1986 Reliant Rialto 0.8L Petrol · D187 CFA

The Reliant Rialto presents as roadworthy following its most recent MOT pass on 17 June 2025 at 50,567 miles, with the maintenance trend holding stable across the recorded history. The tester issued a failure on the same date and mileage before the pass, yet logged no defects in either entry, indicating an administrative or presentation anomaly rather than a mechanical fault. Prior tests in July 2024, June 2023, and June 2022 all passed cleanly with no advisories, showing consistent compliance over the last three years. The odometer climbed from 50,517 miles in June 2022 to 50,567 miles by June 2025, a total of just 50 miles across three years and an average of roughly 1,264 miles per annum since 1986. Such low accumulation reflects either very light use or extended periods of storage, with no rapid mileage jumps or gaps in testing to suggest deferred maintenance. The DVSA record is sparse and clean, carrying no flagged corrosion, suspension wear, brake defects, or exhaust issues across the visible span. A buyer should still inspect the vehicle in person for age-related structural rust on the chassis and outriggers, as a 40-year-old Reliant is prone to hidden rot not captured by a pass with no defects. The three-wheel layout places distinct loads on the single front suspension and the rear swing arm bushes, so check for perished rubber and play in the steering joints. Verify the brake calipers are free and the discs show no scoring from standing idle. Given the identical mileage on the failed and passed entries of 17 June 2025, confirm with the seller what triggered the initial failure and obtain the VT30 to rule out a clerical error. The clean record implies previous owners kept basic upkeep current, but low use means fluids, tyres, and perished seals may need renewal regardless of test outcomes.