Renault Espace for Sale - Import from Japan

The Renault Espace was never built to follow. Launched in 1984, it was Europe’s first true MPV—and it did things differently from day one. With its spaceframe chassis, lightweight fibreglass panels, and modular seating layout, the original Espace shook up family transport. By the 1991–1996 Espace II (chassis code J63), the platform had matured into something rare: an MPV that drove like a big hatchback. Unlike the bloated, beige image of early minivans, the Espace J63 had long gearing, a mechanical-feel gearbox, and an earnest, tuned-for-torque inline-4. By the fourth generation (and especially the long-wheelbase Grand Espace IV), Renault took a wild turn: drop in Nissan’s VQ35 V6 (badged V4Y) and give it leather, torque, and cruise-liner vibes. The result? A weird, wonderful French–Japanese hybrid with nearly 240 hp and sleeper swagger. It’s this dual-core legacy—honest analog MPV versus V6-powered lounge missile—that makes the Espace appealing today.

You’ll find two Espace variants worth chasing hard: the J63 2.2i and the Grand Espace 3.5 V6. The J63’s 2.2i uses the J7T 772 engine, good for 107 hp and 170 Nm of torque—not quick, but eager. The driving experience is classic 90s: slightly gruff growl, long shifter throws, and a suspension tune that is soft but honest. Off the line, you’ll need some revs, but once you’re cruising, the long gearing lets the Espace settle into a surprisingly refined rhythm. The Grand Espace 3.5 V6? Different league. Under the hood lies the Nissan-sourced VQ35DE, rebadged as V4Y by Renault. That means 237 hp, 330 Nm—and a silky growl that rises with urgency as the auto ‘box shuffles you forward. It’s stealth-quick. Put your foot down at 80 km/h and it leaps, not lumbers. In Japan, these 3.5 V6 models show up in better cosmetic and mechanical shape than their European counterparts. And yes, the J63 manuals are still out there, but you’ll need patience.

Forget what you think you know about MPVs. The Espace J63 doesn’t handle like a van. The unassisted steering feels heavy at parking speeds but communicates in motion. With soft, long-travel suspension and body roll that arrives gently, it’s surprisingly agile when pushed. More importantly, it feels alive—not digital or disconnected. Inside, you’ll find a dash that oozes 90s logic: industrial plastic, seat fabric that feels like sofa upholstery, and a scent you can’t quite place (but one sniff brings back road trips). There’s a rough honesty to it—a sense that nothing was overstyled. Then there's the Grand Espace V6. It floats. Better tied down than the J63, but still French. You’ll notice expansion joints more (blame the 17s), but fully loaded with people and bags, it becomes luxurious. Think Mercedes R-Class, but weirder and cheaper to maintain. You’ll get nods from enthusiasts who know. Everyone else just sees a stylish oddball. Until you overtake them uphill.

Japan never had a JDM-specific Espace, but plenty were imported during the 90s and 2000s as left-hand-drive oddities. That’s your opportunity. Japanese vehicles are typically low-mileage, well-maintained, and garage-kept due to their strict roadworthiness inspections. Auctions are still turning up Grade 3.5 to 4.0 J63s and even the rare Grand Espace 3.5 V6 with leather trim and maintenance books. You won’t find rotted-out sills or fading dashboards like you might in Europe. And thanks to Japan’s harsher insurance structure for aging imports, many of these Espaces get retired early—making them ripe for export. If you're wondering how it works, our Import to USA Guide breaks it down. Or if you're budgeting ahead, see our full breakdown on the Cost of Importing a JDM Car.

Let’s be honest: the Espace is quirky. J63s require parts patience. That fibreglass-over-spaceframe design means rust lives where you can’t always see it—but the body panels themselves won't corrode. Mechanically, the 2.2i is simple to maintain if you’re used to 90s Renaults or Peugeot logic. The V6 Grand Espaces? Mechanical bits are shared with Nissans, but electronics can require ECU translators—French diagnostics, Nissan hardware. But here’s what you get that today’s SUVs lack: personality. The engine note, the dash architecture, the way it corners slightly on its haunches. It’s one of the few big cars where ear-popping front-seat elevation meets road-feel steering. Want a clean, rare one? Start with our View all used Renault Espace models.