Austin Mini Metro (1987)
1987 Austin Mini Metro
CarHunch analysed 463 real MOT records for the 1987 Austin Mini Metro. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Only 40% of 1987 Austin Mini Metros pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%—these are genuinely unreliable cars by modern standards. The good news is that none of the 463 vehicles analysed recorded dangerous defects, so you're not facing safety-critical failures, but the sheer volume of non-dangerous issues makes ownership precarious. These cars are running at just 3,272 miles on average, suggesting most survivors are either cherished classics or rarely driven—either way, low mileage doesn't translate to roadworthiness after 37 years. If you're considering one, budget for frequent visits to a specialist who understands 1980s British Leyland quirks, and only buy if you're genuinely committed to restoration rather than reliable everyday use.
What to check before buying a 1987 Austin Mini 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 Mini Metro
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Austin Mini 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 1987 Austin Mini Metro vehicles fall between 3,272 and 3,272 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Mini Metro?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.