Optare Unknown (2006)
2006 Optare Unknown
CarHunch analysed 259 real MOT records for the 2006 Optare Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2006 Optare is in severe distress on the MOT bench: just 3.9% of these vehicles pass first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and the diesel variants fare even worse at 3.6%. This isn't a minor reliability gap—it's a fundamental warning that nearly every example will need significant work before it can legally stay on the road.
These are heavily used vehicles with a median mileage of 526,693 miles, which explains some wear, but the catastrophic failure rate suggests systemic problems beyond normal age-related decline rather than isolated issues. If you're considering one, budget for professional pre-purchase inspection and expect expensive remedial work; the extremely low pass rate means this model should only be purchased if you have mechanical expertise or deep pockets for repairs.
What to check before buying a 2006 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 (97%) | 252 | 3.6% | 0.03 |
| Gas (2%) | 4 | 0% | 0 |
| Electric (1%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2006 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.
Half of all 2006 Optare Unknown vehicles fall between 303,219 and 584,413 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2006 Optare Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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17.6%
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases
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17.6%
Steering box leaking oil
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11.8%
Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported
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11.8%
Nearside Front Wheel bearing has excessive play
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11.8%
Rear Suspension bellows damaged but not to excess all bags
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11.8%
Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced
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11.8%
slight play both kingpins
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11.8%
Rear Propshaft flange bolt(s) loose/missing ()
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Optare Unknown?
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