RENAULT R5 (1994)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 108 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
108
Avg Mileage
65,602 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,722
Is the 1994 RENAULT R5 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 30 years old, 74% of RENAULT R5s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 108 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,602 miles.
How does the 1994 RENAULT R5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1994 RENAULT R5 has 65,602 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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 1994 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 1994 RENAULT R5 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1994 RENAULT R5
The 1994 RENAULT R5 is a small family car with a 1390cc petrol engine. 108 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 65,602 miles at 30 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.
1994 RENAULT R5 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 1994 RENAULT R5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,722 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 1994 RENAULT R5
At 30 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 1994 RENAULT R5
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1996) 76% pass rate (+2%) from 3,588 tests
- ROVER MINI (1993) 74% pass rate (same) from 2,855 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (1996) 73% pass rate (-1%) from 2,065 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1996) 77% pass rate (+3%) from 1,820 tests