Renault Espace (2003 - 2012) 1.9 dCi Authentique 5d (2003/53) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
You have a big family & you only bought it for that reason, you certainly didn't buy it for looks or street cred!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
All right, quirky maybe, marmite styling.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No, Renault parts are extortionate in comparison with VW ones, total nightmare to work on,dodgy French electrics, quirky part locations. When my brother heard we'd bought one, he asked me if I was taking a degree in electrical engineering as he thought I'd need one. Sadly, he wasn't wrong!
What are you likely to buy next?
We bought a "normal" car - a Saab 9-5 estate where parts are in "normal" locations & I'd have a hope of understanding it when it goes wrong! If some one you know wants to buy a Espace, just say to them the clue is in the name - Ren NO NO NO! My experience was owning an Espace was the automotive version of Russian Roulette with your wallet!
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,500
When did you buy the car?
August 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes at the time it was a good price.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Yes, three kids & needed the additional row of seats & diesel for economy.
What was the dealer like?
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Good ride & handling, MPG averaged only 33, its predecessor a 1.9 TDI Sharan did 38 to the gallon average & 45 with a diesel box attached.
What's it like to park?
The car is square which does help when parking, the mirrors are very difficult to see out of when they are wet.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Front suspension collapsed, this is a design fault & Renault were not interested, contacted VOSA the results according to VOSA were "inclusive". Not good on a NCAP 5 rated car - at least you'll have a safe accident.....air mass meter, it also ate tyres, coolant leak, electric windows would play up after the car was washed.
What's most practical about your car?
7 seats & a good ride
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
