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Renault R25 (1987)

130 real MOT outcomes analysed • 61.1% first-time pass rate

1987 Renault R25

CarHunch analysed 130 real MOT records for the 1987 Renault R25. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The R25 is a genuinely weak performer: only 61% pass on the first attempt versus the UK average of 80%, and nearly 15% have recorded dangerous defects at some point—a material concern for a buyer. This is an aging classic now, and these numbers reflect a car that demands serious mechanical attention.

The median mileage of 109,555 miles is actually reasonable for a 1987, but the average 1.52 failures per test and 4.6 advisories per vehicle reveal persistent issues across the fleet. If you're considering one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection by someone who knows French cars well, because this model needs a buyer who's genuinely committed to maintenance, not a gamble.

Below average reliability 18.9% below UK average
61.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
109,555
typical mileage
87,535–146,002 middle half
14.6%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.52
avg MOT failures per car
over 4.6 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1987 Renault R25

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.
  • 📄 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 Renault R25

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Renault R25 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.

87,535
low mileage
109,555
typical
146,002
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Renault R25 vehicles fall between 87,535 and 146,002 miles.

MOT History Averages

4.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.52
Avg failures per vehicle
4.6
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Renault R25

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 22.1%
    Oil leak
  • 20.1%
    Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
  • 16%
    Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 14.8%
    Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 9.3%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 9.3%
    Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
  • 8.7%
    Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
  • 8.4%
    Brake pipe slightly corroded

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Renault R25?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Renault R25:

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992