1994 Ford Granada 2.9L Petrol · M981 DRG
1994 Ford Granada (2.9L, petrol). First registered 01/10/1994. Recorded mileage 131,922 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD GRANADA
- Year / Origin
- 1994 · Manchester
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21/12/2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 131,922 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1994
- Engine
- 2935cc
M981 DRG Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/12/2022
- 131,922 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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M981 DRG Mileage History
- 18/11/2021130,369 mi
- 19/11/2021130,373 mi+4 mi
- 07/12/2022131,912 mi+1,539 mi
- 22/12/2022131,922 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 1,422 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
M981 DRG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1994 Ford Granada (M981 DRG) between November 2021 and December 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 December 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired innersill (5.3.6 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired floor chalked (5.3.6 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired floor several places chalked (5.3.6”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This vehic
Given the documented history of structural failures, any potential purchase must be preceded by a thorough inspection by a specialist capable of assessing chassis integrity. Do not rely solely on the presence of underseal; it can often hide significant rot in the sills and suspension mounting points.
Negotiate based on the cost of ensuring the vehicle is structurally sound. Ask for documented evidence of the repairs mentioned in the December 2022 failure, specifically regarding the nearside and offside suspension component mountings and the seat belt anchorage areas. If these repairs were not carried out to professional structural standards, the vehicle may be unsafe.
As a 2.9L petrol engine, running costs for this Granada will be relatively high compared to modern standards. Expect significant fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving environments.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and type can be unpredictable. While basic mechanical parts may be available, the structural issues noted in the MOT history suggest that significant expenditure may be required to keep the vehicle roadworthy. Insurance groups for classic large saloons vary, but the engine size will influence the premium.
The primary focus must be on the structural integrity of the vehicle. Specifically, inspect the nearside and offside suspension component mountings, as the 2022 MOT failure highlighted both excessive corrosion and inadequate repairs to these areas. Pay close attention to the inner and outer sills.
Additionally, examine the seat belt anchorage points. The MOT history indicates previous issues where the strength or continuity of these anchorages was significantly reduced due to sill corrosion. Finally, check the brake lines and exhaust system, as both have been recorded as corroded or leaking in recent tests.
This 1994 Ford Granada, powered by a 2.9L petrol engine, presents a complex MOT history characterized by serious structural concerns. While it has covered 131,922 miles, the recent 2022 MOT failure records multiple instances of excessive corrosion and inadequate repairs to suspension mountings and seat belt anchorages. The presence of thick underseal may be an attempt to mask these underlying issues.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Ford Granada to provide a comparative benchmark.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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