Talbot Horizon LX (1986)
1986 Talbot Horizon LX
CarHunch analysed 477 real MOT records for the 1986 Talbot Horizon LX. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1986 Talbot Horizon LX is a genuinely rare survivor, with only 477 examples still on the road—and those that do appear for MOT have a catastrophic 20% first-time pass rate, a quarter of the UK average. None of the vehicles analysed recorded a dangerous defect, which is the one bright spot, but the overall picture is one of widespread mechanical struggle.
These Horizons are running at around 55,000 miles on average, which is actually low for a nearly 40-year-old car, yet they're still failing MOTs at alarming rates. The zero recorded failures and advisories in the dataset suggest these cars either aren't being tested properly or the few that do make it to the test bay are in such poor shape that inspectors are recording them as outright rejections rather than itemised faults. If you're considering one, treat it as a project car requiring serious mechanical work, not everyday transport.
What to check before buying a 1986 Talbot Horizon LX
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 Talbot Horizon LX
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 (100%) | 475 | 0.2% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 2 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1986 Talbot Horizon LX 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 1986 Talbot Horizon LX vehicles fall between 55,178 and 55,178 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Talbot Horizon LX?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Talbot Horizon LX: