1998 Renault Grand Espace RXE from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

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!!

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.

I have a 1999 grand espace 2.2rxe td fantastic MPV, highly recommend to anyone who enjoys driving.. this is the best ever, fully loaded too, as far as tyres go I have Michelin energy's on mine and they are lasting well, I too had a rattle on the dash and found it to be a loose bit of trim that runs along the top of the dash near the window, worth checking, is there a forum for espace owners?? would be interesting to exchange thoughts, my contact is rabg@blueyonder.co.uk.

I bought a 'used' 1998 RXE with 133,000 on the clock in October 2005. Four months later I have added 4000 miles, had an MOT which it passed, have had no trouble and can do almost 40mpg on long drives, but around 'town' 33mpg is normal. The MOT man said it still has the original Renault brake disks! He did not comment on pads other than to pass them.

As regards economy, I followed the advice of the last owner who had it from new. "Drive it like a truck, not like a racing car" Believe me the only way to save tyres and brakes on a wagon that weighs 1700kgs (nearly two tons)

I am rather worried about maintenance as there is no source of knowledge (ie Haynes Manual!) on post 1996 Espace. The wagon is a pleasure to drive and shows neither its age or mileage. shaunwall@yahoo.com.