1992 Talbot Express diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1992 Talbot Express diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1992 Talbot Express diesel than on all cars registered in 1992.

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

  17.9% All 1992 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.1% of all 1992 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 bearings2.5× usual
  Talbot Express

  19.7% All 1992 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.1% of all 1992 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 pipes2× usual
  Talbot Express

  23.5% All 1992 cars

  11.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.7% of all 1992 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.

• Brake discs2.4× usual
  Talbot Express

  15.7% All 1992 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 1992 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.

• Headlights2.9× usual
  Talbot Express

  12.9% All 1992 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 3.1% of all 1992 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.

Common 1992 Talbot Express diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1992 Talbot Express diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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.

• Tyres
  18% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1992 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 3.4× as often on the 1992 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1992 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1992 Talbot Express diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?