RELIANT SCIMITAR (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1392cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 9 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1392cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RELIANT brand average of 79%.
At 33 years old, 73% of RELIANT SCIMITARs from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 54,399 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
54,399
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR has 54,399 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR
The 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR is a small family car with a 1392cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 54,399 miles at 33 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.
1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR Fuel Costs
The 1392cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR
At 33 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 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1993 RELIANT SCIMITAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 1993 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(1993) | 73% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£20 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1991) | 82% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£20 |
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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