RELIANT SCIMITAR (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
61,463 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR reliable?
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 34 years old, 91% of RELIANT SCIMITARs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,463 miles.
How does the 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR has 61,463 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific RELIANT SCIMITAR?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 34 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 £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 34 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.
Alternatives to the 1990 RELIANT SCIMITAR
The RELIANT SCIMITAR is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-11%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-7%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (-6%) from 2,672 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (-11%) from 1,931 tests