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Metrocab Manual (1997)

273 real MOT outcomes analysed • 66.4% first-time pass rate

1997 Metrocab Manual

CarHunch analysed 273 real MOT records for the 1997 Metrocab Manual. 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

The 1997 Metrocab's 43.4% first-time pass rate is well below the UK average of 80%, signalling serious reliability concerns for this 27-year-old taxi platform. With 15.4% of vehicles having suffered dangerous defects, this is a model where mechanical integrity has genuinely deteriorated—a meaningful buyer red flag.

These cars are running at a high median mileage of 253,150 miles, which explains some failures, but the average of 1.54 failures per vehicle suggests systemic wear rather than isolated issues. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with Metrocabs, as the high advisory count (2.7 per vehicle) points to multiple small problems that could compound into expensive repairs.

We have limited data for the 1997 Metrocab Manual — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ 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
66.4%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
15.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.54
Over 4.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
253k
Middle half: 189k–330k
For context

These stats describe 273 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 273 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 73.3%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Service brake: efficiency below requirements · Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 38.6%
Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine
Other issues 28.8%
Oil leak · Fuel pipe/s corroded · Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A'
Suspension & steering 16.7%
Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel · Offside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush · Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Lighting 11.4%
Offside Rear fog lamp not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Tyre wear 10.6%
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 1997.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 273 Metrocab Manual cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1997 Metrocab Manual

Based on MOT data from 273 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 15.4% 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 ClickMechanic →
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (99%) 271 66.3% 1.55

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,103 Metrocab Manual vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 63%
1,324
Blue 14.1%
296
White 7.8%
165
Green 5.8%
122
Red 4.9%
102
Yellow 1.6%
33
Maroon 1.3%
27
Silver 1%
20
Grey 0.4%
9
Purple 0.2%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 Metrocab Manual 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.

253,150
typical
188,620
low mileage
329,597
high mileage

Half of all 1997 Metrocab Manual vehicles fall between 188,620 and 329,597 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
✓ Under 188,620 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.
✓ 188,620–329,597 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 Metrocab Manuals sit.
⚠ Over 444,955 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

4.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.54
Avg failures per vehicle
2.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Metrocab Manual: All Manual years → Which year to buy? →
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 1999

Or browse all models: Metrocab →

Compare with another model

See how the 1997 Metrocab Manual stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on