Daf Unknown (2005)
2005 Daf Unknown
CarHunch analysed 213 real MOT records for the 2005 Daf Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2005 DAF is a commercial vehicle, and it's failing MOT at an alarming rate: just 8.2% of these 213 diesel trucks pass first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. The dangerous defect rate sits at 0.5%, which is manageable, but the core issue here is that nearly nine in ten vehicles need repair work before they can legally operate.
These are high-mileage workhorses with a median of 580,168 miles on the clock, so some wear is expected—but the 8.2% pass rate suggests systematic issues beyond normal depreciation. With an average of just 0.04 failures per vehicle recorded, the data reflects that when these trucks do get hauled in, they're often already known problems rather than surprise failures. If you're buying a used DAF from this era for commercial use, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a diesel specialist and expect remedial work before road use.
What to check before buying a 2005 Daf Unknown
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 Daf Unknown
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (98%) | 209 | 6.5% | 0.04 |
| Diesel (1%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 83.3% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2005 Daf Unknown 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 2005 Daf Unknown vehicles fall between 349,938 and 756,357 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2005 Daf Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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41.9%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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9.7%
Service brake efficiency below requirements
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6.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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6.5%
Oil leak, but not excessive engine area
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6.5%
Service brake: efficiency below requirements
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6.5%
Coolant leak Pin hole in main pipe ()
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6.5%
Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. offside brake is slightly lagging
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6.5%
Nearside Rear Upper Outline marker lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2005. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Daf Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.