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F538 GYB

1989 Talbot Express

White Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires16 Oct 2026
Tests34 (18 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate52.9%

Mileage

117,388 mi
Last recorded117,388 miles
Recorded on17 Oct 2025
Typical for 1989 Talbot Express76,076 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF538 GYB
MakeTalbot
ModelExpress
Year1989
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 16 fail
Pass 17 Oct 2025 117,388 miles

Front and rear suspension corroded

Nearside Rear Shock absorber bush perished

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Offside rear outer sill corroded

Offside Rear Shock absorber bush perished

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 16 Oct 2025 117,388 miles

Electrical wiring insecure and connectors likely to become disconnected Cables around battery area (4.11 (a) (ii))

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Front and rear suspension corroded

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Nearside Rear Shock absorber bush perished

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Offside rear outer sill corroded

Offside Rear Shock absorber bush perished

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 23 Jul 2025 117,375 miles

Brake performance unable to be tested brake pipes leaking fluid (1.2.1 (g))

Electrical wiring insecure and connectors likely to become disconnected battery cables (4.11 (a) (ii))

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases manifold area (6.1.2 (a))

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Rear Stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released both (4.3.2 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Outer sill corroded out of areas

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Pass 23 Jul 2024 117,270 miles

exhaust corroded

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chipped (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 19 Jul 2024 117,269 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level significantly below minimum level (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chipped (3.2 (a) (i))

exhaust corroded

Pass 17 Jul 2023 117,166 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush both shocks (5.3.2 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chip (3.2 (a) (i))

exhaust system corroded

Fail 17 Jul 2023 117,165 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle on hand brake cable (5.2.3 (f))

Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle on hand brake cable (5.2.3 (f))

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush both shocks (5.3.2 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chip (3.2 (a) (i))

exhaust system corroded

Pass 26 Jul 2022 117,018 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

both headlamp output images quite poor

exhaust manifold blowing when engine cold and end fixing bolts missing or sheared off

exhaust system well corroded

Fail 11 Jul 2022 117,017 miles

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Front Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective both split and not tested (3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

exhaust corroded

Pass 20 Jul 2021 116,820 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material surface corrosion on all brake pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view stone chip in centre (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 10 Jul 2021 116,810 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired sill panel inner and outer plate riveted (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner sill panel corroded and holed (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis outrigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch at rear in several places (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch at rear in several places (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material surface corrosion on all brake pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view stone chip in centre (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 3 Oct 2019 116,783 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm in centre (5.2.3 (e))

surface corrosion around previous repairs to inner sill panels etc

Fail 28 Sep 2019 116,773 miles

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm in centre (5.2.3 (e))

surface corrosion around previous repairs to inner sill panels etc

Pass 6 Oct 2018 115,744 miles

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm in centre (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 19 Oct 2017 114,684 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 7 Oct 2017 114,679 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner arch (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner arch corroded in several places (2.4.A.3)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 25 Oct 2016 115,944 miles

corrosion to underside of vehicle

Fail 25 Oct 2016 115,943 miles

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Fail 24 Oct 2016 115,941 miles

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion wing (6.1.C.1)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion wing (6.1.C.1)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

corrosion to underside of vehicle

Fail 14 Aug 2015 113,194 miles

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3) DANGEROUS

Fail 6 Aug 2015 113,176 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement (3.5.1k) DANGEROUS

Offside Body has a sharp edge caused by damage (6.1.C.1) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

nsr tyre age cracks

both front jacking points holed and corroded

Pass 23 Aug 2014 112,450 miles

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Nearside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Rear engine mounting deteriorated, but not resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

n/s/f inner sill corroded

o/s/f inner sill corroded

Fail 12 Aug 2014 112,442 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Driver's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Nearside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Rear engine mounting deteriorated, but not resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

n/s/f inner sill corroded

o/s/f inner sill corroded

Pass 19 Jul 2013 111,428 miles

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Centre engine mounting deteriorated, but not resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Headlight adjusters excessively deteriorated

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Spare tyre defective

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

auxillary belts loose

bonnet catch pull not working/catch seized

Fail 10 Jul 2013 111,423 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Obligatory mirror insecure (8.1.1)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Centre Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Centre engine mounting deteriorated, but not resulting in excessive movement (6.1.D.1a)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Spare tyre defective

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

auxillary belts loose

bonnet catch pull not working/catch seized

Pass 6 Jun 2012 109,081 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Exhaust rubbers broke but exhaust still supported

Oil leak

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Some brake pipes greased

Suspension and braking parts corroding

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

welding heavily covered with under seal limiting checks

Fail 30 May 2012 109,081 miles

Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Exhaust rubbers broke but exhaust still supported

Oil leak

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Some brake pipes greased

Suspension and braking parts corroding

brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 4 May 2011 106,042 miles
Pass 5 May 2010 104,029 miles

Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Pass 1 May 2009 101,494 miles

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Pass 14 May 2008 97,289 miles
Pass 31 May 2007 94,921 miles
Pass 6 Mar 2006 84,725 miles
Fail 3 Mar 2006 84,725 miles

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front constant velocity joint is insecure (2.5.C.1b)

How Reliable is the Talbot Express?

Based on 171,025 MOT tests across 8,371 vehicles.

65.4%
Pass Rate
1,204
Miles/Year
41
Year Lifespan
8,371
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 6,812
Brake pipe excessively corroded 6,026
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 4,909
Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 4,861
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded 4,297
Full Talbot Express reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

F538 GYB is a 1989 Talbot Express in White with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.9%.

Across all 1989 Talbot Express models, the average MOT pass rate is 64.2% with a typical mileage of 76,076 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Talbot Express fails its MOT is suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 6,812 recorded failures. If you're considering buying F538 GYB, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Talbot Express typically stays on UK roads for around 41 years. At 37 years old, this Talbot Express is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of F538 GYB?

You can check the full history of F538 GYB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F538 GYB registered?

F538 GYB is a 1989 Talbot Express, first registered on 31 December 1989.

Is F538 GYB safe to buy?

The MOT history for F538 GYB shows 34 tests with a 52.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F538 GYB have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on F538 GYB. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.