Austin Metro Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Austin Metro car check
Is the Austin Metro reliable? We analysed 803 real MOT tests across 209 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Austin Metro? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Austin Metro is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded and tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Austin Metro.
Austin Metro Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Austin Metro. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Austin Metro MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Austin Metro to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Austin Metro Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Austin Metro fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Austin Metro Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Austin Metro owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Austin Metro MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Austin Metro year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 235 | 57.4% | 41,794 | 57,489 | 74,010 |
| 1988 | 98 | 68.4% | 36,147 | 43,416 | 55,270 |
| 1987 | 64 | 75.0% | 16,707 | 32,810 | 48,101 |
| 1986 | 97 | 67.0% | 20,492 | 31,508 | 60,850 |
| 1985 | 84 | 71.4% | 32,695 | 37,795 | 50,978 |
| 1982 | 62 | 75.8% | 28,721 | 34,896 | 46,619 |
How Long Does a Austin Metro Last?
Based on 209 Austin Metro vehicles on UK roads.
Austin Metro Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Austin Metro MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Austin Metro
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
75.8% MOT pass rate from 62 tests
57.4% MOT pass rate from 235 tests
The best year to buy a used Austin Metro is 1982, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 75.8% across 62 tests. The 1989 model year has the lowest pass rate at 57.4% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Austin Metro Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Metro THIS CAR | 66.4% | 803 | 44,647 mi | 44 yrs |
| Austin Mini Mayfair | 64.7% | 51,788 | 54,118 mi | 44 yrs |
| Austin Mini 1000 City E | 64.5% | 44,703 | 54,880 mi | 44 yrs |
| Austin Mini | 75.1% | 18,242 | 47,796 mi | 66 yrs |
| Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine | 93.9% | 610 | 10,360 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Austin Mini Mayfair (64.7% pass rate) and the Austin Mini 1000 City E (64.5% pass rate), the Austin Metro outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Austin Metro you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Austin MetroShould you buy a used Austin Metro?
The Austin Metro has an overall MOT pass rate of 66.4% across 803 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Austin Metro are subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (139 recorded failures), seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (63), and tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (51). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Austin Metro owner drives around 831 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Austin Metro models stay on UK roads for around 44 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.