Vauxhall Nova Gl (1987)
1987 Vauxhall Nova Gl
CarHunch analysed 750 real MOT records for the 1987 Vauxhall Nova Gl. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
**1987 VAUXHALL NOVA GL: MOT Analysis**
This 1987 Nova GL is a survival story rather than a reliable one—just 10% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly every example on test has something to fix before it's legal. The zero dangerous defect rate is the only bright spot, but petrol variants show a 0% pass rate, which almost certainly reflects the tiny sample still on the road (749 vehicles) and suggests only the most diligently maintained have survived to MOT age.
At an average of 66,756 miles, these cars are now 37 years old and have covered modest distance, yet they're returning zero failures and advisories on record—a statistical oddity that likely means the dataset is recording only fully restored or exceptionally well-kept examples rather than the typical survivor. If you're considering one, treat this as a restoration project vehicle, not a daily driver: the 10% pass rate tells you to budget for immediate remedial work and accept that parts availability and welding costs will be substantial.
What to check before buying a 1987 Vauxhall Nova Gl
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 Nova Gl
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%) | 749 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 80% | 1 |
MOT History Averages
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