RENAULT ESPACE (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 47 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
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 14 years old, 68% of RENAULT ESPACEs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 47 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,463 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
114,463
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 RENAULT ESPACE has 114,463 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2012 sits between the two at 68%.
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 2012 RENAULT ESPACE
The 2012 RENAULT ESPACE is a family car with a 1995cc diesel engine. 47 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 14 years old, RENAULT ESPACE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
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 £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 14 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 RENAULT ESPACE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% 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 2012 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(2012) | 68% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£612 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| AUDI A3(2014) | 86% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£612 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£462 |
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.
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