1991 Talbot Express diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1991 Talbot Express diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1991 Talbot Express diesel than on all cars registered in 1991.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.9× usual
  Talbot Express

  23.1% All 1991 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 1.9% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Wheel bearings2.9× usual
  Talbot Express

  25.9% All 1991 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.3% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Talbot Express

  22.2% All 1991 cars

  11.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.6% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Headlights3.1× usual
  Talbot Express

  13.1% All 1991 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 3% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Talbot Express

  16.7% All 1991 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 4% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 1991 Talbot Express diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Talbot Express diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  51% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  48% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Driveshafts and joints
  23% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Talbot Express diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?