Colt Lancer 1400 Glx (1980)
1980 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx
CarHunch analysed 1,411 real MOT records for the 1980 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1980 Colt Lancer 1400 GLX has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 20%, a stark contrast to the UK average of 80%, making it a genuinely risky proposition for any buyer. The tiny percentage of vehicles with dangerous defects (0.1%) is reassuring, but the overall reliability picture is dire—this is a 44-year-old car, and most examples on the road are failing their MOT tests.
The median mileage of just over 52,000 miles suggests these cars have been garaged or very lightly used, yet they're still not passing inspection, which points to age-related wear rather than heavy use as the culprit. Before buying, have any prospective purchase independently inspected by a specialist mechanic who knows 1980s Mitsubishis, because the MOT data shows you're far more likely to face repair bills than a trouble-free ownership experience.
What to check before buying a 1980 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx
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 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1980 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx 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 1980 Colt Lancer 1400 Glx vehicles fall between 52,051 and 70,229 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Colt Lancer 1400 Glx?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.