Renault Grand Espace (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 610 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,503
£292/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3498cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £3,503/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 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 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.
69% of MOT tests on Renault Grand Espaces from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 610 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 120,534 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
120,534
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Renault Grand Espace had 120,534 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 60%. The 2008 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Renault Grand Espace by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 Renault Grand Espace
The 2008 Renault Grand Espace is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 610 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 18% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 120,534 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Grand Espace owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 Renault Grand 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 £1,958 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 2008 Renault Grand Espace?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,503 (£292/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2008 Renault Grand Espace
At 18 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
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 18 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 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 2008 Renault Grand 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 Grand Espace(2008) | 69% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,503 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2007) | 75% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303-£200 |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153-£350 |
| Mercedes CLC(2009) | 73% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303-£200 |
| Porsche 911(2006) | 90% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£500 |
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 2008 Renault Grand Espace
Is the 2008 Renault Grand Espace reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2008 Renault Grand Espaces ended in a pass, from 610 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Renault Grand Espace cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,503 a year (£292 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2008 Renault Grand Espace?
69% of 610 MOT tests on the 2008 Renault Grand Espace ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 467th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 18%).
Which year Renault Grand Espace has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Renault Grand Espace has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 2006 the lowest at 60%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Renault Grand Espace?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Renault Grand Espace is 120,534 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
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