Optare Solo M850 (2001)
2001 Optare Solo M850
CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2001 Optare Solo M850. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2001 OPTARE SOLO M850 is fundamentally unreliable by MOT standards, with a first-time pass rate of just 6.9% against the UK average of 80% — meaning nine out of ten of these vehicles fail their test on the first attempt. Dangerous defects are rare at 2%, so while these buses are troubled, they're not inherently unsafe.
These are elderly coaches racking up serious mileage, with a median of 149,360 miles typical for their age, and the near-total failure rate reflects the gruelling operational demands placed on public transport vehicles rather than catastrophic design flaws. If you're considering one for any purpose beyond specialist restoration or parts, expect substantial remedial work; the 0.07 average failures per vehicle understates the real picture because these buses often need multiple attempts to pass, so budget accordingly before committing to purchase.
What to check before buying a 2001 Optare Solo M850
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 Solo M850
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 99 | 7% | 0.07 |
| Petrol (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2001 Optare Solo M850 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 2001 Optare Solo M850 vehicles fall between 103,952 and 178,824 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Optare Solo M850?
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