Colt Shogun Hardtop (1984)

1,162 real MOT outcomes analysed • 2% first-time pass rate

1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop

CarHunch analysed 1,162 real MOT records for the 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

# 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop – MOT Analysis

This 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop is in serious trouble on the road: only 2.0% pass the MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and just 0.2% of these vehicles have ever recorded a dangerous defect—a remarkably low figure that suggests the ones still on the road have survived brutal attrition. Diesel versions fare marginally better at 2.6% pass rate versus 1.5% for petrol, but both are essentially unfit.

At an average mileage of 127,853 miles for a 40-year-old vehicle, these Shoguns are well-worn, and the extremely low failure rate of 0.03 per vehicle masks the real story: nearly all are failing their first MOT attempt because they're too old and corroded to pass, full stop. If you're considering one, treat it as a project car requiring immediate, expensive restoration rather than a usable daily driver—have a trusted mechanic inspect it thoroughly before any purchase, and budget for structural and safety work.

Below average reliability 78% below UK average
2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
88,177
typical mileage
80,341–125,279 middle half
0.2%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.03
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop

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 Shogun Hardtop

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (57%) 657 1.5% 0.02
Diesel (43%) 505 2.6% 0.04

Mileage Distribution

Most 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop 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.

80,341
low mileage
88,177
typical
125,279
high mileage

Half of all 1984 Colt Shogun Hardtop vehicles fall between 80,341 and 125,279 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.03
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Colt Shogun Hardtop?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Colt Shogun Hardtop:

1983 1985 1986