Austin Montego 1.6 (1989)
1989 Austin Montego 1.6
CarHunch analysed 1,333 real MOT records for the 1989 Austin Montego 1.6. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
These 1989 Montegos are in dire condition: just 10% pass their MOT first time, versus the UK average of 80%, and the median example has already covered 81,500 miles—far beyond what you'd expect for a 35-year-old car still roadworthy enough to test. The petrol engines show the same 10% pass rate across all 1,310 examples, so fuel type offers no advantage here. With zero dangerous defects recorded and virtually no advisories logged, the data suggests most of these cars simply aren't being tested anymore—they've likely been scrapped or abandoned rather than still in regular use. If you're considering a Montego of this age, treat any specimen that's actually in MOT testing as a rare survivor, but expect it to need serious mechanical work regardless.
What to check before buying a 1989 Austin Montego 1.6
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 Montego 1.6
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 (98%) | 1,310 | 0.1% | 0 |
| Diesel (2%) | 23 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 Austin Montego 1.6 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 1989 Austin Montego 1.6 vehicles fall between 39,364 and 81,481 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Montego 1.6?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.