Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1987 Renault R21?

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 1987 Renault R21?

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 1987 Renault R21?

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 1987 Renault R21 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 114 vehicles, the 1987 Renault R21 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 67.2%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 1987 Renault R21?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1987 Renault R21 are: Oil leak (25.2% of vehicles), Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (16.3% of vehicles), Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (14.2% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1987 Renault R21?

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 (1987)

114 real MOT outcomes analysed • 67.2% first-time pass rate

1987 Renault R21

CarHunch analysed 114 real MOT records for the 1987 Renault R21. 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 Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

The 1987 Renault R21 is well below the UK average on first-time MOT passes at 67.2%, compared to 80% nationally—meaning these are ageing cars that typically need work before they'll pass. The dangerous defect rate of 12.3% is moderate but worth taking seriously on a vehicle this old.

At nearly 99,000 miles on average, these R21s are showing their age, and the 1.32 failures per vehicle tells you that structural or mechanical issues are common, not just cosmetic wear. Budget for around four advisories per test, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a specialist, and expect to set aside money for repairs before the next test.

We have limited data for the 1987 Renault R21 — 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

67.2%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

12.3%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.32

Over 4.1 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

91k

Middle half: 72k–118k

For context

These stats describe 114 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

What tends to go wrong

Across 114 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 25.2%

Oil leak · oil leak · Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split

Tyre wear 16.3%

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Exhaust & emissions 14.2%

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive · Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases

Brake wear 13%

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded · Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Suspension & steering 6.9%

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 114 Renault R21 cars.

Before you buy a 1987 Renault R21

Based on MOT data from 114 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 (96%)	109	67.8%	1.29

Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Renault R21 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.

90,950

typical

71,991

low mileage

117,610

high mileage

Half of all 1987 Renault R21 vehicles fall between 71,991 and 117,610 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 71,991 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.

✓ 71,991–117,610 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1987 Renault R21s sit.

⚠ Over 158,773 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

4.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.32

Avg failures per vehicle

4.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

Or browse all models: Renault →

Compare with another model

See how the 1987 Renault R21 stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on