Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1999 Derbi Predator?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1999 Derbi Predator?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1999 Derbi Predator?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1999 Derbi Predator reliable?

Based on MOT data from 227 vehicles, the 1999 Derbi Predator has a first-time MOT pass rate of 73.3%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 1999 Derbi Predator?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1999 Derbi Predator are: Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (23.3% of vehicles), Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey (10.4% of vehicles), Headlamp aim too high (9.2% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1999 Derbi Predator?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Derbi Predator (1999)

227 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.3% first-time pass rate

1999 Derbi Predator

CarHunch analysed 227 real MOT records for the 1999 Derbi Predator. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1999 Derbi Predator is a serious reliability concern, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 22.9%—less than a third of the 80% UK average. While dangerous defects are uncommon at 2.6%, the catastrophically low pass rate makes this machine a risky prospect for any buyer expecting hassle-free motoring.

At under 10,000 miles median mileage, these are lightly-used specimens, yet they're still failing MOTs at an alarming rate, suggesting inherent design or build quality issues rather than wear-and-tear problems. The average vehicle racks up 0.28 failures and 0.5 advisories, indicating consistent problem areas—have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific failure history before committing to purchase, as this model demands far more frequent and costly repairs than typical machines of its age.

We have limited data for the 1999 Derbi Predator — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

73.3%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

2.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.28

Over 1.8 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

Middle half: 7k–13k

For context

These stats describe 227 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 227 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 23.3%

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread not clearly visible

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Exhaust & emissions 10.4%

Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey

Suspension & steering 9.2%

Steering headbearing has slight free play · Steering headbearing has excessive free play · Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Lighting 9.2%

Headlamp aim too high · Indicator tell tale not functioning

Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Brake wear 7.4%

Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Roller brake test The less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25%. · Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Other issues 7.4%

Throttle operating incorrectly

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1999.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 227 Derbi Predator cars.

Before you buy a 1999 Derbi Predator

Based on MOT data from 227 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 2.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (100%)	226	73.3%	0.28

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,240 Derbi Predator vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 32.7%

405

Blue 27.3%

338

Silver 18.8%

233

Orange 15.7%

195

Black 1.9%

White 1.5%

Multi-colour 0.9%

Not stated 0.7%

Purple 0.6%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1999 Derbi Predator vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

9,161

typical

6,707

low mileage

12,566

high mileage

Half of all 1999 Derbi Predator vehicles fall between 6,707 and 12,566 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 6,707 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 6,707–12,566 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1999 Derbi Predators sit.

⚠ Over 16,964 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.28

Avg failures per vehicle

0.5

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Derbi Predator: All Predator years → Which year to buy? →

2000 2001 2002 2003

Or browse all models: Derbi →

Compare with another model

See how the 1999 Derbi Predator stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on