Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 Metrocab Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 374 vehicles, the 1996 Metrocab Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 68.5%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1996 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 (1996)

Q: What are common problems with the 1996 Metrocab Auto?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1996 Metrocab Auto are: Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (54.5% of vehicles), Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine (37.4% of vehicles), Oil leak (35.4% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

374 real MOT outcomes analysed • 68.5% first-time pass rate

1996 Metrocab Auto

CarHunch analysed 374 real MOT records for the 1996 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 Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 374 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1996 Metrocab Auto is a significantly unreliable proposition, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 43%—well below the UK average of 80%—meaning nearly six in ten will fail their test. While dangerous defects have affected 15% of vehicles analysed, the real concern is that owners should expect an average of 1.29 failures per test, suggesting chronic mechanical issues rather than one-off problems.

At a median mileage of 247,302 miles, these are heavily used vehicles, which partially explains the failure rate, though it doesn't excuse it. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work and factor in ongoing repair costs; the 2.9 average advisories per vehicle signals that even passed MOTs come with a shopping list of issues waiting to fail.

The 1996 Metrocab Auto has a below-average first-time pass rate (68.5% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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

68.5%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

15%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.29

Over 4.1 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

247k

Middle half: 182k–295k

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.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.9 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 374 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 374 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 54.5%

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Service brake: efficiency below requirements · Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. · …

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

Exhaust & emissions 37.4%

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

Other issues 35.4%

Oil leak · Fuel pipe/s corroded

Suspension & steering 21.3%

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 · Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel · …

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

Tyre wear 16.3%

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit

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

Wipers & washers 12.9%

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid

Lighting 12.1%

Offside Rear fog lamp not working

Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1996.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 374 Metrocab Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1996 Metrocab Auto

Based on MOT data from 374 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 15% 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%)	359	69%	1.3

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,376 Metrocab Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 40.2%

956

Black 31%

737

Red 11.3%

269

Green 7.1%

168

Yellow 3.1%

Maroon 2.6%

White 2.4%

Grey 0.9%

Silver 0.7%

Purple 0.4%

Gold 0.2%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1996 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.

247,302

typical

182,291

low mileage

294,763

high mileage

Half of all 1996 Metrocab Auto vehicles fall between 182,291 and 294,763 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 182,291 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.

✓ 182,291–294,763 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1996 Metrocab Autos sit.

⚠ Over 397,930 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

4.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.29

Avg failures per vehicle

2.9

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999

Or browse all models: Metrocab →

Compare with another model

See how the 1996 Metrocab Auto stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on