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1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto MOT Pass Rate

Pass rate for 3.6 Auto models manufactured in 1988, based on 460 real MOT test results.

65.7%
Pass Rate
34.3%
Fail Rate
460
Total Tests
74,296
Avg Mileage

Data from official DVSA MOT testing records

This page shows all 3.6 Auto cars tested in 1988. Want to see how cars built in 1988 hold up over time?

View 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto vintage page → (58.3% current pass rate)

1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto MOT Analysis

The 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 460 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 74,296 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1988 3.6 Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.

The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto is Brakes, responsible for 2.6% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 1.7%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 1.3%.

Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall 3.6 Auto page may show different rankings.

What Fails Most

What Fails on This Car?

Click a category to see specific failure items.

View as table
MOT failure categories ranked by failure rate
RankFailure CategoryRate (%)Count
1Brakes2.6%12
2Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems1.7%8
3Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment1.3%6
4Tyres1.3%6
5Visibility1.3%6
6Suspension0.4%2

Failures per 10,000 Miles

avg. 74,296 mi

For 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.

Brakes0.35% per 10K miSeat Belts0.23% per 10K miLamps & Electrical0.18% per 10K miTyres0.18% per 10K miVisibility0.18% per 10K miSuspension0.06% per 10K mi
View as table
Mileage-normalised failure rates by category
CategoryRate / 10K miRaw %Count
Brakes0.352.6%12
Seat Belts0.231.7%8
Lamps & Electrical0.181.3%6
Tyres0.181.3%6
Visibility0.181.3%6
Suspension0.060.4%2

Mileage Statistics

74,296
Mean
64,182
Median
49,470
25th Percentile
95,806
75th Percentile
4.62% failures per 10K miles

Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.

About This Data

The 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 460 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 74,296 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1988 3.6 Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.

If you own or are considering buying a 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 74,296 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.

Brakes — 2.6% of failures

Brakes issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).

Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.7% of failures

Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.7% of MOT failures on 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.3% of failures

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1988 Daimler 3.6 Auto models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.

Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.

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