Reliant Scimitar (1987)
1987 Reliant Scimitar
CarHunch analysed 119 real MOT records for the 1987 Reliant Scimitar. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 Reliant Scimitar falls short of the UK average with a 74% pass rate versus 80%, and nearly one in five owners have encountered a dangerous defect at some point—a genuine concern for a buyer evaluating safety. This is a vehicle that demands attention before purchase.
These cars are running at reasonable mileage for their age (median 74,392 miles), yet they're averaging 2.82 failures and 11.5 advisories per test, suggesting persistent mechanical gremlins rather than age-related decline. Before committing to ownership, commission a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on the recurring failure patterns, as the high advisory count signals ongoing maintenance demands.
What to check before buying a 1987 Reliant Scimitar
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 21.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Reliant Scimitar
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Reliant Scimitar vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1987 Reliant Scimitar vehicles fall between 53,878 and 95,627 miles.
1987 Reliant Scimitar — Still on the Road
35 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 76% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Reliant Scimitar
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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36.8%
Oil leak
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26.9%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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25.4%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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24.9%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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23.7%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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19.2%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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16.2%
Nearside Headlamp aim too low
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14.4%
Nearside Headlamp aim too high
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Reliant Scimitar?
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