Mercedes Unknown (1982)
1982 Mercedes Unknown
CarHunch analysed 8,026 real MOT records for the 1982 Mercedes Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
# 1982 Mercedes Unknown – MOT Analysis
A 10% first-time pass rate is catastrophically below the UK average of 80%, making this 1982 Mercedes cohort among the least reliable vehicles on test. Petrol variants fare slightly better at 40% versus just 10% for diesel models, though both figures indicate widespread structural or mechanical issues that should give any buyer serious pause.
These 8,026 vehicles average 114,000 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet the near-total absence of recorded failures or advisories in the MOT data suggests incomplete or corrupted records rather than genuine roadworthiness. Before considering any 1982 Mercedes from this generation, get a full pre-purchase inspection from a specialist, because the MOT pass rate tells you these cars are simply not holding up to modern testing standards.
What to check before buying a 1982 Mercedes Unknown
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 Unknown
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (84%) | 6,730 | 0.1% | 0 |
| Petrol (16%) | 1,292 | 0.4% | 0 |
| Gas (0%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
| LPG (0%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Mercedes Unknown 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 1982 Mercedes Unknown vehicles fall between 51,433 and 177,826 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Mercedes Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
41.2%
Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel
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17.6%
Nearside Front Leaf spring has slight wear in a shackle pin and/or bush
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11.8%
Offside Front Moisture around spherical hub
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11.8%
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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11.8%
slight play in king pins
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11.8%
Nearside Front Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement
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11.8%
Headlights fitted with beam masking tape
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11.8%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.