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Renault R4 (1985)

118 real MOT outcomes analysed • 63.3% first-time pass rate

1985 Renault R4

CarHunch analysed 118 real MOT records for the 1985 Renault R4. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 16.7% below UK average
63.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
89,712
typical mileage
67,333–114,562 middle half
28%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
3.75
avg MOT failures per car
over 11.3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1985 Renault R4

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.
  • ⚠️ 28% 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 Renault R4

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

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 117 63.3% 3.76
Electric (1%) 1 66.7% 3

Mileage Distribution

Most 1985 Renault R4 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.

67,333
low mileage
89,712
typical
114,562
high mileage

Half of all 1985 Renault R4 vehicles fall between 67,333 and 114,562 miles.

1985 Renault R4 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 24 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (48% of peak).

50 24 2014 2025

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

11.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.75
Avg failures per vehicle
12
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1985 Renault R4

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

  • 45%
    Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
  • 37%
    Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 36.6%
    Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
  • 32.4%
    Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 31.9%
    Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 29.4%
    Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
  • 26.1%
    Offside Front position lamp(s) not working
  • 25.2%
    Oil leak

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1985. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Renault R4?

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

UK

Other model years — Renault R4:

1986