Toyota Carina (1982)
1982 Toyota Carina
CarHunch analysed 150 real MOT records for the 1982 Toyota Carina. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 Toyota Carina has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 13.3%—dramatically below the UK average of 80%—which makes it a genuinely challenging prospect for any buyer relying on roadworthiness. The silver lining is that dangerous defects are rare at 0.7%, so while these cars fail frequently, they're not typically unsafe; instead, they're simply old and corroded enough to rack up minor compliance issues.
These Carinas are running at a reasonable 74,805 miles median (typical for their age), yet averaging 0.6 advisories per vehicle tells you that wear-and-tear is the real story here rather than hidden abuse. If you're seriously considering one, budget for immediate remedial work on rust, seals, and trim items before it will pass, and expect to revisit the garage regularly to keep it legal.
What to check before buying a 1982 Toyota Carina
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 Toyota Carina
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 (96%) | 144 | 13.9% | 0.2 |
| Diesel (3%) | 5 | 0% | 0 |
| LPG (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Toyota Carina 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 1982 Toyota Carina vehicles fall between 49,625 and 102,877 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Toyota Carina
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
25.8%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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16.1%
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
12.9%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
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12.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
12.9%
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive
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12.9%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
-
12.9%
Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively
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9.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Toyota Carina?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.