Renault Espace (1991 - 1997) 2.0 RN Helios 5d (7 Seat) (1995/M) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

FERTILE MALE!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Were initially impressed as they suddenly knew someoner with a van!! Not so impressed once theyd heard the thing go into 1st or reverse. Laughed when they realised Id sold a lovely old w123 merc for a complete pup.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Ive since fiound out two things. Old Espaces are notorious for hardening of the clutch and neglectful owners. Subsequently all the various components including the bulkhead wall and pedal box bear the brunt. Anything more than an oil change and the engine comes out. Hence high labour bills and hence negelctful owners. They are french and the electrics are crap. The general qwuality of the switches, buttons, trim was poor - Ive been used to Saabs and old Mercs. Thats more thasn two thingsl. The 2nd thing was going to be. that a breakdown recovery chap did point out that he'd had 3 MPVs ( one was anold Espace ) and muttered these immortal weords...'there is no such thing as a cheap people carrier'. Buy a Volvo estate.

What are you likely to buy next?

Bought an awful Volvo 760 in a rush as a get-my-by. It cost me less than the last owner spent on 4 tyres and a new radiator a few weeks previously. Ive got leather, climate and a Cd player,. runs like a dream and isnt gonna cosrt a penny til the MoT in Sept. It'll probably fly thru' that too. It just looks like a bloody brick on wheels. Maybe a saab after this.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

January 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

no. Car appeared to have a noisery cklutch release bearing. Having owned and driven a Saab for two years with a slight bearing noise - didnt see this as a problem-used it as a bargaining tool. Boy! Was I wrong!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Car was purchased due to addition to famiuly and higher seating would be easier for my partner who is suffering from a back injury. Would be handy for uise as a van for DIY store and trips top tip, etc.

What was the dealer like?

Private sale.

What's it like to drive?

AWFUL. Pretty gutless, people tend to think they were able to pull out in your path as you'd be more than willing to avoid hitting them as you'd have a minibus full of kiids. Im used to well-built cars and the Espace just felt flimsy. Was surprisingly stable though up to about 70mph. A tad hairy soon after.

What's it like to park?

Easy - reversing was great as you know exactly were the back end was. Front nose was low and disappeared somewhere past the dash...Reverse gear was awful as it crunched due to clutch probs. Would turn ignition off-engage reverse and start engine. Less embarassing. A trick employed by many old Espace ownerrs I bet....

Have you had any problems with the car?

YES! Clutch gave up after 4 weeks. Then found out enginge and gearbox have to be removed in order to replace. Paid £400 for this. Clutch release arm and pedal box subsequently faileed 4 weeks after! Paid another £450 for this work only then to find the bulkhead required majoer welding work. As steering column and associated bracket are attachedf to this it was advised that Id have to replace these as well as they wouldve been weakened. Due to age of car, depleated funds and that moT due in 2 months time we decided to scrap.

What's most practical about your car?

NOTHING! Ok - for rthe short time it was on the road I guess the seating, the flexibilty of the seating arrangement and the risde height were useful-had we had the time to exploit them. But you'd sit in it and knew it was a Renualt. Renualt is french slang for flimsy grey plastic.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

THE CLUTCH!!!