Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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.

How many 1998 Metrocab Auto vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

22% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 1998 Metrocab Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 390 vehicles, the 1998 Metrocab Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 69.3%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 1998 Metrocab Auto?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 1998 Metrocab Auto are: Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (80.1% of vehicles), Oil leak (64.6% of vehicles), Fuel pipe/s corroded (28.3% 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 1998 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.

CarHunch

Get Started

Metrocab Auto (1998)

390 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69.3% first-time pass rate

1998 Metrocab Auto

CarHunch analysed 390 real MOT records for the 1998 Metrocab Auto. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 390 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1998 Metrocab Auto is substantially less reliable than the UK average, with only a 51.3% first-time pass rate compared to 80% nationally—meaning half of these vehicles fail their MOT. Nearly one in four (22.1%) has suffered a dangerous defect at some point, which is a serious concern for any potential buyer.

These Metrocabs are well-used, running at a median of 223,453 miles, and they typically rack up nearly two failures and five advisories per test, suggesting widespread wear across multiple systems. Before purchasing one, get a pre-buy inspection from a diesel specialist, since nearly all examples are diesel-powered and you'll want clarity on the condition of the engine and fuel system specifically.

The 1998 Metrocab Auto has a below-average first-time pass rate (69.3% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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

69.3%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

22.1%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.98

Over 6.1 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

223k

Middle half: 154k–280k

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 4.9 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 390 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 390 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 80.1%

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

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

Other issues 64.6%

Oil leak · Fuel pipe/s corroded

Exhaust & emissions 25.3%

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine · Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases

Suspension & steering 23.3%

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

Tyre wear 20.7%

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.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 390 Metrocab Auto cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Metrocab Auto

Based on MOT data from 390 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 22.1% 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 (98%)	381	68.8%	2.01

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 1998 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.

223,453

typical

154,051

low mileage

280,123

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Metrocab Auto vehicles fall between 154,051 and 280,123 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 154,051 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.

✓ 154,051–280,123 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Metrocab Autos sit.

⚠ Over 378,166 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1998 Metrocab Auto — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 14% of 1998 Metrocab Autos are still active.

Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2018 (14% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2018.

MOT History Averages

6.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.98

Avg failures per vehicle

4.9

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999

Or browse all models: Metrocab →

Compare with another model

See how the 1998 Metrocab Auto stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on