Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1996 Optare Metrorider?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1996 Optare Metrorider?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1996 Optare Metrorider?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1996 Optare Metrorider?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Optare Metrorider (1996)

203 real MOT outcomes analysed • 7.2% first-time pass rate

1996 Optare Metrorider

CarHunch analysed 203 real MOT records for the 1996 Optare Metrorider. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 72.8% below UK average

7.2%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

238,186

typical mileage

105,967–487,279 middle half

0.5%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.05

avg MOT failures per car

over 1.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1996 Optare Metrorider

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 Optare Metrorider

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection

Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (99%)	200	7.3%	0.05
Gas (1%)	3	0%	0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1996 Optare Metrorider 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.

105,967

low mileage

238,186

typical

487,279

high mileage

Half of all 1996 Optare Metrorider vehicles fall between 105,967 and 487,279 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.05

Avg failures per vehicle

0.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1996 Optare Metrorider

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

21.1%

Nearside Front Axle king pin has slight play in pin and/or bush
21.1%

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
15.8%

chasis general corrosion
10.5%

Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on
10.5%

patches of under body corrosion
10.5%

exhaust heat shield insecure
10.5%

Offside Inner Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
10.5%

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1996. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Optare Metrorider?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

Other model years — Optare Metrorider:

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995