Very practical
Stereo and heater started to develop minor faults after 30,000 miles.
Broke down twice during the final few weeks that I owned the car.
Ultra practical. Also provided me with a fair degree of reliability and economy, but not much in the way of driver enjoyment.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 7th October, 2005
An excellent and versatile family MPV
In the first year it had a new head gasket due to water in the oil. Also had intermittent electrical problems with the engine management which in the end were due to the connectors.
Since then the usual exhaust and tyres, new front discs about 1997, broken clutch pedal 1997 and last week. The first time it was replaced with a stronger one. Last weeks was just rewelded as the factory weld was totally rubbish.
Rear wiper needs care to avoid it seizing up from road salt in the winter. Mine still works but the parking is erratic.
Had a CV joint break once while cornering hard at a roundabout.
Oil leaks got progressively worst so had the engine completly resealed and new head gasket Aug 2000 along with new water hoses.
MOT in July 2000, needed a new front shocker and brake pipes to the rear.
Once the initial teething problems were dealt with it has been a very reliable family car.
It has done an awful lot of school runs as well as long haul holidays to the south of France and come up trumps.
Parts are very expensive and I keep away from Renault main dealers.
Body colour still good although the roof is very faded.
Engine still good internally despite the high mileage.
Hope to get another ten years out of this one yet!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th September, 2000
Not the most street cred of cars but it does exactly what it was designed to do in excellent comfort
Normal wear and tear items eg. brakes, tyres, exhaust etc. Electrical items can be a problem, the rear wiper has never works for more than a week! Front washers do work but sometime you have to be patient (always worked for the MOT though). Engine drops oil but does not burn a bit.
For a 10 year old 160,000+ mile petrol car I have no complaints and would recommend it to anyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th June, 2000
22nd Jul 2001, 16:37
I have a similar car - 1990 TXE Espace, with very similar comments. I replaced the cylinder gasket myself due to water in the oil (Renault part is expensive at £120 for the gasket - use a Payen equivalent - think you just have to live with it!).
I've had an oil pressure switch fail (worrying flashing of the oil lamp) and yes of course the clutch pedal (Renault re-funded the replacement cost!), a common defect I think.
I've needed two front shocks (Quickfit place can't fit them as a special tool is required - it can be made though).
Yes, it has been a reliable car once defects like the head gasket are sorted. Does leak oil though - I'm always changing seals - I think you just have to live with it! Electrical problems too, central locking & windows, poor connectors & switches.
I've had mine 4 years - milage 140k.