Fiat Tempra (1990)
1990 Fiat Tempra
CarHunch analysed 901 real MOT records for the 1990 Fiat Tempra. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
**The 1990 Fiat Tempra is fundamentally unreliable by modern standards, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 4.8% against the UK average of 80%.** This isn't a border-line case — nearly 95 out of 100 of these cars fail their test, and fewer than 1% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so catastrophic safety failures are rare, but the sheer volume of problems is the real issue.
**At a median mileage of 80,000 miles, these 34-year-old Tempras have covered relatively low distance for their age, yet they still average 0.09 failures and 0.2 advisories per test — suggesting age and sitting, not hard use, is what breaks them.** If you're considering buying one, have a pre-purchase inspection done by someone who knows 1990s Fiats, because the MOT data tells you that rust, worn suspension, and failed electrics are the norm, not the exception.
What to check before buying a 1990 Fiat Tempra
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 Fiat Tempra
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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 (99%) | 894 | 4.6% | 0.08 |
| Diesel (1%) | 7 | 35.7% | 0.43 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1990 Fiat Tempra 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 1990 Fiat Tempra vehicles fall between 58,074 and 102,189 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1990 Fiat Tempra
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
19.9%
Oil leak
-
15.2%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
-
9.1%
oil leak
-
8.3%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
-
8%
Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded
-
7.2%
Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
-
7.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
6.9%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1990. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Fiat Tempra?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.