1986 Austin Metro City X MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Metro City X models manufactured in 1986, based on 147 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1986 Austin Metro City X MOT Analysis
The 1986 Austin Metro City X has an MOT pass rate of 51.0% based on 147 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 41,701 miles on the odometer. With a 49.0% failure rate, the 1986 Metro City X is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1986 Austin Metro City X is Suspension, responsible for 2.7% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 1.4%.
Top failures specific to 1986 models only. The overall Metro City X page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 2.7% | 4 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.4% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 41,701 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.65 | 2.7% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.33 | 1.4% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1986 Austin Metro City X has an MOT pass rate of 51.0% based on 147 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 41,701 miles on the odometer. With a 49.0% failure rate, the 1986 Metro City X is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1986 Austin Metro City X, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With relatively low average mileage of 41,701 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Suspension — 2.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1986 Austin Metro City X models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Body, chassis, structure — 1.4% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1986 Austin Metro City X models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.