Renault Espace (1986)
1986 Renault Espace
CarHunch analysed 118 real MOT records for the 1986 Renault Espace. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1986 Renault Espace has a first-time MOT pass rate of 57.6%, well below the UK average of 80%, which means nearly half of these cars are returning with faults. The good news is that only 9.3% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so while these Espaces need work, they're not systematically unsafe.
At 140,000 miles median, these examples are genuinely high-mileage for their age, yet they're still averaging 1.23 failures and 2.6 advisories per test—suggesting the failures are often wear-related rather than structural. If you're considering one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, exhaust, and brakes rather than engine internals.
What to check before buying a 1986 Renault Espace
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Renault Espace
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (95%) | 112 | 56.9% | 1.26 |
| Diesel (5%) | 6 | 71.7% | 0.67 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1986 Renault Espace vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1986 Renault Espace vehicles fall between 115,182 and 162,907 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1986 Renault Espace
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
43.6%
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel
-
17.8%
Oil leak
-
16.9%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
-
15.4%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
-
13%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
9%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
-
8.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
8.1%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1986. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Renault Espace?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.