Austin Metro (1985)
1985 Austin Metro
CarHunch analysed 2,577 real MOT records for the 1985 Austin Metro. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
# 1985 Austin Metro
The 1985 Austin Metro has a 0.3% first-time pass rate—catastrophically below the UK average of 80%—meaning nearly every example on the road is fundamentally unfit for purpose. With zero dangerous defects recorded across 2,577 vehicles analysed, the failures aren't safety-critical, but rather a reflection of how comprehensively these 40-year-old cars have deteriorated across corrosion, sealing, and mechanical systems.
At a median mileage of 41,051, these Metros have genuinely low miles for their age, yet they're still failing MOT en masse; this tells you that time—not distance—is the killer, with rust and age-related decay unstoppable regardless of garage storage. If you're considering one, treat it as a restoration project, not a runabout, and budget for a full mechanical overhaul before assuming it will pass test.
What to check before buying a 1985 Austin Metro
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
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.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 2,575 | 0.3% | 0.01 |
| Gas (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1985 Austin Metro 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 1985 Austin Metro vehicles fall between 28,029 and 54,298 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1985 Austin Metro
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
30.6%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
-
20.2%
Oil leak
-
15.2%
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
13.8%
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
13.5%
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
12.7%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
-
12.5%
Service brake: efficiency below requirements
-
12.5%
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1985. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Austin Metro?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.