RENAULT ESPACE (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 47 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
47
Avg Mileage
114,463 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 2012 RENAULT ESPACE reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 12 years old, 68% of RENAULT ESPACEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 47 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,463 miles.
How does the 2012 RENAULT ESPACE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 RENAULT ESPACE has 114,463 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2012 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 RENAULT ESPACE
The 2012 RENAULT ESPACE is a family car with a 1995cc diesel engine. 47 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 96% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 114,463 miles at 12 years old, RENAULT ESPACE owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2012 RENAULT ESPACE Fuel Costs
The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2012 RENAULT ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% 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 2012 RENAULT ESPACE
At 12 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 47 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 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 GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+19%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (+11%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2014) 86% pass rate (+18%) from 77,639 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (+6%) from 75,715 tests