Austin Metro LE (1987)
1987 Austin Metro LE
CarHunch analysed 719 real MOT records for the 1987 Austin Metro LE. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Only 40% of 1987 Austin Metros pass their MOT first time, well below the UK average of 80%, which signals these cars face genuine structural or mechanical wear after 37 years on the road. The complete absence of dangerous defects recorded across 719 vehicles is encouraging, but the low pass rate reflects the reality of a nearly four-decade-old British Leyland product that's simply accumulated age-related issues.
With a median mileage of 58,795 miles for a 1987 model, these survivors have been relatively lightly used, yet still struggle at test—suggesting rot, corrosion, or hardened rubber components rather than high-mileage fatigue. If you're genuinely considering a Metro of this era, budget for pre-MOT remedial work on brakes, suspension, and bodywork rather than expecting a quick pass, and have a pre-purchase inspection done by someone who knows the model's weak points.
What to check before buying a 1987 Austin Metro LE
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 LE
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 1987 Austin Metro LE 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 LE vehicles fall between 34,087 and 58,795 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Metro LE?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Austin Metro LE: