Renault Espace (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 230 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,711
£226/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.
67% of MOT tests on Renault Espaces from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 230 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 122,889 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
122,889
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Renault Espace had 122,889 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 scores 67%. 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
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About the 2009 Renault Espace
The 2009 Renault Espace is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 230 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 8% of 2009 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 122,889 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Espace owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 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 2009 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 67% 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 2009 Renault Espace
At 17 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%.
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 outAt 17 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 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 123k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn 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 outWith a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2009 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(2009) | 67% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711 |
| Ford Focus(2011) | 75% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£483 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2011) | 69% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711same |
| MINI(2010) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078-£633 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£350 |
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 2009 Renault Espace
Is the 2009 Renault Espace reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 2009 Renault Espaces ended in a pass, from 230 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 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 2009 Renault Espace?
67% of 230 MOT tests on the 2009 Renault Espace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 516th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (bottom 8%).
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 2009 Renault Espace?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Renault Espace is 122,889 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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