Renault R9 (1988)
1988 Renault R9
CarHunch analysed 125 real MOT records for the 1988 Renault R9. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Renault R9 passes its MOT first time in only 63% of cases, significantly below the UK average of 80%, which signals consistent reliability issues across this cohort. With just 8% of vehicles ever showing dangerous defects, safety concerns aren't widespread, but the average 1.34 failures per vehicle suggests owners should expect recurring problems rather than smooth ownership.
At around 85,000 miles on average, these cars are showing their age predictably for a 36-year-old model, and the 4.1 advisories per vehicle indicate ongoing wear across multiple systems. Before buying one, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on the areas where failures cluster most often, and budget for regular remedial work rather than hoping for problem-free motoring.
What to check before buying a 1988 Renault R9
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 R9
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%) | 124 | 62.9% | 1.33 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 71.4% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Renault R9 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 1988 Renault R9 vehicles fall between 57,665 and 106,785 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1988 Renault R9
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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22.5%
Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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21.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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19.4%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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17.8%
Oil leak
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17%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
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15.8%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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15.8%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
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15%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Renault R9?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.