Opel

Opel Ascona Dl (1981)

1,173 real MOT outcomes analysed

1981 Opel Ascona Dl

CarHunch has 1,173 1981 Opel Ascona Dl vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

On this page
Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Colour Breakdown Compare Models

No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1981 Opel Ascona Dl 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 Opel vehicles below.

Browse all Opel models →
No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific Opel Ascona Dl 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

The 1981 Opel Ascona DL data shows a first-time pass rate of 79.9%, which matches the UK average of 80%, suggesting these surviving examples are about as reliable as typical UK cars when they arrive for their MOT. Dangerous defects are extremely rare at just 0.1% of vehicles, and recorded failures and advisories average zero per vehicle—figures that reflect both the robust engineering of 1980s saloons and the fact that only the most conscientiously maintained examples are still on the road four decades later.

The median mileage of 71,409 miles is notably high for a 43-year-old car, indicating these are well-used rather than cherished classics, yet they're still passing their tests. If you're considering one, inspect the underside and mechanical history carefully, because zero recorded faults suggests either exceptional maintenance or incomplete service records—either way, hands-on inspection of rust, brakes, and fluid leaks matters far more than the MOT figures here.

MOT statistics not available

We have 1,173 1981 Opel Ascona Dl 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 →

Before you buy a 1981 Opel Ascona Dl

Based on MOT data from 1,173 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 10,190 Opel Ascona Dl vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 26%
2,648
Blue 25.4%
2,587
White 10.8%
1,103
Gold 7.2%
737
Orange 6.9%
703
Green 5.9%
602
Beige 4%
403
Brown 3.8%
385
Bronze 3.6%
364
Turquoise 3.1%
317
Yellow 2.4%
248
Black 0.9%
93
Other model years — Opel Ascona Dl: All Ascona Dl years → Which year to buy? →
1980

Or browse all models: Opel →

Opel logo

Compare with another model

See how the 1981 Opel Ascona Dl stacks up against a rival.