New(ish) member - 2005 Renault Grand Espace
Discussion
I'm new(ish) to PH and just wanted to say hi 
to everyone on this forum.
Current daily driver is a 2005 Renault Grand Espace. It's the 3.0 V6 diesel version in Initiale trim so pretty much top of the range although it is missing the glass panoramic roof.
Very impressive car but (unsurprisingly) there have been a number of reliability issues. The fuel pump, gaskets and timing belt were replaced 5000 miles ago and the car hasn't been quite right since. I'm currently on the lookout for a good Renault specialist in South London, Kent or surrounding areas who can give it a thorough going over. If you have any recommendations please do share them.
I'll try and get some pics/writeup in Readers Cars at some point. Happy to answer questions etc. on the car.
to everyone on this forum.Current daily driver is a 2005 Renault Grand Espace. It's the 3.0 V6 diesel version in Initiale trim so pretty much top of the range although it is missing the glass panoramic roof.
Very impressive car but (unsurprisingly) there have been a number of reliability issues. The fuel pump, gaskets and timing belt were replaced 5000 miles ago and the car hasn't been quite right since. I'm currently on the lookout for a good Renault specialist in South London, Kent or surrounding areas who can give it a thorough going over. If you have any recommendations please do share them.
I'll try and get some pics/writeup in Readers Cars at some point. Happy to answer questions etc. on the car.
Hello - I have the same car/55 reg but with the sunroof and 18" alloys. Rather enjoy the power of the engine but it has blown a headgasket recently which was fun :/. It does rather suprise other road users at traffic lights and it coped really well with the Welsh hills recently. Post some pictures!
BlueMeganeII said:
Hello - I have the same car/55 reg but with the sunroof and 18" alloys. Rather enjoy the power of the engine but it has blown a headgasket recently which was fun :/. It does rather suprise other road users at traffic lights and it coped really well with the Welsh hills recently. Post some pictures!
I'll be getting a digital camera in the next couple of months and will post up some pics then.It is a great car, and IMHO is still the best MPV on the market - it really is good at everything. The torque from the V6 diesel makes for a fun drive and surprisingly rapid acceleration, although being FWD you have to be a bit careful with the loud pedal.
I'd be interested to know your experience with the head gasket. What did the repair cost and where did you have it done? What mileage are you on? Any other problems experienced?
Thanks
Amit
I've owned a fair few french cars. The headgasket was done by the supplying garage so was at no cost to me, but I did pay to get the belts and waterpump done as it was out so might as well go for it. I estimate the cost was about around the £1500 for the work they did at most garages. Its about £1000 to have all your belts changed as again the engine has be to be dropped out anyway.
The Espace is far better built than other Renaults, it doesn't squeak or rattle as much as the other Renaults and is generally very reliable. Its biggest weakness was the 2.2 dci and 3.0 dci engines (3.0 being a non Renault engine and causes as many problems in the Vectras, Signums, Saabs and Isuzus). Renault replaced them all with three varients of the 2.0dci which is an amazing engine.
Only other problems I've found is that the rear boot/tailgate window doesn't like to shut first time and the sunroof occasionally needs some grease/wd40 or it goes into some sort of safe mode.
The hands free mode is awsome, my megane has it but it doesn't autolock when you walk away. Also for such a large car its suprisingly easy to move. I could see us keeping the Grand Espace for many, many years to come. Can't say the same about my Megane though.... My 2003 Megane is slowly getting newer and newer as every damn thing is replaced on it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i3anE_zBv5vO...
Picture there, I replaced a 2007 Grand Scenic with it when our fourth arrived. I looked at Espaces from £7000-£25000 and that one was the best. I have noticed the TC kicks in a bit even when your not foot down when accelerating in these damp cold mornings.
The Espace is far better built than other Renaults, it doesn't squeak or rattle as much as the other Renaults and is generally very reliable. Its biggest weakness was the 2.2 dci and 3.0 dci engines (3.0 being a non Renault engine and causes as many problems in the Vectras, Signums, Saabs and Isuzus). Renault replaced them all with three varients of the 2.0dci which is an amazing engine.
Only other problems I've found is that the rear boot/tailgate window doesn't like to shut first time and the sunroof occasionally needs some grease/wd40 or it goes into some sort of safe mode.
The hands free mode is awsome, my megane has it but it doesn't autolock when you walk away. Also for such a large car its suprisingly easy to move. I could see us keeping the Grand Espace for many, many years to come. Can't say the same about my Megane though.... My 2003 Megane is slowly getting newer and newer as every damn thing is replaced on it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i3anE_zBv5vO...
Picture there, I replaced a 2007 Grand Scenic with it when our fourth arrived. I looked at Espaces from £7000-£25000 and that one was the best. I have noticed the TC kicks in a bit even when your not foot down when accelerating in these damp cold mornings.
BlueMeganeII said:
I've owned a fair few french cars. The headgasket was done by the supplying garage so was at no cost to me, but I did pay to get the belts and waterpump done as it was out so might as well go for it. I estimate the cost was about around the £1500 for the work they did at most garages. Its about £1000 to have all your belts changed as again the engine has be to be dropped out anyway.
