RENAULT ESPACE (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 185 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,907
£242/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3498cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 9 points below average.
Check a specific RENAULT ESPACE
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3498cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this RENAULT ESPACE
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 73% of RENAULT ESPACEs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 185 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,056 miles.
Got a RENAULT ESPACE you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
114,056
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 RENAULT ESPACE has 114,056 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.
Looking at a specific RENAULT ESPACE?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 58%. The 2005 sits between the two at 73%.
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
Check a Specific Renault Espace
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2005 RENAULT ESPACE
The 2005 RENAULT ESPACE is a performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 185 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 114,056 miles at 21 years old, RENAULT ESPACE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 RENAULT ESPACE Fuel Costs
The 3498cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 RENAULT ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2005 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 RENAULT ESPACE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 21 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 114k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2005 RENAULT ESPACE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT ESPACE(2005) | 73% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2907 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£510 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£660 |
| PORSCHE 911(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£810 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
RENAULT CLIO
2014 · 899cc Petrol
RENAULT CAPTUR
2016 · 1197cc Petrol
RENAULT KADJAR
2016 · 1500cc Diesel
LAND ROVER FREELANDER
2007 · 3192cc Petrol
MERCEDES E
2004 · 3199cc Petrol
PORSCHE BOXSTER
2005 · 3197cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Renault Espace.
Cheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific RENAULT ESPACE
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a RENAULT ESPACE? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data