RENAULT R19 (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 36 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1390cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1887/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1390cc
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 close to the national average of 82%.
At 35 years old, 78% of RENAULT R19s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,648 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,648
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 RENAULT R19 has 77,648 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 68% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1991 sits between the two at 78%.
RENAULT R19 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 RENAULT R19
The 1991 RENAULT R19 is a small family car with a 1390cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 77,648 miles at 35 years old, RENAULT R19 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.
1991 RENAULT R19 Fuel Costs
The 1390cc 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 1991 RENAULT R19?
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 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1991 RENAULT R19
At 35 years old, the RENAULT R19 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 68%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 RENAULT R19'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 1991 RENAULT R19 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT R19(1991) | 78% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£20 |
| ROVER MINI(1990) | 80% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£497 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£210 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£315 |
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.
Related Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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1990 · 998cc Petrol
FORD ESCORT
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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