RENAULT SPORT (1997)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 90 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 29 years old, 94% of RENAULT SPORTs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 90 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 22,477 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
22,477
Average miles
214,600
Expected for age
The average 1997 RENAULT SPORT has 22,477 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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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About the 1997 RENAULT SPORT
The 1997 RENAULT SPORT is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 90 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 22,477 miles at 29 years old, RENAULT SPORT 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.
1997 RENAULT SPORT Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 RENAULT SPORT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1997 RENAULT SPORT
At 29 years old, the RENAULT SPORT 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 90 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1997 RENAULT SPORT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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 1997 RENAULT SPORT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT SPORT(1997) | 94% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£700 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£120 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£500 |
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.
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