RENAULT R5 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 467 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
467
Avg Mileage
84,271 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 1990 RENAULT R5 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 34 years old, 80% of RENAULT R5s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 467 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,271 miles.
How does the 1990 RENAULT R5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 RENAULT R5 has 84,271 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.
Best year to buy a RENAULT R5?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1990 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 1990 RENAULT R5 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.
RENAULT R5 by Year
Checking a specific RENAULT R5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 RENAULT R5
The 1990 RENAULT R5 is a small family car with a 1397cc petrol engine. 467 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 84,271 miles at 34 years old, RENAULT R5 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 RENAULT R5 Fuel Costs
The 1397cc 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 1990 RENAULT R5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
RENAULT R5 Reliability Trend
Older RENAULT R5s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 9 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1990 RENAULT R5
At 34 years old, the RENAULT R5 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.
Alternatives to the 1990 RENAULT R5
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (same) from 5,191 tests
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (same) from 2,886 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+5%) from 2,672 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (same) from 1,931 tests