2012 Renault Laguna 2.0L Diesel · LR12 HHT

This Renault Laguna presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by chronic suspension and brake wear, with the most recent test on 28 October 2025 passing but carrying three advisories that directly echo defects flagged in earlier years. The 2023 test produced the most serious findings, including a dangerous offside rear brake disc and dangerously thin rear brake pads, alongside an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush; these were rectified for the subsequent pass. Across the recorded history, suspension arm pins or bushes have appeared as advisories in 2022, 2023, and 2025, suggesting a progressive wear pattern rather than isolated incidents. Brake-related concerns have likewise recurred, with fluctuating rear brake balance flagged in both 2024 and 2025, a leaking nearside rear hydraulic brake calliper resulting in a major failure in October 2024, pitted front and rear brake discs noted in 2022, and a separate brake disc failure in 2023. Headlamp aim on both sides was also a major failure in 2023. The overall trend is one of repeated component-level deterioration in the undercarriage and braking systems, with the vehicle continuing to pass once flagged items are addressed, but not demonstrating any period of clean testing since 2021. With 188,552 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged around 13,468 miles annually, which is high for its age and consistent with the steady year-on-year testing pattern with no extended gaps. This level of use typically accelerates wear on consumables and mechanical joints, which aligns with the observed pattern of suspension, brake, and tyre advisories appearing on a near-annual basis. The mileage progression between tests is regular, indicating the car has remained in active service rather than being laid up, so component fatigue from sustained road use is the most plausible explanation for the recurring defect pattern rather than deterioration from standing. A prospective buyer should focus the pre-purchase inspection on the specific components that have appeared repeatedly. On the suspension, the front and rear arm pins and bushes should be physically checked for slack; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces and pay particular attention to vagueness or shudders through the steering, which would indicate the front bushes have worn beyond advisory tolerance. The braking system requires particular scrutiny given the history of a leaking calliper, a weakened rear disc, and persistent service brake fluctuation. On the road, feel for any pull to one side under firm braking, any judder through the pedal suggesting disc run-out or warping following the pitted discs noted in 2022, and verify the handbrake holds without excessive travel, as fluctuating rear brake performance across consecutive tests can indicate sticking sliders, worn caliper mechanisms, or flexible hydraulic lines nearing the end of their service life. The tyres should also be inspected closely, as both front tyres were worn to near the legal limit in 2024, and an uneven wear pattern across the front axle would suggest the suspension wear is already affecting geometry. Additional checks should target the items that have appeared as one-off failures. The coil springs on both nearside front and offside rear fractured in 2021, so listen for any metallic creak or noticeable drop on one corner, which can indicate a weakened or partially failed spring on a high-mileage vehicle of this age. The engine management light was recorded as showing a malfunction in 2021; if it has not been investigated and resolved with documented evidence, request confirmation of the underlying fault, as intermittent MIL illumination on Renault diesel and petrol units of this era is frequently linked to lambda sensor, EGR, or ignition coil issues. Finally, with the seat belt webbing noted as slightly frayed on the offside front in 2022, confirm the belt retracts smoothly and latches firmly, and check both headlamp beams for correct alignment and condition of the adjusters, as the dual headlamp aim failure in 2023 suggests the levelling mechanism or adjustment procedure may warrant attention. A rolling road or four-wheel alignment check would be a prudent investment given the cumulative suspension wear pattern evidenced across the MOT record.