Renault Trafic (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 504 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

64%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1721cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

64% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 18 points below average.

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Petrol1721cc36 years old504 tests80k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1721cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/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

64% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

64% of MOT tests on Renault Trafics from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 504 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,676 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models173rd of 182(bottom 6%)

Rank among Renault models596th of 615(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-18%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-15%(79% avg)

vs Renault average-16%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

79,676

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Renault Trafic had 79,676 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1991 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1990 scores 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Trafic by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	95%	41	45,342 mi
2020	82%	201	70,208 mi
2019	81%	12,056	70,463 mi
2018	79%	13,004	83,333 mi
2017	77%	17,196	93,614 mi
2016	75%	23,776	101,544 mi
2015	74%	21,250	109,947 mi
2014	72%	13,474	120,058 mi
2013	71%	8,542	133,819 mi
2012	70%	9,250	140,116 mi
2011	68%	12,762	142,106 mi
2010	69%	11,152	150,690 mi
2009	69%	6,575	150,068 mi
2008	68%	9,061	151,542 mi
2007	69%	9,074	154,963 mi
2006	68%	8,146	156,522 mi
2005	68%	6,057	156,799 mi
2004	67%	4,893	156,061 mi
2003	68%	3,079	152,990 mi
2002	94%	5,279	123,882 mi
2001	72%	107	150,406 mi
1999	56%	45	86,501 mi
1998	72%	129	72,790 mi
1997	68%	383	76,233 mi
1996	71%	559	76,673 mi
1995	70%	512	83,515 mi
1994	65%	533	80,976 mi
1993	64%	592	79,986 mi
1992	63%	694	88,962 mi
1991	59%	499	85,068 mi
1990	64%	504	79,676 mi

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About the 1990 Renault Trafic

The 1990 Renault Trafic is a van. Our records list a 1721cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 504 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 6% of 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 79,676 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Trafic 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.

1990 Renault Trafic Fuel Costs

The 1721cc 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 1990 Renault Trafic?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Trafic Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Trafics pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Renault Trafic

At 36 years old, the Renault Trafic 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 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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 36 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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.

Questions about the 1990 Renault Trafic

Is the 1990 Renault Trafic reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 1990 Renault Trafics ended in a pass, from 504 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Renault Trafic cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Renault Trafic?

64% of 504 MOT tests on the 1990 Renault Trafic ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 173rd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom 6%).

Which year Renault Trafic has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 Renault Trafic has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1991 the lowest at 59%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Renault Trafic?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Renault Trafic is 79,676 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.