1991 Talbot Express petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Wheel bearings2.6× usual
  Talbot Express

  22.5% All 1991 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, 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.

• Headlights3.7× usual
  Talbot Express

  15.6% All 1991 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.8%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.4× usual
  Talbot Express

  16.1% All 1991 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, 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.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Talbot Express

  19.7% All 1991 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.3% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Brake discs2.5× usual
  Talbot Express

  14.8% All 1991 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 1991 Talbot Express petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Lights and electrics
  49% 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
  46% 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
  33% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

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

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1991 Talbot Express petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?