Renault Grand Espace (2003 - 2012) 2.0 dCi Dynamique (150bhp) 5d Auto (2008/57) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I like comfort, space, an easy motorway or round town drive, reliability and a good view of the road behind as well as ahead.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all love it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, there isn't a car like it for the versatility I need.
What are you likely to buy next?
If it is still available in a nearly new model, I give you only one guess!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£12,000
When did you buy the car?
January 2009
Did you get a good deal and why?
Found the best price online, contacted the dealer to arrange a test drive, while there agreed a trade in for my old Espace and shook hands. Went back to collect after preparation and drove it home from Peterborough to Hull. Worth the effort and the journeys.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
This was my third Espace. I wanted diesel and an extra rear luggage space while still having 7 seats in place this time.
What was the dealer like?
Helpful and willing to negotiate.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Easy and comfortable, responsive and with decent acceleration on demand, good on corners, not too much roll. When setting off there can be a slight delay between pedal and power, but I have become used to that. However, I do need to give myself time at junctions as a consequence.
What's it like to park?
Parking with rear sensor assistance makes it much easier than with my previous Espaces.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Front springs, twice. As it is a heavy car, a common fault with these (so I am told) and the volume of speed bumps these days doesn't help at all.
What's most practical about your car?
All 5 rear seats come out and, though heavy, worth it as this turns it into a van that can take a 2m long settee etc etc. With seats in it carries 7 adults (shortest ones right in the back) plus some luggage. I also have a pod that clips on the roof rails so can get 7 with all holiday luggage to the airport and back.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
6 speed automatic that can be clicked across to manual change, plus digital screen giving lots of info including economy, mileage to next fill up and a handy cruise control for all those average speed cameras in motorway roadworks.
