Renault

Renault Espace (1987)

189 real MOT outcomes analysed • 61.3% first-time pass rate

1987 Renault Espace

CarHunch analysed 189 real MOT records for the 1987 Renault Espace. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

We have limited data for the 1987 Renault Espace — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
61.3%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
12.2%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.2
Over 3.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
131k
Middle half: 105k–164k
For context

These stats describe 189 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

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What tends to go wrong

Across 189 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 43.6%
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel · Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 17.8%
Oil leak · oil leak · Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split
Exhaust & emissions 15.4%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
Tyre wear 13%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Wipers & washers 9%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Suspension & steering 7.4%
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split · Offside Steering rack gaiter split
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 189 Renault Espace cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1987 Renault Espace

Based on MOT data from 189 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 12.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (95%) 179 60.5% 1.21

Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Renault Espace vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

131,115
typical
105,312
low mileage
163,510
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Renault Espace vehicles fall between 105,312 and 163,510 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 105,312 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
105,312–163,510 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1987 Renault Espaces sit.
Over 220,738 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

3.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.2
Avg failures per vehicle
3.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Renault Espace: All Espace years → Which year to buy? →
1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Or browse all models: Renault →

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Compare with another model

See how the 1987 Renault Espace stacks up against a rival.

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