RENAULT GRAND ESPACE (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 610 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£3,107
£259/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3498cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £3107/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3498cc
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 18 years old, 69% of RENAULT GRAND ESPACEs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 610 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,534 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
120,534
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE has 120,534 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2008 sits between the two at 69%.
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 performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 610 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 120,534 miles at 18 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,107 (£259/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 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
Based on the 2008 RENAULT GRAND ESPACE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT GRAND ESPACE(2008) | 69% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £3107 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£710 |
| MERCEDES E(2010) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£860 |
| MERCEDES CLC(2009) | 73% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£710 |
| PORSCHE 911(2006) | 90% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£1010 |
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.
Related Renault Models
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