1985 Austin Metro L MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Metro L models manufactured in 1985, based on 239 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Metro L cars tested in 1985. Want to see how cars built in 1985 hold up over time?
View 1985 Austin Metro L vintage page → (61.3% current pass rate)1985 Austin Metro L MOT Analysis
The 1985 Austin Metro L has an MOT pass rate of 63.6% based on 239 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,634 miles on the odometer. With a 36.4% failure rate, the 1985 Metro L is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1985 Austin Metro L is Suspension, responsible for 5.0% 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 3.3%. Noise, emissions and leaks follows at 3.3%.
Top failures specific to 1985 models only. The overall Metro L 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 | 5.0% | 12 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 3.3% | 8 |
| 3 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 3.3% | 8 |
| 4 | Tyres | 1.7% | 4 |
| 5 | Brakes | 1.7% | 4 |
| 6 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.7% | 4 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 43,634 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1.15 | 5.0% | 12 |
| Body & Structure | 0.77 | 3.3% | 8 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.77 | 3.3% | 8 |
| Tyres | 0.38 | 1.7% | 4 |
| Brakes | 0.38 | 1.7% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.38 | 1.7% | 4 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1985 Austin Metro L has an MOT pass rate of 63.6% based on 239 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,634 miles on the odometer. With a 36.4% failure rate, the 1985 Metro L is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1985 Austin Metro L, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. 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 43,634 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Suspension — 5.0% of failures
Suspension issues account for 5.0% of MOT failures on 1985 Austin Metro L 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 — 3.3% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1985 Austin Metro L 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.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 3.3% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1985 Austin Metro L models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.