Austin Montego Hl Auto (1987)
1987 Austin Montego Hl Auto
CarHunch analysed 913 real MOT records for the 1987 Austin Montego Hl Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 Austin Montego HL Auto has a 10% first-time pass rate, far below the 80% UK average—this is a vehicle in genuine decline, not one you'd want to rely on for daily driving. Dangerous defects are rare at just 0.1%, but the reality is that 90% of these cars are failing their MOT, so structural and safety issues are rampant across the cohort.
At nearly 87,000 miles on average, these Montegs have covered reasonable mileage for their age, yet they're still struggling badly; the near-zero failure count per vehicle (0.01) masks the fact that most cars fail outright rather than limping through with minor faults. If you're considering one, assume you'll need to spend significantly on repairs before it's roadworthy, and treat it as a restoration project or parts car rather than transport.
What to check before buying a 1987 Austin Montego Hl Auto
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 Hl Auto
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 Montego Hl Auto 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 Montego Hl Auto vehicles fall between 72,420 and 74,096 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Montego Hl Auto?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.