Renault Espace (2002 - ) - 04 2.2 acceleration probs again - sell?

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Thu 15 Oct 2009 21:32
04 2.2 acceleration probs again - sell? - TiggyRumpton
Hi guys,

I have a 2004 2.2 diesel Renault Espace. A couple of years ago (just months out of warrantee) the turbo charger went. I had it replaced by an experienced Renault mechanic but NOT a dealership garage. However, I did opt for the more expensive Renault part rather than a cheaper 'copy' part. Everything seemed fine for a while though the car definitely suffered from more turbo-lag than before. Last winter I started to experience some serious lack of power when pulling away at junctions and roundabouts, and in stop-start traffic. It was especially bad on cold mornings - how I wasn't hit up the rear end on more than one occasion I'll never know! The problem was very intermittent and whenever I asked advice from the Renault service guys or the mechanic I used, nothing could be found. Some days the car would drive fine, other times I'd put my foot to the floor and limp out into a roundabout or busy slip-road like a slug overdosed on Night Nurse. Then, after a few terrifying seconds the turbo would kick in and all would be fine. Eventually this problem seemed to cure itself. Until today.....

Twice today, I have been in stop-start traffic and have put my foot on the gas to pull away, and ....nothing. It's picked up eventually, (foot pumping wildly) but I feel I'm in for another long tough winter of 'roundabout russian roulette' that I don't wish to repeat. Also, (not co-incidentally?) upon switching off the engine, there has been a very loud and alarming noise which sounds not unlike a Boeing 747 about to take off (the cooling system?) which seems to be going into hyper-mode.

I have had the battery, turbo-charger, brake discs and pads replaced on this car, and now I'm told (by Renault) that I may spontaneously combust any day unless I replace the cam belt (as standard procedure) I have done 44,500 miles. Should I get rid now, before this car bankrupts me? Your thoughts and advice will be gratefully digested.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 15/10/2009 at 22:21

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