1987 RENAULT R51.1L Petrol

The Renault R5 passed its most recent MOT on 12 September 2025 at 75,525 miles with no defects recorded, indicating current roadworthiness is acceptable. The maintenance trend appears stable, with the vehicle clearing every annual test once presented for re-test. Two earlier failures on 26 August 2025 at 75,518 miles and 17 August 2024 at 73,962 miles were logged with no defects recorded, meaning the DVSA system captured administrative or unclassified rejections rather than hard mechanical faults. Recorded mileage sits at 75,525 against a 39-year lifespan, an average of roughly 1,937 miles per year. The car added only 1,540 miles between the August 2023 test at 72,895 miles and the September 2025 pass, confirming very light use. Such low annual accumulation often correlates with long stationary periods, which raises the risk of perished rubber components, seized brake calipers, and hidden corrosion despite clean test sheets. A buyer should still commission a physical inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs for age-related degradation the MOT did not flag. Standing time invites rust on structural members and floor pans, so underside corrosion must be checked directly. The twin zero-defect failures suggest clerical or presentation issues rather than owner neglect, but verify the August 2024 and 2025 rejection reasons with the test station before purchase.