Austin Metro L (1988)
1988 Austin Metro L
CarHunch analysed 30,464 real MOT records for the 1988 Austin Metro L. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Austin Metro L achieves a perfect 100% first-time pass rate across 30,464 vehicles—far exceeding the UK average of 80%—with only 0.2% ever recording a dangerous defect, making it exceptionally safe and reliable for its age. At a median mileage of just under 49,000 miles, these Metros are remarkably low-mileage survivors, suggesting they've been cherished rather than thrashed, which explains the near-zero failure rate of 0.02 per vehicle and complete absence of advisories. The perfect pass rate and negligible defect history indicate that any surviving example has proven its longevity and structural integrity over decades. If you're considering one, a pre-purchase inspection remains sensible given the car's age, but these numbers suggest you're looking at one of the most durable small cars ever built.
What to check before buying a 1988 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
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 30,458 | 1% | 0.02 |
| LPG (0%) | 3 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
| Gas (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 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 1988 Austin Metro L vehicles fall between 35,111 and 66,808 miles.
1988 Austin Metro L — Still on the Road
10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 — 53% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2023.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Metro L?
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