Austin Montego Si (1988)
1988 Austin Montego Si
CarHunch analysed 2,471 real MOT records for the 1988 Austin Montego Si. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Austin Montego SI has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 10%, far below the UK average of 80%—this is a vehicle that will almost certainly need work before it passes inspection. With zero dangerous defects recorded across 2,471 cars and zero average failures or advisories per vehicle, the data suggests these Montagos either aren't making it to the MOT bay in condition to be assessed properly, or the sample skews heavily toward cars already in known poor condition.
At a median mileage of 80,819 miles for a 1988 model, these cars are genuinely ancient survivors, and the 10% pass rate reflects the reality of keeping a 36-year-old British Leyland product on the road. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work before attempting an MOT—don't expect it to sail through.
What to check before buying a 1988 Austin Montego Si
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 Si
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 (99%) | 2,455 | 0.2% | 0 |
| Diesel (1%) | 16 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Austin Montego Si 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 1988 Austin Montego Si vehicles fall between 76,576 and 97,203 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Austin Montego Si?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.