1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Talbot Express MOT pass rate and common faults

714 MOT tests in 2024. 53.5% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

74Well below average
Passed first time53.5%
Failed or needed repairs46.5%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 714 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.1%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.2%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.0%
  5. Headlamp: insecure5.0%
  6. Position lamp: not working4.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.6%
  8. Individual direction indicators: not working3.9%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.9%
  10. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics69.6%
  2. Brakes35.4%
  3. Body & chassis27.2%
  4. Suspension16.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.5%
  8. Steering4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Wheel bearings: has excessive play19.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.6%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Express years1991 Express →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Talbot Express?

In 2024, 53.5% of 1990 Talbot Express cars passed their MOT first time, across 714 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Talbot Express?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Talbot Express reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 74, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).