[Paul K]

From honestJohn

Revamp of the original design put it back at the top of the class again. Now transverse-engined like Laguna. No other MPV had such a versatile seating arrangement at the time. Longer-bodied Grande Espace overcomes lack of luggage space with seven aboard. Best buys should have been the diesels (air intakes now in mirror assemblies). Four-Star performer and the best MPV in NCAP crash test (11 points front impact; 16 points side impact). Three year 60,000 mile UK warranty from October 2000. New 130bhp 2.2 litre direct injected common rail dCi diesel from Laguna II became available in March 2001 from £21,350. Diesels hold their values better than most other MPVs.

Last updated 28-4-2007.
What's Bad
Have heard of one wiring fire, which was a recall problem on the previous model diesels. Have been problems with the older 2.2 diesel engine (crankshaft thrust bearings dropping out is one). Quite a lot of niggling problems. Whole dashboard needs to come out to replace a single dashboard bulb. Radio is located in a well under the driver's seat where it can get waterlogged and fail. ECU may be programmed for LHD re airbags and seatbelts. Ungalvanized window frames can rust badly. Serious reliability problems reported by ADAC (the German breakdown organisation) in its 2001 report. In June 2001 Renault was rated by Motor Warranty Direct as Britain's joint 4th worst out of 22 marques for used car warranty claims. 3rd from Bottom in 144 car 2002 JD Power / What Car? Customer Satisfaction Survey of V and W reg cars. Bottom in 2002 Which reliability survey of cars up to 2 years old; 36 cars surveyed. Renault had above average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 114.24 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 1998-2000 models average for breakdowns and poor for problems and faults in 2003 Which survey. 2nd bottom out of 137 models in 2003 Top Gear survey. Espace/Grande Espace 2nd bottom model in 2004 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. This model Espace the least reliable car in 2005 Warranty Direct Reliability Survey with 69 repair claims per 100 cars. Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

On 2.2 diesel engine, EGR valve, turbo and intercooler problems common. Transmission problems also common.

GREAT IN THEORY, BUT NOT RECOMMENDED.
What to Watch Out For
Chipped or cracked windscreens (it's a lot of glass). Family damage from baby's bottles, food, sweets, felt-tip pens, dogs, etc. Make sure the seat locking mechanisms aren't damaged. Before buying one of these, make sure everything works as it should: ABS warning light, automatic transmission, a/c, electrics. On diesel, listen for flywheel noises which could be first sign that crankshaft thrust washers have dropped out. Check windowframes for rust.
Recalls
2000: March '99-August '99 build: fuel could be ignited by heat from exhaust. 18/4/2000: 1,000 diesel engined cars built February to April 2000 may be fitted with defective brake vacuum pumps. 2001 TSB to replace Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves on 2000 model 2.2 litre diesel engines. 28/2/2001: Build datres 17/7/2000 - 20/9/2000: rear wheel brake calliper fastnings may shear leading to callipers becoming loose on the stub axles. Original fastnings to be replaced with modified type with lock washers. 15-07-2002: On 3,609 Espaces, electrical connections to side air bags may be transposed. Check and correcte where necessary. Also on n407 Espaces airbag control electrical wiring on driver's swivelling seat could become damaged and cause airbag to deploy. Wiring to be examined for damage. 23-09-2002: On 6,597 Espaces the underfloor spare wheel winch cable may seize or break and allow the wheel to fall into the road. Recall to fit modified spare wheel support cross member and winch unit.