1994 Talbot Express: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Talbot Express?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Talbot Express than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Talbot Express

  20.2% All 1994 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 1994 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.5× usual
  Talbot Express

  17% All 1994 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2% of all 1994 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 1994 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.6% of all 1994 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Talbot Express

  15% All 1994 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.9% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Headlights2.8× usual
  Talbot Express

  11% All 1994 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.7% of all 1994 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 1994 Talbot Express MOT failures and advisories

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 electrics
  48% 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
  37% 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 emissions
  23% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Talbot Express

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 2.8× as often on the 1994 Talbot Express as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1994 Talbot Express as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1994 Talbot Express as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?