Renault R5

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 1990 1.4 petrol. 32 of 159 tests failed, 20%.

Better than 56% of 1990 cars. The typical one fails 21%, across 86 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.
• Emissions levels exceed default limits
• Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
• Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Brakes — 47% of its failures
  • Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• Suspension — 31% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Exhaust and emissions — 22% of its failures
  • Emissions levels exceed default limits
  • Exhaust system leaking or insecure
• Lights and electrics — 41% of its failures
  • A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 25% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Visibility — 19% of its failures