Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1991 Metrocab 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 1991 Metrocab 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 1991 Metrocab 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 1991 Metrocab Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 139 vehicles, the 1991 Metrocab Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 56.3%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 1991 Metrocab Auto?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1991 Metrocab Auto are: Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (58.6% of vehicles), Brakes imbalanced across an axle (41.4% of vehicles), Fuel pipe/s corroded (27.6% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1991 Metrocab 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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Metrocab Auto (1991)

139 real MOT outcomes analysed • 56.3% first-time pass rate

1991 Metrocab Auto

CarHunch analysed 139 real MOT records for the 1991 Metrocab 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 Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

We have limited data for the 1991 Metrocab Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 20 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

56.3%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

7.2%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.36

Over 1.6 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

109k

Middle half: 78k–180k

For context

These stats describe 139 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

What tends to go wrong

Across 139 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 58.6%

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Brakes imbalanced across an axle · Service brake: efficiency below requirements · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Other issues 27.6%

Fuel pipe/s corroded · Offside Side repeater not working · Fuel system component leaking · …

Suspension & steering 20.7%

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play · Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush · Offside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush · …

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Exhaust & emissions 20.7%

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine

Tyre wear 13.8%

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 139 Metrocab Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1991 Metrocab Auto

Based on MOT data from 139 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 7.2% 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 (96%)	134	55.5%	0.35

Mileage Distribution

Most 1991 Metrocab 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.

109,120

typical

78,201

low mileage

179,857

high mileage

Half of all 1991 Metrocab Auto vehicles fall between 78,201 and 179,857 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 78,201 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.

✓ 78,201–179,857 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1991 Metrocab Autos sit.

⚠ Over 242,806 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.36

Avg failures per vehicle

0.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Metrocab Auto: All Auto years → Which year to buy? →

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Or browse all models: Metrocab →

Compare with another model

See how the 1991 Metrocab Auto stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on