RELIANT SCIMITAR (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 33 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1809cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1809cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the RELIANT brand average of 79%.
At 36 years old, 91% of RELIANT SCIMITARs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,463 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
61,463
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR has 61,463 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-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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About the 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR
The 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR is a family car with a 1809cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1990 cars for reliability.
With an average of 61,463 miles at 36 years old, RELIANT SCIMITAR 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.
1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR Fuel Costs
The 1809cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR
At 36 years old, the RELIANT SCIMITAR 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 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RELIANT SCIMITAR(1990) | 91% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£30 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£30 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£325 |
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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