Renault Espace (1994)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 81 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2068cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel2068cc32 years old81 tests191k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2068cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

68% of MOT tests on Renault Espaces from 1994 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 30 years old. That's based on 81 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 191,201 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 models179th of 204(bottom 13%)

Rank among Renault models539th of 615(bottom 13%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 1994 models average-8%(76% avg)

vs Renault average-12%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

191,201

Average miles

222,000

Expected for age

The average 1994 Renault Espace had 191,201 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1994 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Espace by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2012	68%	47	114,463 mi
2011	64%	182	118,589 mi
2010	70%	229	121,339 mi
2009	67%	230	122,889 mi
2008	67%	513	131,506 mi
2007	66%	670	128,936 mi
2006	65%	293	123,939 mi
2005	73%	185	114,056 mi
2004	69%	170	104,189 mi
2003	69%	64	92,799 mi
2002	75%	109	104,289 mi
2001	71%	45	126,929 mi
2000	78%	41	110,316 mi
1999	82%	50	105,298 mi
1998	64%	39	151,325 mi
1996	58%	52	149,535 mi
1995	77%	44	158,857 mi
1994	68%	81	191,201 mi
1993	79%	43	199,945 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1995 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+6%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+6%

Land Rover Discovery

1996 · 2497cc Diesel

£2,606/year

78%

+10%

Talbot Express

1993 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,806/year

66%

-2%

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About the 1994 Renault Espace

The 1994 Renault Espace is a family car. Our records list a 2068cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 81 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 13% of 1994 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 191,201 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Espace owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1994 Renault Espace Fuel Costs

The 2068cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1994 Renault Espace?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Espace Reliability Trend

Older Renault Espaces tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1994 Renault Espace

At 32 years old, the Renault Espace is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. Note: with only 81 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 191k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1994 Renault Espace stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault Espace(1994)	68%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806
Land Rover Defender(1995)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Land Rover Discovery(1996)	78%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Talbot Express(1993)	66%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1994 Renault Espace

Is the 1994 Renault Espace reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 1994 Renault Espaces ended in a pass, from 81 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1994 Renault Espace cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Renault Espace?

68% of 81 MOT tests on the 1994 Renault Espace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 179th of 204 models first registered in 1994 (bottom 13%).

Which year Renault Espace has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 Renault Espace has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2011 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1994 Renault Espace?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1994 Renault Espace is 191,201 miles, which is in line with the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.