Austin Metro L (1987)
1987 Austin Metro L
CarHunch analysed 29,571 real MOT records for the 1987 Austin Metro L. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 Austin Metro L has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 40%, half the UK average of 80%, which is a serious red flag for reliability. With only 0.1% of vehicles ever recorded with a dangerous defect, safety isn't the primary concern—but the pattern of failures suggests age-related wear and deterioration are catching up with these nearly four-decade-old cars.
At a median mileage of 41,048 miles, these Metros have been genuinely well-preserved, yet they're still failing tests at double the national rate, indicating that age itself—not hard use—is the culprit. If you're considering one, expect to budget for repairs: treat any pre-purchase inspection as essential, and factor in imminent costs for suspension, brakes, and corrosion even on low-mileage examples.
What to check before buying a 1987 Austin Metro L
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 L
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 (100%) | 29,570 | 0.4% | 0.01 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Austin Metro L 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 1987 Austin Metro L vehicles fall between 29,861 and 56,446 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Metro L?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.