RENAULT ESPACE (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 64 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
64
Avg Mileage
92,799 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 RENAULT ESPACE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 69% of RENAULT ESPACEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 64 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,799 miles.
How does the 2003 RENAULT ESPACE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 RENAULT ESPACE has 92,799 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 RENAULT ESPACE
The 2003 RENAULT ESPACE is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 64 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 92,799 miles at 21 years old, RENAULT ESPACE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 RENAULT ESPACE Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 RENAULT ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2003 RENAULT ESPACE
At 21 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 64 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 RENAULT ESPACE
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-2%) from 18,423 tests