Vauxhall Cavalier (1982)
1982 Vauxhall Cavalier
CarHunch analysed 215 real MOT records for the 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier passes its MOT first time in only 47.9% of cases, nearly 33 percentage points below the UK average of 80%—a stark reliability warning for any potential buyer. With 6% of vehicles ever flagged for dangerous defects, this cohort also sits above acceptable safety thresholds, though the relatively low mileage average of 54,762 suggests these are mostly preserved or lightly-used examples rather than daily drivers.
The average of 0.96 failures and 2.3 advisories per test indicates persistent wear issues typical of 40-year-old vehicles, meaning recurring remedial work is the norm rather than exception. If you're considering one, budget for regular mechanical attention and have a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with early-1980s Vauxhalls—the MOT data suggests these cars demand hands-on maintenance commitment.
What to check before buying a 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier
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
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 (99%) | 213 | 47.7% | 0.96 |
| Diesel (1%) | 2 | 75% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier 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 Vauxhall Cavalier vehicles fall between 35,111 and 78,753 miles.
1982 Vauxhall Cavalier — Still on the Road
12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 — 63% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Vauxhall Cavalier
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
27.2%
Oil leak
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18%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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14.8%
Brakes imbalanced across an axle
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12.4%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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11.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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11.2%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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9.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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9.2%
Oil leak, but not excessive
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Vauxhall Cavalier?
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