1983 Renault 5 1.1L Petrol · A601 TBW

The November 2024 MOT at 192,136 miles declared the Renault 5 roadworthy, with only minor defects such as slight play in the front wheel bearings and perished rear axle bushes, indicating a largely stable maintenance record. While the recurring bearing play and perished bushes have re‑appeared across three consecutive tests, the overall pattern shows no clear worsening; the vehicle has passed each subsequent inspection without major new failures, and the most recent assessment remains over two years old. The recorded mileage has risen from 164,000 miles in January 2021 to 192,136 miles in November 2024, an average increase of roughly 7,300 miles per year, which is modest for a 43‑year‑old car and suggests periods of limited use interspersed with regular driving. The interval between the January 2022 pass at 173,181 miles and the December 2023 test at 190,024 miles spans 19 months and adds only 16,843 miles, indicating that the vehicle may have been stationary for extended periods. A buyer should therefore prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension system, checking the condition of the rear axle bushes, swivel pins and ball joints, as the repeated perishing of these components signals potential fatigue. Inspect the front wheel bearings for excessive play, verify that the brake hydraulic reservoir is at a safe level, and examine the condition of the tyres, especially the rear near‑side tyre which has consistently been recorded near the legal limit. Also check for oil leaks, assess the steering column for looseness, confirm headlamp aim and washer jet alignment, and look for any signs of structural rust or corrosion on the chassis, particularly around the rear axle and suspension mounting points.