2010 Renault Grand Espace 2.0L Diesel · OV60 SWO

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 April 2024 resulted in a PASS, although the vehicle had failed only four days earlier on 4 April 2024 due to a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a major structural and safety defect that was rectified prior to the retest. Reviewing the broader pattern, the maintenance trend over the last three test cycles is one of gradual deterioration rather than outright neglect, with advisory items steadily accumulating around steering, braking, and suspension components. The 2018 and 2019 tests were notably clean, but from 2021 onwards the record has progressively listed more advisories per visit, culminating in the major failure for the coil spring in 2024. For a prospective buyer, this pattern suggests a vehicle that has passed its tests but is reaching a stage where wear items on the underpinnings are beginning to demand attention, warranting careful physical inspection rather than relying on the pass certificate alone. With approximately 160,399 miles recorded on a 2010 vehicle, the Grand Espace is averaging around 10,000 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical family MPV usage and does not in itself raise immediate concerns. There are, however, extended gaps in the MOT record, particularly the absence of any recorded test in 2020 and the jump from a 2021 advisory to the next entry in 2023, which may indicate periods of reduced use or off-road status. Such standing periods can encourage brake disc corrosion, sticking or binding calipers, and deterioration of the braking system through surface rust, even when mileage is modest. Equally, the high accumulated mileage over sixteen years places significant cumulative stress on the clutch, automatic transmission, turbocharger (where fitted), engine oil seals, and ancillary drive components, so evidence of regular servicing with appropriate fluid changes becomes especially important. Given the advisory for nearside front play in the steering rack inner joint noted at three consecutive examinations from 2023 through 2024, this is a defect that has persisted and is likely worsening. On a road test, this typically manifests as a slight knocking or clunking through the steering when traversing speed humps, potholes, or rough tarmac, and may be accompanied by vague or wandering steering response. Further wear could progress to internal fluid loss and ultimately rack replacement, so the buyer should request a recent rectification invoice if available, or budget for the repair. Likewise, the persistent advisory for front inner brake pad wear indicates the friction material is approaching its service limit, and although this was first flagged in 2024, at 160,000 miles the discs themselves may also be nearing minimum thickness, with the 2018 advisory for pitted front discs suggesting the braking system has been a recurring area of attention. On test, the buyer should listen for any brake shudder under firm pedal application and check for uneven or tapered tyre wear, particularly on the front axle. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and mileage related inspections are strongly recommended. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing or cracking from age, regardless of remaining tread depth, and all four corners should be checked for uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment or suspension issues, particularly given the previous advisories for inner and outer edge wear. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as units of this vintage frequently suffer from reduced capacity, especially if the vehicle has stood for extended periods. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (where applicable) should be verified for recent replacement in line with calendar-based service intervals, as fluids degrade with time as much as with use. The underside of the vehicle should be raised for inspection, paying particular attention to the rear coil spring locations for any signs of corrosion or fatigue cracking, the exhaust system for integrity given the previous loose shield advisory, and the front subframe and engine mountings for the general wear consistent with high-mileage French MPVs of this generation. A thorough road test covering motorway cruising, town manoeuvring, and a loaded cornering check will help reveal any knocking from the suspension, hesitation from the drivetrain, or pulling under braking that the MOT station may not have had opportunity to detect.