2004 Renault Espace 2.2L Diesel · FN04 TNU

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but the maintenance trend shows a shift towards suspension-related wear. The most recent test conducted in January 2022 at 100,135 miles identified advisories for play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint and the nearside track rod end. While the vehicle passed this test, these defects indicate that the steering and suspension components are reaching the end of their operational life. Given that over four years have passed since this recorded MOT, the condition of these rubber-to-metal joints likely deteriorated significantly, necessitating an immediate physical inspection. The mileage profile is notably low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between November 2020 and January 2022, where the vehicle covered only 990 miles over fourteen months. Furthermore, the record shows no MOT activity since the January 2022 test, suggesting the vehicle has sat stationary for the last four years. This low-use pattern often leads to secondary issues such as perished rubber perish hoses and seized brake calipers, which can be more detrimental than high-mileage wear. A buyer must prioritize the front-end geometry and structural integrity. The 2019 failure at 94,290 miles previously highlighted corroded rear coil springs and a split CV boot, and while these were repaired to pass, the subsequent advisories for ball joints in 2022 suggest the chassis is aging. Check for fresh corrosion on the rear springs and verify the condition of the CV boots to prevent grease. Because the vehicle has likely been stationary for years, inspect the brake discs for heavy pitting and ensure the tyres have not developed flat spots or significant cracking due to lack of use.