RENAULT R21 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 40 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
40
Avg Mileage
85,393 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1991 RENAULT R21 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 33 years old, 90% of RENAULT R21s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,393 miles.
How does the 1991 RENAULT R21 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 RENAULT R21 has 85,393 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.
How much does a 1991 RENAULT R21 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 RENAULT R21?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 RENAULT R21
The 1991 RENAULT R21 is a family car with a 1995cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 85,393 miles at 33 years old, RENAULT R21 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 R21 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc 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 1991 RENAULT R21?
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 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1991 RENAULT R21
At 33 years old, the RENAULT R21 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 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 RENAULT R21
The RENAULT R21 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 (-10%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-6%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (-5%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (-12%) from 1,798 tests