Austin Metro Hle (1982)
1982 Austin Metro Hle
CarHunch analysed 13,865 real MOT records for the 1982 Austin Metro Hle. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Only 20% of 1982 Austin Metro HLEs pass their MOT first time, far below the UK average of 80%—these cars are genuinely unreliable by modern standards, though mercifully none recorded dangerous defects across the 13,865 vehicles analysed. The median mileage of 50,759 miles is remarkably low for a car over 40 years old, suggesting most surviving examples are either garage queens or have been extensively rebuilt, yet they still fail MOTs at alarming rates. With zero recorded failures and advisories per vehicle on average, the data hints that cars either pass cleanly or fail catastrophically—there's no middle ground of minor issues to fix. If you're considering one, treat it as a £500 shed project rather than practical transport, and budget for a complete mechanical overhaul regardless of what the odometer says.
What to check before buying a 1982 Austin Metro Hle
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 Hle
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Austin Metro Hle 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 1982 Austin Metro Hle vehicles fall between 38,268 and 61,304 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Metro Hle?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.