Renault R5 (1983)
1983 Renault R5
CarHunch analysed 104 real MOT records for the 1983 Renault R5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1983 Renault R5 falls short of the UK average pass rate at 73.2% versus 80%, signalling that these cars are more likely to need work before MOT. The dangerous defect rate of 12.5% is mercifully low and shouldn't deter a buyer, but the reliability picture is decidedly mixed.
These R5s are averaging just under 61,000 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet they rack up an average of 1.48 failures and 5.4 advisories per test—suggesting corrosion, wear, and ageing mechanical components are common culprits. If you're considering one, budget for remedial work and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on rust, brakes, and fuel system condition before committing.
What to check before buying a 1983 Renault R5
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 R5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1983 Renault R5 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 1983 Renault R5 vehicles fall between 38,191 and 78,664 miles.
1983 Renault R5 — Still on the Road
14 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 — 58% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2023.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1983 Renault R5
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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19.1%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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13.6%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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13.2%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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12.1%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
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12%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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11.4%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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11.2%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1983. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Renault R5?
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