RENAULT GRAND ESPACE (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 115 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2188cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2188cc
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 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 22 years old, 69% of RENAULT GRAND ESPACEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,608 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
120,608
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE has 120,608 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 60%. The 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
RENAULT GRAND ESPACE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE
The 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE is a family car with a 2188cc diesel engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 120,608 miles at 22 years old, RENAULT GRAND ESPACE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE Fuel Costs
The 2188cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 GRAND ESPACE Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT GRAND ESPACEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE
At 22 years old, the RENAULT GRAND 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 RENAULT GRAND 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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 121k 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 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 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 2004 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT GRAND ESPACE(2004) | 69% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2006) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006) | 78% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
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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