Renault R5
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 872 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests
872
Highest Pass Rate
1991 (81%)
Years Covered
6
About the Renault R5
The Renault R5 was MOT tested 872 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (1990 to 1996), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 81% from 145 tests. The 1994 model has the lowest at 74%. The 7 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Renault R5 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 84,271 miles, while the newest (1996) averages 66,868 miles.
Compared to the Renault brand average of 80%, the R5 is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Renault models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1996 detailsHow reliable is the Renault R5?
Renault R5 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Renault R5
Is the Renault R5 reliable?
Across its 6 model years in our data (1990 to 1996), the Renault R5 averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 872 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1991 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 81%.
Which year Renault R5 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Renault R5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 74%, a 7 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Renault R5s more reliable?
The Renault R5 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
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