Fiat X1/9 (1982)
1982 Fiat X1/9
CarHunch analysed 1,221 real MOT records for the 1982 Fiat X1/9. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 FIAT X1/9 is in serious trouble on the road: only 5% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and virtually every surviving example has accumulated multiple issues. The dangerous defect rate is mercifully low at 1.4%, but these cars are fundamentally unreliable by modern standards—they fail more often than they pass.
At 62,736 miles median, these vehicles have covered reasonable mileage for their 42 years, yet they're racking up 0.13 failures and 0.3 advisories per test on average, suggesting wear and corrosion are routine. If you're considering one, treat it as a restoration project or museum piece rather than a practical car, and budget for comprehensive work before attempting an MOT.
What to check before buying a 1982 Fiat X1/9
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 X1/9
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 1,220 | 4.9% | 0.13 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Fiat X1/9 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 Fiat X1/9 vehicles fall between 47,188 and 74,633 miles.
1982 Fiat X1/9 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (41% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Fiat X1/9
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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57.8%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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24.6%
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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19.9%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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18%
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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17.1%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
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16.6%
Oil leak
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14.7%
Horn not working
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12.8%
Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Fiat X1/9?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.