Used Renault Espace

What to know before buying: Renault Espace

From 1 video review, 4 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• Espace IV owners praise its flexible seating, vast cargo space, long-distance comfort and excellent visibility.[6][5]Renault Espace IV
• The Espace V is comfortable and stable; 4Control improves manoeuvrability, while generous equipment makes driving and parking easier.[1][7]Renault Espace V
• The Espace V's third row is best treated as occasional seating: adults are cramped, and moving row two forward compromises both rows.[1][4][7]Renault Espace V
• The Espace V remains roomy, but its lower roof and luxury-first concept make it less practical than the earlier full-size MPV.[4][7]Renault Espace V

Typical faults

• The Espace V's suspension is described as its main weak point; inspect the suspension bushes particularly carefully.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V
• An Espace V owner with the 1.6 dCi R9M reported EGR and turbo vacuum-regulator faults, power loss and a cold-engine rattle.[2]one sourceRenault Espace V

  1.6 dCi R9M

• A inspected 2019 Espace V had a broken glovebox trim piece; other cabin plastics and button ribbon cables were also described as vulnerable.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V

  2019–2019

• Before buying an Espace IV 2.2 dCi, check the big-end bearings and crankshaft; forum contributors describe their service life as a weak point.[5]one sourceRenault Espace IV

  2.2 dCi

• Early Espace IVs were reported to suffer overload-related alternator failures, while an owner review also calls the water-cooled alternator troublesome.[5][6]Renault Espace IV

  2002–2003 · 2.2 dCi

• An owner of a 2005 Espace IV 1.9 dCi reported failure of the costly rubber-metal crankshaft pulley and a long wait for the replacement.[5]one sourceRenault Espace IV

  2005–2005 · 1.9 dCi

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 dCi is the preferred Espace IV choice: forum reports describe it as stronger than the 1.9 dCi and free of the 2.2 dCi's cited issues.[3][5]Renault Espace IV
• The Espace V's 2.0 diesel is described as trouble-free and economical; the inspected 2019 car also drove smoothly and comfortably.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V

What to avoid

• Approach the Espace IV 2.2 dCi cautiously: sources assess it negatively and advise checking the big-end bearings and crankshaft.[3][5]Renault Espace IV
• The Espace IV's 1.9 dCi is underpowered for this heavy vehicle, especially when overtaking; one 2005 car also suffered crankshaft-pulley failure.[5]one sourceRenault Espace IV

What to check at the inspection

• During an Espace V test drive, listen for suspension noise and inspect the bushes, which the source identifies as a weak point.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V
• On the 1.6 dCi R9M, run a full diagnostic scan, focusing on EGR and turbo vacuum-regulator faults, power loss and cold-engine noise.[2]one sourceRenault Espace V
• Check every cabin button, the glovebox and interior trim on an Espace V; the source found breakages and an unavailable individual replacement part.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V
• Before buying an Espace IV 2.2 dCi, inspect the big-end bearings and crankshaft and establish its servicing intervals and repair history.[5]one sourceRenault Espace IV
• Inspect the underside on a lift for leaks and damage, use a paint-depth gauge on the body and check the roof for dents.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V
• Check the coolant level and look for leaks; the reviewer warns that engine overheating can be fatal.[1]one sourceRenault Espace V

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Denis Rem — Renault Espace французская надежность не уступающая немецкой · ▶ video
2. [2]iauto.lv — Espace V - Forums · forum
3. [3]auto.jautajums.lv — Renault Espace atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
4. [4]club-espace.ru — Плюсы и минусы нового Эспаса · forum
5. [5]forum.onliner.by — Renault Espace 4 (Рено Эспейс). Как оно? · forum
6. [6]whatcar.lv — Renault Espace MPV (02-11) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press
7. [7]car-use.lv — Renault Espace - mūsu tests · press

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