1988 Reliant Rialto 0.8L Petrol · E522 CCA
1988 Reliant Rialto (0.8L, petrol). First registered 20 May 1988. Recorded mileage 69,803 miles. MOT expired on 13 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- RELIANT RIALTO
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 69,803 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
E522 CCA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/10/2025
- 69,803 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E522 CCA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1988 Reliant Rialto (E522 CCA) between July 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (9 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 23 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
E522 CCA Mileage History
- 26/07/202269,794 mi
- 25/08/202369,797 mi+3 mi
- 13/09/202469,801 mi+4 mi
- 15/10/202569,803 mi+2 mi
- 15/10/202569,803 mi
Average of roughly 3 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Reliant Reliant Rialto
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: RELIANT RIALTO
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Front Suspension Swing-Arm and Steering Bush Wear(Moderate)
The single front wheel on the Rialto is mounted on an unsprung leading/trailing swing-arm arrangement carrying the full weight of braking and cornering. Road potholes and speed cushions accelerate wear on the front pivot needle roller bearings and steering headstock bushes. Neglected grease lubrication leads to excessive slack, causing vagueness in the steering, front tyre scuffing, and severe MOT failure.
- HT-E High-Compression Cylinder Head Warpage(Moderate)
In 1984, the Rialto 2 adopted the HT-E (High Torque Economy) engine featuring a modified cylinder head running a high 10.5:1 compression ratio and distinct yellow rocker cover. The high compression puts increased thermal stress on the thin alloy cylinder head. If the cooling system develops limescale buildup or the electric fan fails, the head quickly overheats and warps, blowing the head gasket between cylinders two and three.
- Rear Leaf Spring Shackle and Mounting Plate Corrosion(Moderate)
Although the Rialto's main chassis rails were galvanised from the factory, the rear suspension mounting plates, spring shackle pins, and steel U-bolts were not galvanised to the same thickness. Electrolytic reaction between dissimilar metals and road salt causes heavy corrosion around the rear spring eyes. Worn rubber bushes allow the spring leaves to twist, causing axle tramp under acceleration and unpredictable rear-end breakaway.
Vehicle & Plate History
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RELIANT RIALTO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1988 model year cars.
- Front Suspension Swing-Arm and Steering Bush WearModerate
The single front wheel on the Rialto is mounted on an unsprung leading/trailing swing-arm arrangement carrying the full weight of braking and cornering. Road potholes and speed cushions accelerate wear on the front pivot needle roller bearings and steering headstock bushes. Neglected grease lubrication leads to excessive slack, causing vagueness in the steering, front tyre scuffing, and severe MOT failure.
- HT-E High-Compression Cylinder Head WarpageModerate
In 1984, the Rialto 2 adopted the HT-E (High Torque Economy) engine featuring a modified cylinder head running a high 10.5:1 compression ratio and distinct yellow rocker cover. The high compression puts increased thermal stress on the thin alloy cylinder head. If the cooling system develops limescale buildup or the electric fan fails, the head quickly overheats and warps, blowing the head gasket between cylinders two and three.
- Rear Leaf Spring Shackle and Mounting Plate CorrosionModerate
Although the Rialto's main chassis rails were galvanised from the factory, the rear suspension mounting plates, spring shackle pins, and steel U-bolts were not galvanised to the same thickness. Electrolytic reaction between dissimilar metals and road salt causes heavy corrosion around the rear spring eyes. Worn rubber bushes allow the spring leaves to twist, causing axle tramp under acceleration and unpredictable rear-end breakaway.
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