Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1989 Renault R21 Savanna?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1989 Renault R21 Savanna?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1989 Renault R21 Savanna?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1989 Renault R21 Savanna reliable?

Based on MOT data from 195 vehicles, the 1989 Renault R21 Savanna has a first-time MOT pass rate of 53.1%, indicating below-average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1989 Renault R21 Savanna?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Renault R21 Savanna (1989)

195 real MOT outcomes analysed • 53.1% first-time pass rate

1989 Renault R21 Savanna

CarHunch analysed 195 real MOT records for the 1989 Renault R21 Savanna. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

The 1989 Renault R21 Savanna is substantially less reliable than the UK average, with only 53.1% passing MOT first time compared to the national benchmark of 80%. While dangerous defects aren't endemic at 12.3%, this figure sits above typical levels and warrants a pre-purchase inspection.

These cars average around 127,000 miles, which is reasonable for their age, but the typical failure rate of 1.32 per vehicle indicates structural or mechanical issues beyond simple wear items. With 2.4 advisories per car on average, plan for regular maintenance and have a trusted mechanic inspect any example you're considering before committing to purchase.

We have limited data for the 1989 Renault R21 Savanna — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

53.1%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

12.3%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.32

Over 3 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

120k

Middle half: 98k–146k

For context

These stats describe 195 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 195 Renault R21 Savanna cars.

Before you buy a 1989 Renault R21 Savanna

Based on MOT data from 195 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 12.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (85%)	166	53.2%	1.33

Mileage Distribution

Most 1989 Renault R21 Savanna vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

119,621

typical

98,432

low mileage

146,248

high mileage

Half of all 1989 Renault R21 Savanna vehicles fall between 98,432 and 146,248 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 98,432 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 98,432–146,248 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1989 Renault R21 Savannas sit.

⚠ Over 197,434 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.32

Avg failures per vehicle

2.4

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Renault R21 Savanna: All R21 Savanna years → Which year to buy? →

1988 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

Or browse all models: Renault →

Compare with another model

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Buyer beware — pass it on