Item: Used Renault Espace MPV 2002 - 2012
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

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Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

ESPACE

The Renault Espace is comfortable and safe, but its rivals are more spacious, more versatile and cheaper

Used Renault Espace MPV 2002 - 2012

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.

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The Renault Espace is comfortable and safe, but its rivals are more spacious, more versatile and cheaper

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.

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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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

Diesels can be prone to trouble, so watch out for excessive exhaust smoke, listen for noises that indicate the turbo is on its last legs, check the condition and level of the oil, and ensure the engine responds cleanly and progressively across the rev range. If there are any signs of overheating, walk away.

Clutches can be problematic, too, especially on diesels, and minor electrical glitches are also common. The symptoms can be wide-ranging, so check anything electrical works as it should. Pay special attention to the electric handbrake, which can stick.

Tyre wear is heavy on the Espace, and a set of fronts can need replacing after 12,000 miles, sometimes less. So, give the tyre tread depth a good look to see if you might have a big bill not too far round the corner, and watch for uneven wear, which could indicate suspension trouble.

The interior trim is pretty tough, but inspect it for any signs of abuse from hard family use or constant load-lugging duties.

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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.

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.

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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Used Renault Espace MPV 2002 - 2012 review

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Used Renault Espace MPV 2002 - 2012 review

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