1998 Renault Grand Espace RT-X 2.2 dT

Summary:

Love the car, I do not trust the dealer

Faults:

The fan belt failed at 114,000 miles, which caused the timing belt to fail as well.

The camshaft failed a week after the car came back from the timing belt being redone.

Three weeks after the camshaft was replaced the master clutch cylinder failed and left the car immobile.

General Comments:

The Espace is, I feel, still the best full size M.P.V. on the road, in terms of comfort and drivability.

It has a very specious interior, and great if, like us, you have a large family.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2004

11th Oct 2004, 10:30

I have a 2001 Renault Espace and the clutch peddle had fluid leaking on the shaft. It looks like a seal has gone. I need to have the garage come to take it away, but I have had bad experiences with Renault dealerships and I was wondering if this can be fixed by a non Renault garage?

2003 Renault Grand Espace Privilege 2.2 DCi

Summary:

Excellent car; support leaves much to be desired

Faults:

The Privilege specification delivered is NOT the same as the specification at time of order (by the removal of dash mounted CD and rain/light sensors).

The tail gate has been difficult to close since new, but the tail gate warning light has detected it when open. This week, however, the tail gate flew open without any warning lights at all. Fortunately, this did not happen at speed.

Garage can find nothing wrong and nor have they changed anything physical to do with the boot catches, sensors, etc. This does not give me any confidence that it might not happen again - and maybe next time at speed!!

Renault UK have been slow to help resolve this issue. The car is still in the garage.

General Comments:

I absolutely love this new Grand Espace. It has just been found to be the safest car on the road (but we don't yet know whether or not this is a lone fault or something more generic).

It is the Renault support for a new vehicle that is sadly lacking. Coupled with an unexplained delay in the original delivery of over 5 weeks, I am beginning to wonder whether or not there have been problems before.

Lastly, the sun-roof is an optional extra. Don't be fooled by ALL the pictures in the brochure showing the bright sunny interior. It is great, but it will cost you £1500.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th June, 2003

6th Aug 2004, 06:41

Had a similar tailgate problem on my Toyota LiteAce Wagon. Solved by opening a door or window before closing tailgate (prevents air pressure from building up).

4th Oct 2005, 14:01

You quite wrongly perpetuate the myth that this car is the safest on the road. The EuroNCAP tests simply rank cars in terms of their relative crashworthiness, and do not take into account the relative likelihood that any car will in fact breakdown, or suffer mechanical failure at speed etc. How safe is it for example for an electrical fault to cause loss of power steering whilst on the motorway, or for the brakes to fail whilst approaching a roundabout, or for the suspension to break because of shoddy workmanship? All of these things have been described for the Espace on this and other similarly excellent consumer motoring websites. The fact is, you are much more likely to unintentionally try out the crashworthiness of an Espace than any other MPV, so thank heavens it is relatively safe under crash impact!!

1998 Renault Grand Espace RXE 2.2dTi

Summary:

Essential family transport

Faults:

This is an update to previous enter.

As well as the faults reported below is an update.

At 1st service 10k miles the front discs had to be replaced and new pads. The discs had warped. I see some other people have had the same. These were replaced under warranty.

The rear window seal was fixed, but has since come loose again.

Dash rattle went away, but just recently a noise from the passenger side dash has started. Wiper blades do not last long. The paint has come off the tailgate wind hinge and the hinge is corroding. Headlining came loose at rear hatch. Tyres last 18k on the front and 25k on rear. I cannot get original fit Michelin Pilot and use Pirelli P6000 as these are reinforced. After 35k the front pads and discs were gone again. 125 pounds to fix. Plastic exterior trim broke between front and rear door on passenger side. Fixed with adhesive. No other major problems.

General Comments:

Car has been great for the family of 5. Comfortable and loads of space. Long distance trip eg 500 miles in 1 night are a breeze even with bike rack and roof box.

Fuel consumption around 30mpg.

Generally I am happy with the car however there are some quality issues and tyre and brake wear is expensive.

I have seen the details of the new Espace and it looks terrific. Interesting that Renault have decided to make it themselves instead of Matra. Also new car is not a composite body, this maybe a down side as I am sure if my car was metal I would have many dented panels by now!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2002

19th Oct 2004, 08:40

Hi There.

I have a 1998 Grand Espace, and after 2 months driving, I had 2 put new tyres on, and I have found that the Firestone Firehawk 215/65 15s are giving excellent wear and fantastic grip, I intend to replace the rears with these tyres as well.