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Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) (1980-1989) reliability

Not enough data

Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at a Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1980-1989HatchbackPETROL

Based on 111 tests of Metro models registered 1980-1989.

Mk1 (LC8) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
11122.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

How the Metro Mk1 (LC8) compares

At each age below, see how the Metro Mk1 (LC8) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 15,275 tests across 7 Rover models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateRover average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
11122.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Metro Mk1 (LC8).

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 22.5% for the Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8), both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 22.5% for the Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8), both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 22.5% for the Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8), both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Austin Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.9%, against 14.4% for the Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8).

    3,373 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Rover Metro name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on Metro Mk1 (LC8) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 4,970 cars.

Structural systems

Bodywork
50%
Emissions
40%
Suspension
34%
Drivetrain
6%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Brakes
39%
Lighting
31%
Tyres
25%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 46% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Rover Metros of this age

This list covers every Rover Metro built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (LC8) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.4%
    Advisory: 133Fail: 19 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    10.9%
    Advisory: 83Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    9.6%
    Advisory: 59Fail: 21 (26% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    9.1%
    Advisory: 98Fail: 8 (8% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    7.4%
    Advisory: 64Fail: 10 (14% of the times it was found)

Based on 771 tests

Looking at a Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Rover Metro Mk1 (LC8) (1980-1989) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 111 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 111 MOT tests on Rover Metros first registered between 1980-1989. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.