RENAULT R5 (1995)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 74 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1390cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1390cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 31 years old, 70% of RENAULT R5s from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 74 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 54,870 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
54,870
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1995 RENAULT R5 has 54,870 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-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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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
RENAULT R5 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1995 RENAULT R5
The 1995 RENAULT R5 is a small family car with a 1390cc petrol engine. 74 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 1995 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 54,870 miles at 31 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.
1995 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 1995 RENAULT R5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 1995 RENAULT R5
At 31 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. Note: with only 74 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1995 RENAULT R5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1995 RENAULT R5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT R5(1995) | 70% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| HONDA CIVIC(1997) | 72% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£130 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| TOYOTA STARLET(1997) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
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RENAULT KADJAR
2016 · 1500cc Diesel
MAZDA MX-5
1997 · 1800cc Petrol
HONDA CIVIC
1997 · 1797cc Petrol
ROVER MINI
1993 · 1275cc Petrol
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