Dennis Unknown (1982)
1982 Dennis Unknown
CarHunch analysed 606 real MOT records for the 1982 Dennis Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1982 Dennis is a commercial vehicle, and its 20% first-time pass rate is far below the UK average of 80%—a stark red flag for reliability. The zero dangerous defects recorded across 606 vehicles is the only bright spot, but the near-universal failure rate on MOT suggests these are aging workhorses with serious structural or mechanical issues waiting to emerge.
The median mileage of 38,373 miles is extremely low for a vehicle over 40 years old, which hints these are either rarely used, recently restored, or the data reflects only surviving examples still on the road. If you're considering one, expect to budget heavily for remedial work before it passes inspection, and have a professional mechanic inspect the chassis and brake systems in particular.
What to check before buying a 1982 Dennis 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 Dennis 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 (99%) | 602 | 0.2% | 0 |
| Gas (0%) | 3 | 0% | 0 |
| Petrol (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Dennis 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 1982 Dennis Unknown vehicles fall between 38,373 and 38,373 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Dennis Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.