2005 Renault Espace 2.2L Diesel · HT05 RCX

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a worsening trend regarding structural integrity and braking systems. While the most recent test on 11 March 2026 at 85,105 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged significant corrosion on the offside rear integral body structure and the sill. This follows a failure just six days earlier on 5 March 2026, where the vehicle failed on multiple counts including a split offside front CV boot, worn anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, and an excessively binding offside rear brake. The persistence of brake pipe corrosion, noted in both the March 2025 and March 2026 tests, suggests that while individual components are being replaced, the underlying issue of environmental degradation is not being fully resolved. The mileage pattern indicates very low usage for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,053 miles per year. The data shows a steady, albeit slow, accumulation of miles, moving from 43,214 miles in March 2021 to 85,105 miles in March 2026. This low annual mileage often correlates with longer periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate the corrosion issues seen in the recent MOT history. The jump from 54,528 miles in March 2022 to 63,730 miles in March 2023 shows a period of slightly higher usage, but the overall profile remains that of a vehicle that has seen minimal road time. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside to assess the extent of the structural corrosion. The recent reports of sill and integral body structure corrosion are serious concerns that could impact the long-term viability of the chassis. The recurring issues with brake pipes and binding calipers indicate that the braking system requires close scrutiny to ensure the corrosion has not compromised the hydraulic integrity or the mechanical movement of the calipers. Further attention should be directed toward the suspension and drivetrain components. The history shows a pattern of deteriorating rubber components, such as the anti-roll bar dust covers and CV boots, alongside intermittent issues with ball joints and track rod ends. Given the low mileage and the age of the vehicle, rubber seals and boots are prone to perishing from age rather than wear. A physical inspection of all suspension bushes, drive shafts, and steering linkages is essential to ensure that the recent repairs have addressed the underlying causes of these recurring failures.