1978 Daimler V8 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for V8 models manufactured in 1978, based on 71 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Daimler V8 MOT Analysis
The 1978 Daimler V8 has an MOT pass rate of 49.3% based on 71 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 58,209 miles on the odometer. With a 50.7% failure rate, the 1978 V8 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Daimler V8 is Identification of the vehicle, responsible for 8.5% of failures. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs range from £10–50. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 4.2%. Suspension follows at 4.2%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall V8 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 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 8.5% | 6 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 4.2% | 3 |
| 3 | Suspension | 4.2% | 3 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 58,209 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.45 | 8.5% | 6 |
| Body & Structure | 0.73 | 4.2% | 3 |
| Suspension | 0.73 | 4.2% | 3 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Daimler V8 has an MOT pass rate of 49.3% based on 71 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 58,209 miles on the odometer. With a 50.7% failure rate, the 1978 V8 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Daimler V8, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to identification of the vehicle: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing. At 58,209 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Identification of the vehicle — 8.5% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 8.5% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler V8 models. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Body, chassis, structure — 4.2% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 4.2% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler V8 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.
Suspension — 4.2% of failures
Suspension issues account for 4.2% of MOT failures on 1978 Daimler V8 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.