Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto?

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 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto?

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 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto?

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 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 320 vehicles, the 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 73.1%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto?

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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London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto (1998)

320 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.1% first-time pass rate

1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto

CarHunch analysed 320 real MOT records for the 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto. 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

Moderate sample. 320 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

This 1998 TX1 is a profoundly difficult MOT prospect—only 17.6% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, making it one of the most troublesome vehicles on test. At nearly 285,000 miles median, these taxis have been worked hard, and that mileage context explains much of the struggle, though the 2.5% dangerous defect rate suggests structural or safety issues beyond simple wear.

On average, each vehicle picks up 0.3 failures and 0.7 advisories per test, pointing to consistent small problems accumulating rather than catastrophic breakdowns. If you're considering one, budget seriously for repair costs and get a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist—this is a classic cab that demands deep pockets and commitment to keep roadworthy.

The 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto has a below-average first-time pass rate (73.1% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

First-time pass

73.1%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

2.5%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.3

Over 1.6 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

284k

Middle half: 186k–380k

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 320 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 320 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto

Based on MOT data from 320 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 2.5% 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
Diesel (99%)	318	73.2%	0.27

Colour Breakdown

Based on 786 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 61.2%

481

Green 9.4%

Blue 8%

Multi-colour 6.9%

Red 4.5%

Grey 3.6%

Maroon 2.4%

Silver 1.8%

White 1.7%

Multicoloured 0.6%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto 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.

284,272

typical

186,387

low mileage

380,001

high mileage

Half of all 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto vehicles fall between 186,387 and 380,001 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 186,387 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.

✓ 186,387–380,001 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Autos sit.

⚠ Over 513,001 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 61% of 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Autos are still active.

19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2019 — 61% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2019.

MOT History Averages

1.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.3

Avg failures per vehicle

0.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto: All Tx1 Bronze Auto years → Which year to buy? →

1999 2000 2001

Or browse all models: London Taxis Int →

Compare with another model

See how the 1998 London Taxis Int Tx1 Bronze Auto stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on