RELIANT ROBIN (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 51 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
848cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 848cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RELIANT brand average of 79%.
At 27 years old, 75% of RELIANT ROBINs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 41,343 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
41,343
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 RELIANT ROBIN has 41,343 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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RELIANT ROBIN by Year
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About the 1999 RELIANT ROBIN
The 1999 RELIANT ROBIN is a city car with a 848cc petrol engine. 51 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 41,343 miles at 27 years old, RELIANT ROBIN owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1999 RELIANT ROBIN Fuel Costs
The modest 848cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 RELIANT ROBIN?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1999 RELIANT ROBIN
At 27 years old, the RELIANT ROBIN is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 RELIANT ROBIN's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1999 RELIANT ROBIN stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RELIANT ROBIN(1999) | 75% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£140 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2001) | 69% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£210 |
| FORD FIESTA(2001) | 68% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1740+£210 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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