The Espace is far better built than other Renaults, it doesn't squeak or rattle as much as the other Renaults and is generally very reliable. Its biggest weakness was the 2.2 dci and 3.0 dci engines (3.0 being a non Renault engine and causes as many problems in the Vectras, Signums, Saabs and Isuzus). Renault replaced them all with three varients of the 2.0dci which is an amazing engine.
Only other problems I've found is that the rear boot/tailgate window doesn't like to shut first time and the sunroof occasionally needs some grease/wd40 or it goes into some sort of safe mode.
The hands free mode is awsome, my megane has it but it doesn't autolock when you walk away. Also for such a large car its suprisingly easy to move. I could see us keeping the Grand Espace for many, many years to come. Can't say the same about my Megane though.... My 2003 Megane is slowly getting newer and newer as every damn thing is replaced on it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i3anE_zBv5vO...
Picture there, I replaced a 2007 Grand Scenic with it when our fourth arrived. I looked at Espaces from £7000-£25000 and that one was the best. I have noticed the TC kicks in a bit even when your not foot down when accelerating in these damp cold mornings.
Was there much of a space improvement over the grand Scenic when you upgraded? I've currently got a Grand Scenic 1.9dci Privilege (which is a fantastic car!) but as the kids get bigger / it gets older I'll need more space - is it much of an improvement? I've driven an Espace a few years ago and was hugely impressed with it except it had the 2.2dci which I'm keen to avoid and the 2.0dci (in good spec) are just out of my price range at the mo.The Espace is far better built than other Renaults, it doesn't squeak or rattle as much as the other Renaults and is generally very reliable. Its biggest weakness was the 2.2 dci and 3.0 dci engines (3.0 being a non Renault engine and causes as many problems in the Vectras, Signums, Saabs and Isuzus). Renault replaced them all with three varients of the 2.0dci which is an amazing engine.
Only other problems I've found is that the rear boot/tailgate window doesn't like to shut first time and the sunroof occasionally needs some grease/wd40 or it goes into some sort of safe mode.
The hands free mode is awsome, my megane has it but it doesn't autolock when you walk away. Also for such a large car its suprisingly easy to move. I could see us keeping the Grand Espace for many, many years to come. Can't say the same about my Megane though.... My 2003 Megane is slowly getting newer and newer as every damn thing is replaced on it.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i3anE_zBv5vO...
Picture there, I replaced a 2007 Grand Scenic with it when our fourth arrived. I looked at Espaces from £7000-£25000 and that one was the best. I have noticed the TC kicks in a bit even when your not foot down when accelerating in these damp cold mornings.
It has been a huge space improvement. For example we can now use all three rows reasonably spaced out (more than we had in the Scenic) and have the pushchair sitting flat on the boot floor which has been incredible. Alot of the kit in it is similar to the Scenic, it was a lovely upgrade and love driving it. I still miss my Scenic though, it had alot of character.
There are a few 2.0dcis around for the £7000-8000 mark from 56 reg onwards with reasonable miles but they disappear pretty quickly, a years time and there will be a flood of them. Theres alot of 2.2dcis and 3.0dcis being dumped cheaply from 06 onwards as they both fall into this £450ish tax bracket now so hold out and you'll get a gooden. We're considering a second 2.0dci Espace next year if the prices go the right way
.
There are a few 2.0dcis around for the £7000-8000 mark from 56 reg onwards with reasonable miles but they disappear pretty quickly, a years time and there will be a flood of them. Theres alot of 2.2dcis and 3.0dcis being dumped cheaply from 06 onwards as they both fall into this £450ish tax bracket now so hold out and you'll get a gooden. We're considering a second 2.0dci Espace next year if the prices go the right way
.BlueMeganeII said:
It has been a huge space improvement. For example we can now use all three rows reasonably spaced out (more than we had in the Scenic) and have the pushchair sitting flat on the boot floor which has been incredible. Alot of the kit in it is similar to the Scenic, it was a lovely upgrade and love driving it. I still miss my Scenic though, it had alot of character.
There are a few 2.0dcis around for the £7000-8000 mark from 56 reg onwards with reasonable miles but they disappear pretty quickly, a years time and there will be a flood of them. Theres alot of 2.2dcis and 3.0dcis being dumped cheaply from 06 onwards as they both fall into this £450ish tax bracket now so hold out and you'll get a gooden. We're considering a second 2.0dci Espace next year if the prices go the right way.
Fantastic - I'll definetely look at one when the time comes to upgrade but for now while my kids are very young I might as well enjoy 47mpg! Had the scenic about 9 months now and it hasn't put a foot wrong I really can't fault it. I'm ignoring the 'All Renaults are sThere are a few 2.0dcis around for the £7000-8000 mark from 56 reg onwards with reasonable miles but they disappear pretty quickly, a years time and there will be a flood of them. Theres alot of 2.2dcis and 3.0dcis being dumped cheaply from 06 onwards as they both fall into this £450ish tax bracket now so hold out and you'll get a gooden. We're considering a second 2.0dci Espace next year if the prices go the right way
.
te' brigade as it simply isn't true. Mine's done 84k and I'll run it till it dies!Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff