Talbot Unknown (1985)
1985 Talbot Unknown
CarHunch analysed 3,118 real MOT records for the 1985 Talbot Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1985 Talbot has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 10%, catastrophically below the UK average of 80%—making it one of the least reliable cars on the road. Neither petrol nor diesel variants perform any better, both sitting at 10% pass rates, and there are no dangerous defects recorded, suggesting these cars simply fail for routine wear and tear rather than safety-critical issues.
The median mileage of 78,243 miles is high for a 1985 model, indicating these survivors have been well-used, yet the zero average failures and advisories per vehicle suggests the MOT test data is incomplete or these vehicles are reaching the test centre in genuinely parlous condition. If you're considering one, accept that restoration and repair costs will be substantial—this is a classic car project, not a reliable runabout.
What to check before buying a 1985 Talbot 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 Talbot 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (55%) | 1,706 | 0.1% | 0 |
| Diesel (45%) | 1,411 | 0.1% | 0 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1985 Talbot 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 1985 Talbot Unknown vehicles fall between 42,094 and 78,243 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1985 Talbot Unknown
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
50%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
50%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements
-
33.3%
Offside Rear cv boot insecure
-
33.3%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
-
33.3%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
33.3%
unable to fully access front and rear pads
-
33.3%
Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both
-
16.7%
Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1985. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Talbot Unknown?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.