The first Renault Logan The one we met did not come looking to win beauty contests, but to solve our lives. Their great trick was to offer us an immense space, almost like a van, for the price of an entry cart. He was born with that warrior heritage of Dacia and, in a very short time, he became the best friend of families who needed space and of those who make a living behind the wheel, basically because he can withstand all the punishment in the world.
To this day, that old man logan is still the “workhorse” preferred by those looking for a used one that does not give headaches. It is one of those noble cars, with such noble mechanics that it does not leave you stranded and does not empty your pocket every time you have to do something to it. Of course, the years do not pass in vain, and after so much filming, there are a couple of tricks and details that you have to look at carefully before spending the money.
Common faults of the Renault Logan B90 (2004–2012)
Although this car is a “tank” that endures everything, the years do not pass in vain and the use ends up being noticeable. If you are looking for one, these are the most common tricks and failures that you will encounter:
1. Those blessed electric “ghosts”
It is typical for the window buttons to become stubborn, for the taillights to flash strangely when you brake, or for the oxygen sensor to ask for a change prematurely.
The trick: Don’t be embarrassed, press all the buttons on the console and make sure there are no strange lights on on the dashboard.
The pocket: Relax, spare parts are cheap and can even be found at the pharmacy.
2. The suspension calls for help
The Logan is tall and feels smooth, but the bushings and shocks take a lot of whip on our potty streets.
The signal: If you hear a “cloc” or metallic noises when you go over a pothole, there you have the problem.
The pocket: Middle ground. Changing the rubber bushings is silly, but if you have to put in new shock absorbers, prepare a little more money.
3. The brakes get tired
Sometimes the pedal vibrates or the pads wear out faster than you would like.
The litmus test: Increase it to about 60 km/h and brake gently; If you feel that the steering wheel is shaking in your hands, it means that the discs are bent.
The pocket: Cheap. The system is so simple that any good mechanic can barely fix it.
4. The engine feels “jittery”
If the car shakes when you are stopped at a traffic light or jerks when you start, it is most likely that the IAC valve (the minimum) is dirty or the spark plug wires are asking for a change.
The signal: Feeling that the engine wants to turn off when you stop accelerating.
The pocket: Next to nothing. With a good cleaning of the valve, the carriage comes back to life in 80% of cases.
5. An air conditioner that barely delivers
Over time, the compressor gets tired or hidden leaks appear. In older models, the air sometimes runs out if it is too hot.
The checkup: Turn it on fully and time it; If you’re not fresh in two minutes, there’s something wrong. Also be careful if the air motor makes strange noises when starting.
Most common engines: Simplicity that makes you fall in love
In this version of loganyou will most likely come across one of these three engines:
The 1.4 with 8 valves: He is the king of savings. If you are not in a hurry and what you want is to spend the minimum on gasoline, this is it. Of course, don’t even think about asking for quick pick-ups when you have the whole family and a full trunk, because it is a bit difficult to start.
The 1.6 with 8 valves (the famous K7M): For me, it’s the exact point. It’s an engine “warrior” It seems like it never dies. The only secret with it is not to skip changing the timing belt; If you take care of that, you will have a car for life.
The 1.6 with 16 valves (the K4M): This is brought to you by the most luxurious versions. It feels much more agile and responds better when you step on the accelerator, but yes, it requires an owner who is a little more detailed with maintenance. It is not to be left to neglect.
In summary: We are talking about old-fashioned engines, the kind that any neighborhood mechanic knows by heart. You don’t need an expert POT to fix them and, best of all, you can find the spare parts on any corner and at prices that are not scary.
Is it a good used car today?
✅ The good
Plenty of space: Three adults can fit in the back without them having to hug each other; It is surprisingly wide.
A giant trunk: has a “store” 510 liters; There is room for the market, the suitcases and even what you are not going to use.
Endure the punishment: It is a tall car, perfect for not suffering every time you go over a pothole or have to go down a dirt road.
It doesn’t ruin you: Keeping it up to date is the cheapest you will find on the market.
❌ Bad
Little sex appeal: Let’s be honest, its boxy design isn’t going to win a beauty contest; It’s functional, not pretty.
Simple interiors: Plastics are hard and, over the years, they begin to “talk” (noises and creaks appear).
Basic security: Be careful, because the entry models come very bare; many do not have airbags or ABS brakes.
Your checklist (So you don’t get fooled)
If you already have one in your sights, don’t close the deal without looking at this:
The distribution belt: It is the heart of the matter. Ask when they changed it and ask for the receipt. If the owner doubts or has no proof, change it yourself as soon as you buy it to avoid a disaster.
Oil stains: Take a look under the engine and box. It is normal for it to sweat a little because of the seals, but if it drips, it is enough to negotiate the price.
The gearbox: Put all the gears. If second or reverse gear is forced or sounds strange, there is a problem there.
The “detective” of kilometers: Look at the wear on the steering wheel and pedals. If the dashboard says the car is “new” but the brake pedal is smooth or the steering wheel is peeling, it is most likely that the mileage has been lowered.
Conclusion
To close, let’s be clear: buy a Logan B90 of those years is a decision with the head, not with the heart. It is not the car that you are going to wash on Sundays to show off, but the one that you are going to use to drive or take the family without your pocket suffering. If what you need is a device that won’t leave you broke and you care more about everyone being wide than the car being visible “modern”, this renault It is still one of the best that rolls through our lands.
My golden advice: Don’t go for the most basic one. Try to catch a Expression or a Privilege; At least then you will have electric windows and that minimum of security that one always appreciates when going out.
Editorial by Gossipvehicle
