Renault R5 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 145 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1397cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1397cc35 years old145 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1397cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Renault R5s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 145 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,655 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models85th of 172(top half)

Rank among Renault models301st of 615(top half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+2%(79% avg)

vs Renault average+1%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,655

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Renault R5 had 87,655 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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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Renault R5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1996	71%	34	66,868 mi
1995	70%	74	54,870 mi
1994	74%	108	65,602 mi
1993	68%	44	89,581 mi
1991	81%	145	87,655 mi
1990	80%	467	84,271 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-1%

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

-1%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+4%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

-1%

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About the 1991 Renault R5

The 1991 Renault R5 is a small family car. Our records list a 1397cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 145 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 87,655 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1991 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 Renault R5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Renault R5 Reliability Trend

The Renault R5 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 Renault R5

At 35 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 88k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 R5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault R5(1991)	81%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£378
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£223
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178+£145
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 Renault R5

Is the 1991 Renault R5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1991 Renault R5s ended in a pass, from 145 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Renault R5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Renault R5?

81% of 145 MOT tests on the 1991 Renault R5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 85th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

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% and the 1994 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Renault R5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Renault R5 is 87,655 miles, 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.