Optare Unknown (2004)

133 real MOT outcomes analysed • 3.2% first-time pass rate

2004 Optare Unknown

CarHunch analysed 133 real MOT records for the 2004 Optare Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 76.8% below UK average
3.2%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
169,980
typical mileage
126,166–748,454 middle half
1.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.02
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2004 Optare Unknown

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 Unknown

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 (95%) 127 3.3% 0.02
Gas (5%) 6 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Optare Unknown 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.

126,166
low mileage
169,980
typical
748,454
high mileage

Half of all 2004 Optare Unknown vehicles fall between 126,166 and 748,454 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.02
Avg failures per vehicle
0.1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Optare Unknown

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

  • 17.6%
    Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
  • 17.6%
    Steering box leaking oil
  • 11.8%
    Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported
  • 11.8%
    Nearside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play
  • 11.8%
    Rear Suspension bellows damaged but not to excess all bags
  • 11.8%
    Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
  • 11.8%
    slight play both kingpins
  • 11.8%
    Rear Propshaft flange bolt(s) loose/missing ()

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Optare Unknown?

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

UK

Other model years — Optare Unknown:

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014