Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series?

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 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series?

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 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series?

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 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series reliable?

Based on MOT data from 693 vehicles, the 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series has a first-time MOT pass rate of 66%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series?

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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Leyland Daf 400 Series (1991)

693 real MOT outcomes analysed • 66% first-time pass rate

1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series

CarHunch analysed 693 real MOT records for the 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series. 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 Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series has a below-average first-time pass rate (66% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

First-time pass

66%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

3.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.34

Over 1.8 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

71k

Middle half: 43k–96k

For context

⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.

These stats describe 693 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

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 693 Leyland Daf 400 Series cars.

Before you buy a 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series

Based on MOT data from 693 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 3.6% 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 (91%)	628	66.3%	0.29
Diesel (9%)	65	62.7%	0.83

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,884 Leyland Daf 400 Series vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 75.9%

2,190

Blue 11.1%

320

Red 4%

114

Green 2.8%

Yellow 2.5%

Grey 0.9%

Beige 0.8%

Cream 0.7%

Orange 0.5%

Black 0.4%

Purple 0.2%

Silver 0.2%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series 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.

71,060

typical

42,704

low mileage

96,453

high mileage

Half of all 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series vehicles fall between 42,704 and 96,453 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 42,704 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.

✓ 42,704–96,453 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Seriess sit.

⚠ Over 130,211 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series — Still on the Road

Most 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Seriess are still being driven.

10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2016 — 77% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2016.

MOT History Averages

1.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.34

Avg failures per vehicle

1.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Leyland Daf 400 Series: All 400 Series years → Which year to buy? →

1989 1990 1992 1993

Or browse all models: Leyland Daf →

Compare with another model

See how the 1991 Leyland Daf 400 Series stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on