Renault Espace (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 64 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc23 years old64 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

69% of MOT tests on Renault Espaces from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 64 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,799 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models311th of 429(bottom half)

Rank among Renault models513th of 615(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-3%(72% avg)

vs Renault average-11%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,799

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Renault Espace had 92,799 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2003 scores 69%. 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

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+2%

Ford Focus

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+2%

Toyota Corolla

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

76%

+7%

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-2%

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About the 2003 Renault Espace

The 2003 Renault Espace is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 64 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 92,799 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Renault Espace?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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

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 2003 Renault Espace

At 23 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 64 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% 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 2003 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(2003)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Ford Focus(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Toyota Corolla(2005)	76%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711same

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 2003 Renault Espace

Is the 2003 Renault Espace reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2003 Renault Espaces ended in a pass, from 64 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Renault Espace cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2003 Renault Espace?

69% of 64 MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Espace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 311th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom half).

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 2003 Renault Espace?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Renault Espace is 92,799 miles, 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.