Daimler Limousine Auto (1989)
1989 Daimler Limousine Auto
CarHunch analysed 114 real MOT records for the 1989 Daimler Limousine Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1989 Daimler Limousine has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 46.5%, well below the UK average of 80%, signalling significant reliability challenges for a car now 35 years old. One in five of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect, which is a genuine safety concern worth taking seriously.
These limousines average around 80,000 miles, which is reasonable for their age, but they're averaging 1.85 failures and 9.2 advisories per MOT—pointing to widespread wear across multiple systems rather than one specific weak point. If you're considering one, budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with 1980s Daimler engineering, because half of them will fail their next MOT.
What to check before buying a 1989 Daimler Limousine Auto
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.
- ⚠️ 20.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Daimler Limousine Auto
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (92%) | 105 | 44.1% | 1.77 |
| Other (5%) | 6 | 73.3% | 1.67 |
| LPG (2%) | 2 | 65% | 7 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 94.4% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 Daimler Limousine Auto 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 1989 Daimler Limousine Auto vehicles fall between 68,690 and 92,723 miles.
1989 Daimler Limousine Auto — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (33% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Daimler Limousine Auto?
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