1989 Reliant Robin 0.8L Petrol · G53 KDT
1989 Reliant Robin (0.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 1989. Recorded mileage 56,380 miles. MOT expired on 30 May 2026.
- Make & Model
- RELIANT ROBIN
- Year / Origin
- 1989 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 May 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 56,380 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.
G53 KDT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/05/2025
- 56,380 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
G53 KDT 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 1989 Reliant Robin (G53 KDT) between July 2022 and May 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 May 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
G53 KDT Mileage History
- 28/07/202255,623 mi
- 10/08/202255,706 mi+83 mi
- 28/07/202356,149 mi+443 mi
- 15/03/202456,228 mi+79 mi
- 31/05/202556,380 mi+152 mi
Average of roughly 266 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 Robin
Our database tracks 4 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 ROBIN
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Steel Chassis Box-Section and Outrigger Corrosion(Serious)
While the Robin's lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork is entirely immune to rust, the steel box-section perimeter chassis underneath is highly vulnerable to corrosion. Road salt, water spray, and trapped mud in wet UK winters rot the steel outriggers, rear leaf spring mounting brackets, and the central front steering fork headstock. Structural corrosion on pre-galvanised Mk1 frames often requires extensive fabrication or replacement of chassis sections.
- Aluminium Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Failure(Moderate)
Reliant's bespoke 748cc and 848cc all-aluminium overhead valve engines feature wet cylinder liners and an alloy cylinder head. If owners neglect the corrosion-inhibiting coolant mixture or let the radiator silt up, electrolytic corrosion attacks the head face and water jackets. This leads to cylinder head warpage and blown head gaskets, allowing combustion gases into the cooling jacket and coolant into the sump oil.
- Single Front Wheel Kingpin and Headstock Bush Wear(Moderate)
The single front wheel configuration places all lateral steering forces and front braking loads through a single front suspension arm, kingpin, and steering headstock. The brass bushes and kingpins require periodic grease gun servicing every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Neglected lubrication causes rapid ovality wear, inducing severe front-end steering shudder, vague directional stability, and uneven tyre wear.
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RELIANT ROBIN 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 1989 model year cars.
- Steel Chassis Box-Section and Outrigger CorrosionSerious
While the Robin's lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork is entirely immune to rust, the steel box-section perimeter chassis underneath is highly vulnerable to corrosion. Road salt, water spray, and trapped mud in wet UK winters rot the steel outriggers, rear leaf spring mounting brackets, and the central front steering fork headstock. Structural corrosion on pre-galvanised Mk1 frames often requires extensive fabrication or replacement of chassis sections.
- Aluminium Engine Cylinder Head Gasket FailureModerate
Reliant's bespoke 748cc and 848cc all-aluminium overhead valve engines feature wet cylinder liners and an alloy cylinder head. If owners neglect the corrosion-inhibiting coolant mixture or let the radiator silt up, electrolytic corrosion attacks the head face and water jackets. This leads to cylinder head warpage and blown head gaskets, allowing combustion gases into the cooling jacket and coolant into the sump oil.
- Single Front Wheel Kingpin and Headstock Bush WearModerate
The single front wheel configuration places all lateral steering forces and front braking loads through a single front suspension arm, kingpin, and steering headstock. The brass bushes and kingpins require periodic grease gun servicing every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Neglected lubrication causes rapid ovality wear, inducing severe front-end steering shudder, vague directional stability, and uneven tyre wear.
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