Opel Ascona (1982)
1982 Opel Ascona
CarHunch analysed 561 real MOT records for the 1982 Opel Ascona. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 Opel Ascona matches the UK average first-time pass rate at 80%, which is respectable for a car over 40 years old, though the 0.4% of vehicles that have ever recorded a dangerous defect is mercifully low. These cars are holding up reasonably well mechanically, with an average of just 0.03 failures per vehicle suggesting most surviving examples are fundamentally sound.
At a median mileage of 48,451 miles, these Asconas are genuinely low-mileage survivors rather than hard-worked daily drivers, which explains the minimal failure rate. If you're considering one, expect minor advisory items (0.3 per car on average) but factor in the age and availability of parts when budgeting for repairs—get a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist familiar with 1980s German cars.
What to check before buying a 1982 Opel Ascona
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 Opel Ascona
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 (94%) | 527 | 0.8% | 0.03 |
| Diesel (6%) | 34 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Opel Ascona 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 1982 Opel Ascona vehicles fall between 34,899 and 65,893 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Opel Ascona
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
38.2%
Oil leak
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29.4%
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play
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26.5%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
26.5%
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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26.5%
Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play
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23.5%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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23.5%
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
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23.5%
Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Opel Ascona?
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