Renault Espace reviews

Repairs expensive but otherwise car is comfortable and there is plenty of room for our requirements.

Roomy and versatile. I have driven all over Europe in it with a large family and it is very reliable. With the seats out it is like a van and I have even transported a bed! If anything is likely to go wrong it is the electrics. The tyre pressure sensors do have a tendency to snap off and are expensive to replace.

I love my car, and am very disappointed that Renault decided to stop making it. I was seduced into wanting one by the advertisements of a hotelier in the Highlands of Scotland taking her day off in her Espace, and turning the front seats around to make a compartment, in that wonderful snow-filled landscape. Small matter that she'd have frozen once the engine had been switched off for more than 10 minutes. I didn't change mine for a new model when the last version was launched, as I found it too boxy. I think their best , more streamlined and prettier design was my older version, a special edition, and I was waiting to see if the next version was better than the last one. However, like many old friends, I love it despite its faults. It has had to have 2 new dashboards, one when under guarantee, one not, an expensive little quirk. Then there was something expensive wrong with its suspension leading to me being towed into a garage. More recently, it has been starting unreliably when left for more than a week, eg in airports, and I've got to know the AA men quite well. Despite nothing being wrong with the battery. Well, what do you expect from an old lady (the car, I mean). I now leave it on permanent trickle charge following the advice of the last patrol man. On the plus side, the bodywork, being aluminium, is still beautiful, the seats are still comfortable and it's still surprisingly nippy for a big car. I love the high driving position, and feel unsafe driving low cars now. It still carries a crowd in comfort, and you'd be surprised how often it's called into service for humping big items, or contents of student flats, around the country. I'm genuinely at a loss as to what to replace it with, as I fear I will have to one of these days. The Espace was the first and the best of the MPVs, those still in production seem pale imitations of the Espace, and the manufacturers seem to be putting all their design nous into SUVs these days, and what do I want with a 4 wheel drive? What on earth were Renault thinking, stopping production of their original, quintessential MPV?

The Renault Espace was the first of its kind when introduced during latter part of the past Century. Many other brands brought people carriers into their ranges based on the popularity & success of the Espace. Having had 2 previous Fiat Ulysee's and been very satisfied with their reliability, improved visability whist on the road but found a bit more space was desirable. The model we have is the 'Grand' and is a vast improvement on the original designs plus giving extensive carrying capacity when all the rear seats are removed. This model was up-dated again around 2003 giving it a much more sofisticated look for a utility family wagon. Practally speaking, these vehicles are most useful for carrying a great deal of eqipment if you're into camping or back-up/support for cycling events, apart from family transport with a good view. Ours has exceeded the 150,000 miles mark but doesn't use any oil between (15k) services. The body panels remain rust-free because the majority of panels are all made of GFK which is a great asset. Fuel economy is not terrific as there is a roof box in residence, 35/36mpg on a run is most acceptable considering the weight it often hauls as well. During the past 50K miles it has had regular services but nothing replaced apart from the rear wheelbearings and some electronic sensors. Unfortunately Renualt are no longer producing this species. Last year they announced The Espace was to be discontinued. The extended 'Scenic' has nowhere near a similar capacity or ride height which makes Espace jouneys more interesting for all aboard. One of the Fiats Ulysee's did over 212,000 miles without any major repairs so we're hoping that this Espace will exceed that and be our companion for many years ahead!

This is my third Renault Espace, all bought second hand and all kept to a good age. I saw one of the first to come to this country & decided that it was the car for me. Good looking and extremely practical. When I could afford it, I bought one. I cannot imagine wanting any other kind of car unless circumstances dictated it. Although now 16 years old my present one runs very well. It has had to have a few new things but they have been well spaced out and I did not pay a lot in the first place so things have balanced out. The Espace is a versatile vehicle, with all 7 seats in, it can be like a mini bus, with most of them out, it is a work van, with curtains, a camper van. Mine have been all three at times. With regular maintenance & careful driving, these cars can last a long time, with their fibreglass bodywork & tough chassis. With sensible sensible driving they can be quite economical to run for their size, and can save money by being able to move quite large things yourself. The well packed in engine etc can make some garage jobs take longer than on some other cars, but this only happens occasionally so is a small price to pay. Super driving position and good visibility. And I really ENJOY driving my Espace!

I love my car, especially the convenience that comes with the space. I can put loads into the back from shopping to a bike to the stiff a university student needs. The drive is comfortable and the dash is very visible and ergonomic so you can drive with everything to hand. It is getting a bit old now and needs a bit of TLC but it is a great car for me. Unfortunately is is a bit thirsty for fuel but does well on longer journeys. The automatic transmission is great so you can have a relaxing drive. It has been a reliable car over the last 15 years.