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Almost definite it's Nissan.
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Almost definite it's Nissan.
Yep, all my 'research says so too'.
So should last longer / be better than a renault auto box then?
I had a Rover once, it had a Honda 5 speed manual box.
The gear box was about the only bit of the car than did not fall to bits / rust away.
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Hi Injection Doc,
Still trying to get a quote on the spark plugs for the Ren 3.5 V6 Espace , but no joy as yet!
Do you know a figure?
I assume they last 30k miles or similar?
More worrying still though but , I came across a £1000 figure for a cam belt change - it was an 'engine out job, two mechanics - all day'.
Another story i read said that they 'drop' the engine to change the cam belt.
I've asked Renault for a quote on both of the above - but they have yet to get back too me.
So wot wold you say ' injection doc' is the best people carrier. We r r like the Renault's sunroof'
The Voyager's 3 rear stow and go seats bit naff {kids only} and leaves you with a 4 seater, made for the USA market for 20 stoners to get in and out. We hired one for a month in the USA last year. No sun roof either?
new {2006 on} galaxy's folding seats bit thin and flimsey too.
That Hyuandi thing is so dam ugly, then there is that Ssangyong Rodius thing?
VW Sharron, Ford Galaxy and SEAT hat not of 2005 ish vintage, all have v limited spave when 7 seat in use.
Looked at VW Caravell, but v van-like.
Cheers
Paul.
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Just had a reply to servicing costs on a 3.5 V6 Espace from a local Renault main dealer.
Wow !!!!!!!!!!
See below;
The services are alternated between minor and major £199 or £399 on an espace plugs are replaced every 72,000 miles and at that stage its engine out to get to the plugs so we suggest to do the timing belt plugs and the clutch plus water pump as it a recommendation from renault, takes an hour to price up the bill but you wouldnt get much change out of £2000.
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Blimey, that's seriously expensive!
I'm sure that figure out get you thinking whether Espace is the right choice with this particular engine!
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Yep its engine out to change the plugs!!!!!! so if one fails your unlucky as it cost a fortune. Walk walk walk unless your brave. Nice motor but megga bucks to run.
A sensible people carrier thats built to last would be a VW with the seat conversion or you can order ,or used to be able to order a ford transit in any spec & build you want & I saw some fantastic variants. The VW Caravelle 9 seater is a strong work horse & they have built in an auto.
To be fair the plugs are only changed every 72000 miles on a V6 but if something else fails & plugs need to come out, well need I say more.
I left you to find out the prices because if I had put figures down I would of got some sarcastic comment posted
IJ
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Paul - I hope you took the plunge. I bought a 2004 3.5 V6 Grand Espace in March and I absolutely love it. It is an absolute pleasure to drive. Renault really got it right with the build quality and ergonomics of this car and the steering is wonderfully precise for such a large car. By the way, the 3.5 v6 is chain (not belt) driven and so unlike all other Grand Espaces before it, it does not need a belt change at 70,000 miles. The lack of renault reliability is compensated for by lower cost of purchase (buying used).
Edited by jboy on 28/05/2008 at 13:25
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>The lack of renault reliability is compensated for by lower cost of purchase (buying used)>
Just as a matter of interest, has anything gone wrong with it since you bought it and what is the fuel consumption and the servicing costs?
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Actually nothing has - it isnt due a service for another 2,500 miles and so I am not sure about the servicing costs. As for fuel consumption, I have been delighted - on a 270 mile round trip from South London to the East Midlands I averaged 27mpg. This included about 60 minutes of urban driving through London and 2 hours of motorway driving each way. Whereas 27mpg might not sound that great, this is better than the official figure and considerably better than my '99 3.0 v6 espace which was much less powerful!
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I've just had the good news on my grand Espace '52 plate - a knocking noise in the engine started quietly, got worse and now there's no power at all.
Diagnostics can't find anything, so the engineer wants to remove the cylinder head. Just to drop the engine, remove the head and replace everything back into the car is circa £2K and that's without finding and fixing the problem........
This car is a 2.2dCi with just 60k on the clock and yet has had 3 EGR valves replacements, two engine computer replacements, 1 master cylinder and 2 (count them!!) fuel system replacements, and now this!!!
Just called the scrap yard....
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"At 3 years old it will be out of warrenty. I want a Grand Esapce that we give me the least trouble"
The statement just does not collate, watched one at brighouse auction 3 years old looked very nice no real bidders. It just says stay away from me all over.
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I've re-read this thread in detail - only scanned it the first time.
Couldn't believe my eyes - "...and at that stage its engine out to get to the plugs "
Someone is surely having a laugh? Not 1st April yet is it?
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The engine of the 3.5L do not have to be taken out - for spark plug replacement.
It can be done from the top. But it wil require 8-12 hours of work - professionel Renault mechanic. It is the same for Vel Satis.
120.000 km - I do not know in miles.
The belt have to be changes at the same time according to the manual - but that is not expensive. The engine do not have to be taken out either.
I have the experience.
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Had a September 2005 grand espace 3.5 initiale now for almost 6 years now - tyres on the front wear out fatser than the back ones, one track road end, on rear wheel bearning - that all it's had apart from oil, filters and fuel.
Over last 3.800 miles, many local / short runs, trip computer says 31.2 MPG.
Does quite a bit more on the motorway.
Best car I've ever had - but what to get next ?
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You haven't had much to compare it with I assume,31mpg I wonder why manufacturers bother with research when they can get such such good economy from an old 3.5 petrol engine .These have to be one of the worst vehicles ever to let loose on the public ever and probably more expensive to run and maintain than a chieften tank..
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