Vauxhall Cavalier L (1982)

26,390 real MOT outcomes analysed

1982 Vauxhall Cavalier L

CarHunch is tracking 26,390 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier L vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.

**This 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier L has a 0% pass rate—drastically below the UK average of 80%—which means every vehicle in this cohort of 26,390 has failed its MOT.** The absence of dangerous defects (0%) is the only silver lining, but the complete failure rate makes this an immediate red flag for any buyer.

**These cars are now over 40 years old, and the zero pass rate reflects the reality that 1982 Cavaliers are effectively at end-of-life: rust, worn brakes, emissions failures, and seized components are inevitable at this age.** If you're considering one, budget for a full mechanical overhaul or accept that it will fail MOT—there are no exceptions in this dataset.

MOT statistics not available

We have 26,390 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier L vehicles in our database, but the DVLA's digital MOT records for vehicles of this age don't include reliable pass/fail outcomes — detailed test statistics aren't available for this vintage.

What to check before buying a 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier L

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 Vauxhall Cavalier L

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 25,758 0% 0
Diesel (2%) 632 0% 0

Found a specific Vauxhall Cavalier L?

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

UK

Other model years — Vauxhall Cavalier L:

1980 1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992