Mercedes 230 Te (1983)
1983 Mercedes 230 Te
CarHunch analysed 220 real MOT records for the 1983 Mercedes 230 Te. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1983 Mercedes 230 TE has a first-time pass rate of just 40%, well below the UK average of 80%, making it a significantly unreliable prospect for buyers seeking a hassle-free vehicle. With a median Carhunch score of 50 and zero dangerous defects recorded across 220 vehicles analysed, these cars are more likely to have minor issues rather than safety-critical faults, but the 40% pass rate suggests persistent wear across multiple systems.
At an average mileage of 173,064 miles for a 41-year-old car, these vehicles are genuinely well-used and showing their age—the consistent lack of recorded failures or advisories in the data hints at a reporting anomaly rather than pristine condition. If you're seriously considering one, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist rather than relying on MOT history alone, as the data gaps suggest these older cars need hands-on assessment.
What to check before buying a 1983 Mercedes 230 Te
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 Mercedes 230 Te
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 (99%) | 218 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
MOT History Averages
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