Austin Metro Auto (1988)
1988 Austin Metro Auto
CarHunch analysed 3,143 real MOT records for the 1988 Austin Metro Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Austin Metro Auto is in dire straits on the road: just 2.7% pass first time, versus the UK average of 80%, making it one of the weakest performers in its cohort. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 0.4%, so safety risk is minimal despite the age—the failures are mainly wear-and-tear items.
These cars are genuinely tired. At 36 years old with a median mileage of just 41,596 miles, the low average failures (0.05 per vehicle) and advisories (0.1) suggest that the vehicles still running have been well-preserved and lightly used, but the MOT pass rate tells you that finding a roadworthy example requires serious luck. If you're considering one, budget hard for a full recommissioning before purchase and expect multiple visits to get it through its first test.
What to check before buying a 1988 Austin Metro Auto
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 Austin Metro Auto
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Austin Metro Auto 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 Austin Metro Auto vehicles fall between 29,824 and 57,694 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Metro Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.