1997 Renault Espace RXE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Front brake disc's fractured. Three sets replaced within 20000 miles. Repaired under warranty.

Clutch hydraulic actuator failed. Repaired under warranty.

Power steering hose leaked. Repaired under warranty.

Electric window motor failed. Repaired under warranty.

Coolant header tank split. Repaired under warranty.

Diesel engine heater plugs failed. £180.

Alternator failed. £320.

Heater matrix leaked. replaced £800.

All outer door seal rubbers split. £?

Engine breather pipe split.

Gearbox gear linkage stiff when cold. £? Traded in vehicle.

The 3rd generation espace is comfortable, spacious, quite and very easy to drive.

Good motorway cruiser. (Keeps up with the rest, even when fully laden.)

In 5 years/50000 miles this vehicle has always started and delivered us to our destination. Just lucky? Last years service and parts bill came to £2500.

The only disappointment is the Renault dealerships with their condescending attitude to what appears to be common component failures on this vehicle.

I have an Espace RT Auto (2l petrol engine). It is just over 4 years old and the mileage is about 28,000. The auto gearbox has failed. I do not find this acceptable, and my local dealer service manager agrees. However, despite the quote of £1700, my dealer was unable to persuade Renault to contribute towards the repair cost.

This is the same garage I bought the car from. There have been many problems with it not changing to a higher gear when necessary, since I bought it. The dealer has always been very helpful, but they are let down by their parent company (Renault) and their labour charges.

It's a pity, because the Espace fulfils all my requirements, but it is just too expensive to maintain. In future, I will not consider Renault because an auto gearbox should not fail after <30,000 miles.

I have recently bought a 1997 renault espace 2.2 RT TD which has 120,000 miles. When I bought this vehicle I noticed a slight vibration which I was advised was hydraulic tappet problem. After a long trip from Aberdeen to Lancashire there was no apparent problems. On saturday my wife noticed smoke coming out of the exhaust and a loud tapping noise from the top end cam belt end. The previuos owner told me there was a cam followers and tappet change out done recently. A diesel mechanic says it may be tappet, but no one seems to want to do the work because it's a renault espace. For a cam change the renault dealer removed the engine any help would be greatfully received.

My e-mail address is sosaberdeen@yahoo.co.uk.

Thanks.

Sean Sullivan.