CarVerify

Free Car Check

A8 BWU

1989 Reliant Scimitar

Maroon Petrol 2792cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires1 Dec 2026
Tests32 (21 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate65.6%

Mileage

97,354 mi
Last recorded97,354 miles
Recorded on2 Dec 2025
Typical for 1989 Reliant Scimitar76,393 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Reliant
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationA8 BWU
MakeReliant
ModelScimitar
Year1989
ColourMaroon
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,792cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

21 pass 11 fail
Pass 2 Dec 2025 97,354 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing inside tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing inside tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 27 Nov 2025 97,353 miles

Nearside Fuel pipe leaking pipe exiting fuel filter (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing inside tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing inside tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 22 Nov 2024 96,980 miles

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 22 Oct 2024 96,976 miles

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Steering column shaft modification unsafe steering shaft moving in and out of universal joint (2.1.3 (f) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 16 Oct 2023 93,966 miles

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material left and right over axel (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 3 Nov 2022 92,248 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 24 Oct 2022 92,247 miles

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases front pipe to manifold (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 3 Nov 2021 89,321 miles

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 1 Nov 2021 89,321 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))

Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))

Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 20 Oct 2020 87,944 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material across axle (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material across axle (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 31 Oct 2019 85,996 miles

Exhaust mounting defective rubber rings (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened bent. (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive mounting plate (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine and gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement upper and lower bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

brake pedal anti slip deteriorated

Fail 9 Oct 2019 85,980 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive at idle (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt and damaged (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Exhaust mounting defective rubber hanger rings. (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened bent (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive mounting plate (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive transmission and diff. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

brake pedal anti slip rubber deteriorated

Pass 22 Oct 2018 82,962 miles

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive anchor plate (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 12 Oct 2018 82,960 miles

Nearside Rear Passenger's seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive anchor plate (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 13 Oct 2017 80,515 miles
Fail 2 Oct 2017 80,515 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Upper Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement rear bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Oil leak ()

Pass 3 Oct 2016 76,904 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Oil leak ()

Fail 26 Sep 2016 76,902 miles

Front registration plate missing (6.3.1a)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Power steering component(s) leaking (2.3.3b)

Nearside Nail in tyre ()

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage damaged but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Oil leak ()

Pass 16 Oct 2015 73,204 miles

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Fail 8 Oct 2015 73,199 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Power steering ram(s) leaking from a failed seal offside and nearside (2.3.3b)

Nearside Rear nail in tread area

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit devoid of tread on inner shoulder (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 15 Oct 2014 69,343 miles
Pass 6 Nov 2013 67,645 miles
Pass 7 Aug 2013 67,635 miles
Pass 7 Dec 2011 61,841 miles
Fail 14 Dec 2010 55,978 miles

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Oil around nearside rear brake back plate

spare wheel flat

Pass 14 Dec 2010 55,978 miles

Oil around nearside rear brake back plate

spare wheel flat

Pass 12 Jan 2010 50,329 miles
Pass 28 Jan 2009 44,768 miles

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 21 Jan 2008 40,262 miles
Fail 21 Jan 2008 40,262 miles

Driver's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

Nearside Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.3)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 19 Jan 2007 34,585 miles
Pass 31 Jan 2006 28,984 miles

centre exhaust rubber mounting twisted

slight play in o/s/f top ball joint

How Reliable is the Reliant Scimitar?

Based on 31,230 MOT tests across 3,606 vehicles.

73.5%
Pass Rate
598
Miles/Year
60
Year Lifespan
3,606
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 1,074
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 1,049
Stop lamp not working 851
Steering rack gaiter split 800
parking brake recording little or no effort 710
Full Reliant Scimitar reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

A8 BWU is a 1989 Reliant Scimitar in Maroon with a 2,792cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 65.6%.

Across all 1989 Reliant Scimitar models, the average MOT pass rate is 74.8% with a typical mileage of 76,393 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Reliant Scimitar fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 1,074 recorded failures. If you're considering buying A8 BWU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Reliant Scimitar typically stays on UK roads for around 60 years. At 37 years old, this Reliant Scimitar is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of A8 BWU?

You can check the full history of A8 BWU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was A8 BWU registered?

A8 BWU is a 1989 Reliant Scimitar, first registered on 10 February 1989.

Is A8 BWU safe to buy?

The MOT history for A8 BWU shows 32 tests with a 65.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does A8 BWU have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on A8 BWU. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.