MG Metro (1987)
1987 MG Metro
CarHunch analysed 11,805 real MOT records for the 1987 MG Metro. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 MG Metro is a reliability disaster by modern standards: only 30% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. With just 0.1% of vehicles ever showing dangerous defects, the issues are more about general wear than safety threats, but the 50-point median CarHunch score reflects a car that's genuinely struggling to meet today's standards.
These Metros are running at relatively modest mileage for their age (median 50,482 miles), yet still failing badly, which suggests decades of deferred maintenance and age-related decay rather than hard use. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work—the 0.01 failures per vehicle average masks widespread minor defects—and treat any first-time passer as a genuine find.
What to check before buying a 1987 MG Metro
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a MG Metro
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 11,804 | 0.3% | 0.01 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 MG Metro vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1987 MG Metro vehicles fall between 35,748 and 68,200 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 MG Metro
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
32.5%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
-
18.3%
Service brake: efficiency below requirements
-
16.3%
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
15.9%
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
15.6%
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive
-
15.2%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
-
14.2%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
-
14.2%
Oil leak
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific MG Metro?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.