Honda C90m (1998)
1998 Honda C90m
CarHunch analysed 156 real MOT records for the 1998 Honda C90m. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Honda C90M has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 19.4%, nearly four times worse than the UK average of 80%, which is a serious red flag for anyone considering this vintage scooter. The good news is that dangerous defects are non-existent in this cohort, so safety-critical failures aren't the issue here.
These machines are running low mileage for their age (median 15,863 miles), suggesting they've been gently used or stored, yet still fail MOT at an alarming rate—averaging 0.29 failures and 0.3 advisories per vehicle. Before buying a C90M, have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, fuel delivery, and emissions equipment, as age-related corrosion and wear appear to be the culprits behind the poor pass rate.
What to check before buying a 1998 Honda C90m
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 Honda C90m
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 (97%) | 152 | 17.4% | 0.29 |
| Other (3%) | 4 | 95.8% | 0.25 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Honda C90m 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 1998 Honda C90m vehicles fall between 8,556 and 25,931 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Honda C90m
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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25.4%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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22.4%
Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
-
11.9%
Front Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
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11.9%
Drive chain slightly loose
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10.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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10.4%
Wheel alignment slightly misaligned.
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9%
Horn not working
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9%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Honda C90m?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.