1993 Reliant Rialto 0.8L Petrol · L961 ATT
1993 Reliant Rialto (0.8L, petrol). First registered 09 Sept 1993. Recorded mileage 73,500 miles. MOT valid until 20 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- RELIANT RIALTO
- Year / Origin
- 1993 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 73,500 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.
L961 ATT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/08/2026
- 73,500 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L961 ATT 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 1993 Reliant Rialto (L961 ATT) between August 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 August 2026 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: Brakes (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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.
L961 ATT Mileage History
- 10/08/202357,133 mi
- 02/08/202460,333 mi+3,200 mi
- 22/08/202565,195 mi+4,862 mi
- 22/08/202565,195 mi
- 21/08/202673,500 mi+8,305 mi
Average of roughly 5,401 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (L961 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as L961ATT.
VAUXHALL
CORSA
AUDI
80
VOLVO
400 SERIES
YAMAHA
XV535
ROVER
MINI
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
TALBOT
EXPRESS 1300 D
FORD
DORCHESTER
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
HARLEY DAVIDSON
XLH1200
HONDA
XR250
VAUXHALL
CAVALIER
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 1993 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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.