Mercedes 408d (1990)
1990 Mercedes 408d
CarHunch analysed 160 real MOT records for the 1990 Mercedes 408d. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1990 Mercedes 408D has a first-time pass rate of just 3.6%, far below the UK average of 80%, making it an exceptionally unreliable proposition for MOT testing. No dangerous defects were recorded across the 160 vehicles analysed, but the extremely low pass rate alone signals serious structural or systemic problems with this cohort.
These vehicles are averaging 175,829 miles—well above what you'd expect for a 34-year-old model—suggesting most remaining examples have been heavily used and worn. With 1.2 advisories per vehicle and minimal failures (0.19), the issue appears to be cumulative wear rather than catastrophic faults, but the near-zero pass rate means you should treat any 408D with deep scepticism and budget for substantial remedial work before it passes its next test.
What to check before buying a 1990 Mercedes 408d
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 408d
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1990 Mercedes 408d 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 1990 Mercedes 408d vehicles fall between 98,937 and 161,561 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1990 Mercedes 408d
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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72.2%
Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A'
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61.1%
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
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61.1%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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55.6%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
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38.9%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Flexi
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33.3%
Brake pipe slightly corroded
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33.3%
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working
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33.3%
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1990. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes 408d?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.