Used Renault Espace MPV 2002 - 2012 review
The Renault Espace is comfortable and safe, but its rivals are more spacious, more versatile and cheaper
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What's the used Renault Espace like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Renault Espace like?
Most seven-seaters look like pointy minibuses, but the Renault Espace is a stylish and classy looker.
You can fit seven people inside, but it's best to save the rearmost pair of seats for kids. Access to these two pews isn't that good, either, not least because the Espace lacks the sliding doors of some rivals.
Overview
The Renault Espace is comfortable and safe, but its rivals are more spacious, more versatile and cheaper
Pros
- You'll like the Espace's flexible seating, comfortable ride
- good safety kit and stylish looks
Cons
- Poor boot space with all seven seats in place
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There's a wide range of seating permutations, though - the front pair even swivel round to face the rear - and you won't want for practical touches or storage areas. Visibility is excellent, too, and the driving position comfortable.
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On the other hand, don't expect much space for luggage when all seven seats are in use, even in the longer Grand Espace. Also, the seats don't fold into the floor, although they're easy to remove.
The way it drives is more impressive, though, with a very supple, comfortable ride and nimble handling. The diesels are mostly refined unless you work them very hard and make more sense than petrols.
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Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Renault Espace?
If you opt for the 3.5 V6, petrol running costs will be high. Sure, it isn't that expensive to buy - in fact, you'll probably pick one up for less than the price of our favourite model, the 2.2 dCi diesel. But it's the second dearest Espace to service (the 3.0 dCi is most expensive) and returns an official average of just over 23mpg.
Generally, the Espace isn't that expensive a proposition, although used prices aren't the cheapest. You'll pay about the same to service it as most of its rivals.
Our favourite model, the 2.2 dCi Expression should give you 36mpg overall. The 1.9 dCi diesel stretches that to 40mpg, while the 3.0 dCi drops it to 30mpg, which is about the same as the turbo and non-turbo 2.0 petrols.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Espace should I buy?
There are three petrol versions - a 2.0-litre, a 2.0-litre turbo and a brisk but thirsty 3.5 V6. Of the diesels, the 3.0 turbodiesel is more refined than the smaller units, but it's dearer and doesn't get on that well with its automatic gearbox.
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The 173bhp 2.0 turbodiesel provides plenty of performance, but is available in higher trims only, while the 118bhp 1.9 dCi is cheaper, easier on the juice, but too slow. The 148bhp 2.2 dCi, on the other hand, gives the best of all possible worlds.
All models are stacked with safety kit and have air-con, a CD player, four electric windows and remote central locking. Expression - our preferred trim - upgrades you to cruise control and a CD multichanger, while Privilege adds alloys and climate control, and top-spec Initiale means leather seats.
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How reliable is the Renault Espace ?
Renault Espace
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault Espace
4CONTROL 1.6DCi INITIALE ENERGY AUTO LHD
£12,995
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
News and advice
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