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J531 SPY

1991 Talbot Express

White Petrol 2500cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires11 Jul 2025
Tests32 (17 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate53.1%

Mileage

90,156 mi
Last recorded90,156 miles
Recorded on29 Jul 2025
Typical for 1991 Talbot Express71,041 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Talbot
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ531 SPY
MakeTalbot
ModelExpress
Year1991
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,500cc

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

17 pass 15 fail
Fail 29 Jul 2025 90,156 miles

Indicator switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength suspension arm lower cross member mounting (marked with chalk) (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Jacking point (Marked with chalk) (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength suspension arm Lower cross member mounting (marked with chalk) (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area so inadequately repaired that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected Cross member (Marked with chalk) (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Vehicle undersealed front to rear

Both rear leaf springs corroded

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (i))

N/s/f inner wheel arch has corrosion Not in prescribed area

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Leaf spring mounting (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Pass 12 Jul 2024 88,860 miles

Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Underside undersealed

Pass 4 May 2023 88,480 miles
Fail 2 May 2023 88,480 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Pass 25 May 2022 87,942 miles

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

repairs undersealed

undersealed

Pass 20 Apr 2021 87,674 miles

all underbody undersealed

Pass 13 Apr 2019 89,274 miles

Nearside Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 13 Apr 2019 89,274 miles

Nearside Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Pass 15 Sep 2017 87,237 miles

o/s/f door slightly corroded

Fail 13 Sep 2017 87,237 miles

Brake load sensing valve inoperative link bar missing (3.6.E.3)

Central Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

o/s/f door slightly corroded

Pass 4 Oct 2016 86,623 miles
Fail 23 Sep 2016 86,621 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

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

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 28 Aug 2015 84,844 miles
Pass 25 Sep 2014 83,251 miles
Fail 15 Sep 2014 83,251 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

Nearside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

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

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

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

Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Fail 12 Aug 2014 83,855 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Fail 22 Jul 2014 83,855 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Brake load sensing valve inoperative (3.6.E.3)

Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Fuel cap/sealing device missing (7.2.4a)

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

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

Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

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

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

Offside Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Towbar component excessively corroded (6.6.1)

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

bonnet secondary safty catch defective

offside front outrigger corroded and holed outside prescribed area

Pass 30 Aug 2013 82,484 miles

corrosion on drivers door and general corrosion on under side of vehicle

Fail 22 Aug 2013 82,484 miles

Centre Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

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

Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

corrosion on drivers door and general corrosion on under side of vehicle

Pass 2 Aug 2012 80,299 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Temporary fuel cap fitted

various points off corrsion on underside of vehical

Fail 6 Jun 2012 80,297 miles

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

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

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

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

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Inner Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Towbar component excessively corroded (6.6.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Temporary fuel cap fitted

various areas of corrosion on underside of vehicle

Pass 7 Jun 2011 77,930 miles
Fail 1 Jun 2011 77,930 miles

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

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2010 77,088 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

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

Offside Rear Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 3 Aug 2009 74,662 miles
Fail 3 Aug 2009 74,660 miles

Brake pipe fouled by moving parts (3.6.B.2a)

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

Fail 13 Jul 2009 74,646 miles

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

Offside Front Brake pipe fouled by moving parts (3.6.B.2a)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

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

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3) DANGEROUS

Pass 14 Jul 2008 72,508 miles
Pass 13 Jul 2007 71,331 miles
Fail 10 Jul 2007 71,328 miles

Centre Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively chafed (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b)

Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

Oil leak

n/s/r+o/s/r leaf spring's weak

o/s/f+n/s/f flexi's not clipped properly causing them to chaff

rear shockers corroded

Pass 11 Jul 2006 65,831 miles
Fail 3 Jul 2006 65,830 miles

Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated (7.1.1a)

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

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

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

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

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

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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J531 SPY is a 1991 Talbot Express in White with a 2,500cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.1%.

Across all 1991 Talbot Express models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.3% with a typical mileage of 71,041 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 J531 SPY, 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 35 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 J531 SPY?

You can check the full history of J531 SPY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J531 SPY registered?

J531 SPY is a 1991 Talbot Express, first registered on 1 August 1991.

Is J531 SPY safe to buy?

The MOT history for J531 SPY shows 32 tests with a 53.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J531 SPY 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 J531 SPY. 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.