Austin Montego L (1986)
1986 Austin Montego L
CarHunch analysed 23,426 real MOT records for the 1986 Austin Montego L. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1986 Austin Montego L has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 10%, compared to the UK average of 80%—this is a shocking result and an immediate red flag for any potential buyer. While the dangerous defect rate sits at 0%, the catastrophically low pass rate alone means these cars are fundamentally unreliable at this age and should be approached with extreme caution.
With a median mileage of around 69,600 miles for a car now nearly 40 years old, these Montegos have been driven relatively lightly, yet they're still failing MOT en masse, pointing to age-related decay rather than wear from hard use. Before purchasing one, have a qualified mechanic conduct a pre-buy inspection focused on structural corrosion, brake and fuel system integrity, and electrical systems—the core vulnerabilities that would explain such widespread failures.
What to check before buying a 1986 Austin Montego L
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 L
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 (100%) | 23,371 | 0.1% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 54 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 75% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1986 Austin Montego L 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 1986 Austin Montego L vehicles fall between 51,919 and 88,835 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Montego L?
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