RENAULT ESPACE (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 39 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
39
Avg Mileage
151,325 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1998 RENAULT ESPACE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 64% of RENAULT ESPACEs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 39 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 151,325 miles.
How does the 1998 RENAULT ESPACE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 RENAULT ESPACE has 151,325 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a RENAULT ESPACE?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 58%. The 1998 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 1998 RENAULT ESPACE cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific RENAULT ESPACE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 RENAULT ESPACE
The 1998 RENAULT ESPACE is a family car with a 2188cc diesel engine. 39 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 151,325 miles at 26 years old, RENAULT ESPACE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 RENAULT ESPACE Fuel Costs
The 2188cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 1998 RENAULT ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
RENAULT ESPACE Reliability Trend
The RENAULT ESPACE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 RENAULT ESPACE
At 26 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 82%. Note: with only 39 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 RENAULT ESPACE
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+6%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+12%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+11%) from 5,978 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2000) 77% pass rate (+13%) from 4,799 tests