1998 Renault Grand Espace RTX-DT 2.2 2.2 TD from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Spacious family MPV

Faults:

In the cold the boot fails to open - the central locking sticks. This was fixed by removing the door panel and spraying with a grease.

The sunroofs leak slightly, in heavy run.

General Comments:

This is a great 7 seater with the boot space to go with it. Interior styling is a lot better than most MPV's. Great family car and more economical than my previous Suzuki Jimny 1.3 although the book figures both suggest 35mpg!

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

Review Date: 17th January, 2007

2000 Renault Grand Espace RXE 2.2Dti from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great French style - appalling reliability - do not buy one!

Faults:

Where to Start!!

Wheel bearing - near side.

Airbag computer.

Wheel bearing near side.

Air Bag control unit - fault not located by the Renault dealer - still a problem.

Cat - at about year 5 - this may be normal - but it was expensive.

Hydraulic Clutch.

Accelerator cable - again to be expected?

Fairly rapid tyre wear.

And now the big one - Cam belt - Prior to the official mileage change - but 4 months after the age change date!!! so a complete head rebuild.

And now the electronic dash has a mind of its own - most of the warning lights seem to randomly come on - everything from Oil to Airbag warning with the battery thrown in for good measure.

General Comments:

Excellent ride and interior space.

Lots of luggage space even 7 up.

Great looking well designed internally.

Functional dash - again a lot of thought.

Handling a bit ship like - but it has a massive wheelbase and it's not a sports car - what I would expect.

Reliability - appalling - talk about a Friday afternoon car - the Renault factory must only work Fridays...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2006

23rd Feb 2006, 15:24

I have an Espace and must agree it is the most unreliable car I have ever experienced. Would not touch Renault again if my life depended on it.

13th Apr 2006, 07:30

I own a 99 Grand Espace RXE 2.2 diesel. I've not had anything major go wrong, small parts to be expected, as for these people who moan about wheel bearings and batteries, grow up they're consumable items. And as for tyres and brakes, take a look at your own driving style I'd suggest.

Great car, some small faults so far, but nothing major in 100,000 miles.

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2000 Renault Grand Espace RXT 3.0 V6 24v from Netherlands

Summary:

The perfect MPV

Faults:

Some engine problems at the beginning. Dealer fixed all problems within 2 hours.

General Comments:

Too bad this is the last Matra as it is the mother of all MPV's.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2005

2001 Renault Grand Espace The Race 2.2 dCi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Lovely to drive, but reliability lets it down badly

Faults:

- Gearbox replaced under warranty at 40,000 miles.

- Fan belt + tensioning roller broke at 52000 miles while on holiday in Italy - cost £250 to replace.

- CD player refused to recognize disks 15 48,000 miles. Fixed under warranty.

- Air conditioning stopped working at 49,000 miles. Fixed under warranty.

- Drivers seat split at base at 48,000 miles - fixed under warranty.

- Electric window switch failed at 45000 miles - warranty repair.

- Brake light sensor malfunctioned at 46000 miles (AA fixed that one!)

- Flywheel/fuel injector sensor failed 3 times (twice while on holiday, once abroad in Poland, once at home) - took 3 attempts by local dealer to replace (warranty fix).

Ongoing problems with front heater matrix (demister doesn't work properly).

General Comments:

Bought for safety (NCAP 4 star) and for size (5 kids + dog!)

Currently in negotiation with Renault UK for warranty extension/replacement.

Just waiting for the next thing to fail.

Our previous Grand Espace had equally poor reliability - continual electrical problems, water pump, rear door jammed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th September, 2004

3rd Jun 2005, 03:32

I love this car, but I'm beginning to wonder if it will love me as much! The first major problem just as the warranty has run out (Jan 05) is that the clutch master cylinder has gone... leaking fluid down the pedal and flat to the floor were the telltale sign. It's in the dealer at the moment being fixed..£450..and maybe the clutch needs doing too! (£550) I rang Renault Customer services and she said she hadn't heard of it being a fault... yet other drivers on other websites have had similiar problems. The dealer I bought from new said it could have gone at any time and they have done them on other Renault cars so it's just one of those things!! Customer service might give me a discount as I've only done 40,000 miles. The dealer has to negotiate with them. I await with baited breath!!

13th Sep 2007, 10:23

You already had one with poor reliability - what on Earth made you buy another?