..Renault owns 44.5% of Nissan. They dont just share the showroom. They share a CEO. Never the less, renault in Australia does have branding issues, they do have a very slow delivery rate for new models, and they will continue to do poorly unless they fix these.

Regards to VW, they are not cheaper, nor superior in my opinion. They do have a brand and hence the fan boy club that follows such. The GTI was a very good car (the new model isnt as good – too many compromises), but its certainly not the only good car in the segment.

Unless you have owned and peddled Renault Sport, I dont think you really can be in a good place to judge their cars, and as for reliability, every car I have ever owned has had problems – and that covers over 10 cars of various makes and brands. Some are worse than others sure, yet I do get sick of people using this as some sort of yard stick. If that was the only measure, Mercedes would be selling not one car since their reliability is woeful, yet their brand (and loyalty) is strong.

Id say it will be a damn shame if Renault no longer sells cars in Aus. They
make some very good cars in the RS range and Id hate to see them no longer available here.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:55:52 +0000

Just took a Clio for a test drive. wow. Magic machine. And, they’re takin’ $5000 off the price. Sounds great. But why? Can’t they sell them? Were they too expensive anyway? So what’s the risk of grabbing this beast? Will Renault really pull out of Aussie?… which would screw up the values, and the servicing. Would love the car, Just wanna know that they’ll look after it after I buy. Any ideas??!!!!

By: glenn

glenn — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:29:21 +0000

Hi JJ7 Renault 225 are great cars, this car handles like a go kart around corners and is quik off the mark.I only take it out when I go to the great ocean road, which is a bit busy, the best drives are on the alpine hwy in spring, you have a good chance of having very little traffic, so you can open her up and drive it how its meant tgo be driven, quick around corners, while in most cases staying within the speed limit.I have always loved renos, they made the best rally cars, long before they became popular here.I used to have a fuego for years,was a fun car to drive to.I personally haven’t had any problems with my renault, always been reliable.

By: JJ7

JJ7 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:46:03 +0000

Hi Glenn,

Good to see your rs225 is going well. I am seriously considering this. When and how mch was your drive away?
I was considering the new golf VI tsi 118kw but looked at some bad reviews of dsg gear box really put me off. Also considered the GTI mark V but its south african reliability questionable. Any major problems with the french renault so far? Have you owned renault previously? mch appreciated, await your reply JJ7

By: Steve-Poyza

Steve-Poyza — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:11:08 +0000

Woz, I was wondering what imported Renault you might own? I would love a Laguna Coupe. Are you listening Renault Australia?

By: Woz

Woz — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:32:33 +0000

Jimmy James has nit the nail square on the head! I’m a Brit now living in Sydney and have been gobsmacked at the prices of all Euro’s in Oz! Renaultsport Clio’s are very well priced in the UK and sell like hot cakes but, UK has a far more motorsport orientated market and will buy more sporty models of all cars than any other country in Europe. You only have to look at how many of a limited motorsport edition are allocated to UK.

Comments are also correct with refence to dealership hospitality. You are instantly looked down at if you walk in wearing a pair of jeans!

I will say that Renault Australia have always been fantastic in helping me with sourcing parts for my imported Renault.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:02:47 +0000

Renault make great cars, have had a history of making fast rally cars and fast four cylinder cars way before they became popular here, have been successful in formula one and are the Pioneers of the turbo and remote central looking. I have had renos and currently own a megane rs225, which is such a fast fun car to drive, will be looking to purchase the megane rs250 if it comes out to Australia. The frustrating thing with Reno is their lack of advertising here in Australia.
When Reno were winning formula one in recent years did you see them advertising? No, they just don’t seem to get it, that you need to advertise your product a lot more in a country that doesn’t look out side Fords or Holden’s.
The positives are that you won’t find every second car on the road to be the same as yours.