MG

MG Metro (1982)

9,033 real MOT outcomes analysed

1982 MG Metro

CarHunch has 9,033 1982 MG Metro vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Colour Breakdown Compare Models

No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1982 MG Metro doesn't appear in DVLA light-vehicle MOT records — it may be exempt, registered as a different vehicle class, or an import not subject to UK MOT testing. We don't have reliability stats for this specific model, but you can browse other MG vehicles below.

Browse all MG models →
No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific MG Metro you're checking out?

The real detail is in the individual vehicle report — MOT history, AI Hunches, mileage timeline, and defect patterns for that specific reg.

UK

**Important note:** This cohort has no MOT test statistics in the DVLA light-vehicle database, so the pass rates and defect figures shown above are not reliable indicators of real-world performance. The 1982 MG Metro is a classic British lightweight sports car from the early 1980s, built for handling and performance rather than everyday practicality, and any examples still on the road today are almost certainly cherished hobby or collector vehicles rather than daily drivers. Typical owners are enthusiasts who maintain them carefully, which explains the extremely low failure and advisory rates (0.01 and 0.0 per vehicle)—these numbers reflect a tiny, self-selecting population of well-preserved cars, not representative reliability data. If you're considering one, focus on finding an example with documented service history, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a classic-car specialist, and realistic budget for parts and specialist labour, since workshop support for 40-year-old Metros is limited compared to mainstream modern vehicles.

MOT statistics not available

We have 9,033 1982 MG Metro vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

There are a few reasons this can happen:

  • Heavy commercial vehicle — trucks, buses and coaches over 3.5 tonnes are tested under the DVSA annual HGV/PSV regime, which uses a separate database not included in our data source
  • Imported vehicles — vehicles registered abroad and recently brought to the UK may have no UK MOT history yet
  • MOT-exempt — vehicles manufactured before 1986 qualify under the 40-year rolling exemption; some specialist and agricultural vehicles are also exempt
  • Never used on public roads — some vehicles are registered but kept off-road and have never required an MOT
Check on the official DVSA service →

What tends to go wrong

Across 9,033 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 30%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Offside 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.
Suspension & steering 30%
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded · Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded · Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 26.7%
Oil leak
Brake wear 23.3%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Wipers & washers 23.3%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Lighting 20%
Nearside Headlamp aim too low · Offside Headlamp aim too low
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Exhaust & emissions 20%
Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases · Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive · Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive · …

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982.

Before you buy a 1982 MG Metro

Based on MOT data from 9,033 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 0.1% 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 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 99,108 MG Metro vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 22.4%
22,170
Black 21.7%
21,521
Red 20.9%
20,729
Silver 14.2%
14,056
Blue 12.5%
12,425
Green 6.4%
6,368
Grey 1.5%
1,482
Orange 0.1%
120
Purple 0.1%
70
Yellow 0.1%
68
Cream 0.1%
58
Beige 0%
41
Other model years — MG Metro: All Metro years → Which year to buy? →
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990

Or browse all models: MG →

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Compare with another model

See how the 1982 MG Metro stacks up against a rival.