1994 Talbot Express: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1994 Talbot Expresss, from 670 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1994 Talbot Expresss than on all cars registered in 1994.
- Wheel bearings2.8× usualTalbot Express20.1% All 1994 cars7.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usualTalbot Express17.3% All 1994 cars4.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt 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× usualTalbot Express19.7% All 1994 cars8.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Rigid brake pipes1.7× usualTalbot Express22.2% All 1994 cars12.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.6% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usualTalbot Express15.5% All 1994 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3.9% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 1994 Talbot Express MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics48% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes47% 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.
- Suspension40% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions22% 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.
- Rust and bodywork20% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 936 | Lights and electrics 50% |
| 1992 | 915 | Lights and electrics 49% |
| 1991 | 827 | Lights and electrics 48% |
| 1990 | 724 | Lights and electrics 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1994 Talbot Expresss registered in 1994. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score