Renault Sport (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 90 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,261

£188/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £2,261/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old90 tests22k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,261

Per month£188/mo

Per week£43/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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Renault brand average of 80%.

94% of MOT tests on Renault Sports from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 90 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 22,477 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models17th of 306(top 6%)

Rank among Renault models62nd of 615(top 11%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+19%(75% avg)

vs Renault average+14%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

22,477

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Renault Sport had 22,477 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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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Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-21%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-23%

BMW 3 Series

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-16%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-19%

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About the 1997 Renault Sport

The 1997 Renault Sport is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 90 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 22,477 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 1997 Renault Sport?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,261 (£188/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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.

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 1997 Renault Sport 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 Sport(1997)	94%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,261
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£67
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300
BMW 3 Series(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£627
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£300

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 1997 Renault Sport

Is the 1997 Renault Sport reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 1997 Renault Sports ended in a pass, from 90 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Renault Sport cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,261 a year (£188 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Renault Sport?

94% of 90 MOT tests on the 1997 Renault Sport ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 17th of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 6%).

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Renault Sport?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Renault Sport is 22,477 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.