1987 Isuzu Piazza 2.0L Petrol · D879 HUL
1987 Isuzu Piazza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 29 May 1987. Recorded mileage 30,640 miles. MOT valid until 29 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- ISUZU PIAZZA
- Year / Origin
- 1987 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Jul 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 30,640 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
D879 HUL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/07/2026
- 30,640 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
D879 HUL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1987 Isuzu Piazza (D879 HUL) between April 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 31 July 2026 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: Brakes (9 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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: “Brake performance unable to be tested brakes failed upon testing [hydraulic fluid leak ] (1.2.1 (g))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure outer side wall (5.2.3 (d) (ii)”; “Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure outer side wall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
D879 HUL Mileage History
- 27/04/202230,403 mi
- 14/05/202230,407 mi+4 mi
- 11/07/202330,636 mi+229 mi
- 28/07/202630,639 mi+3 mi
- 31/07/202630,640 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 56 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Isuzu Isuzu Piazza
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution given the age and rarity of this 1987 Isuzu Piazza. While the recent MOT history shows a clean pass, the vehicle's vintage status necessitates a thorough inspection for hidden structural issues.
As a classic Japanese sports coupe, the primary concern for this vehicle is the availability of parts and the integrity of the chassis. When viewing, ensure you inspect the underside thoroughly for signs of rust, as MOT tests do not always flag structural corrosion until it reaches a critical failure point. Check all electrical systems, as the Piazza is known for complex period electronics that can be difficult to source or repair.
Verify the service history to see if the low mileage is supported by documentation. A vehicle of this age that has covered so few miles may have spent significant periods off the road, which can lead to perished rubber seals, seized brake components, and fuel system degradation. Negotiate based on the need for a comprehensive mechanical inspection by a specialist familiar with 1980s Isuzu platforms.
Running a 1987 petrol vehicle involves considerations beyond modern economy. Fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre engine will be significantly higher than contemporary equivalents, and you should factor in the cost of premium or lead-replacement fuel if the engine has not been converted. Insurance may be cheaper if obtained through a classic car specialist, provided the vehicle is kept in a secure garage.
Maintenance costs are difficult to predict due to the rarity of the Piazza. Sourcing specific trim, body panels, or engine components may require importing parts from international markets, which will inflate repair bills. Budget for a higher annual contingency fund than you would for a modern car, as 'typical' maintenance costs are non-existent for such an uncommon model.
Focus your inspection on the bodywork and chassis. The 2022 MOT failure occurred at 30,403 miles; while no defects were listed, ensure the vehicle was not failed due to structural corrosion that has since been patched. Check the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans for any signs of bubbling paint or uneven repairs.
Under the bonnet, check for signs of leaking fluids and the condition of hoses and belts, which may be original or long overdue for replacement. Examine the interior for signs of dampness, as leaking window seals are common in older coupes and can lead to floor pan rot. Ensure all lights and dashboard instruments function correctly, as finding replacement switches or clusters for a 1987 Piazza can be a significant challenge.
This silver 1987 Isuzu Piazza with a 1994cc petrol engine presents a low-mileage profile with only 30,636 miles recorded. The MOT history shows a 2022 failure followed by two consecutive clean passes in 2022 and 2023. Given the vehicle is nearly 40 years old, the limited MOT data provided does not account for long-term storage or potential corrosion issues common in vehicles of this era.
There is no aggregate reliability data available for the Isuzu Piazza, making it difficult to benchmark against modern standards.
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
Common Problems: ISUZU PIAZZA
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Front Brake Caliper Slider Pin Seizure(Moderate)
The front single-piston floating brake calipers on the Piazza frequently suffer from seized sliding guide pins caused by water ingress, road grit, and heat degradation of the rubber pin gaiters. When the pins seize, the floating caliper can no longer centre itself over the rotor, forcing the single piston to push only the inboard pad against the disc. As the inboard pad wears down, the piston must travel excessively far out of its bore, causing extreme spongy pedal travel. Replacement Lotus-specification front discs are now virtually unobtainable, making early pin lubrication critical.
- Manual Gearbox Layshaft Bearing Whine(Moderate)
The five-speed manual transmission is notorious for premature wear of its layshaft bearings. The fault manifests as a distinct mechanical whining noise audible through the gear lever in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gears, as well as when idling in neutral with the clutch pedal released. Because 4th gear is direct drive, it bypasses the layshaft and remains quiet. Isuzu specified 10W-30 engine oil rather than standard heavy hypoid gear oil for this gearbox; using incorrect oil drastically accelerates bearing failure.
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ISUZU PIAZZA Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1987 model year cars.
- Front Brake Caliper Slider Pin SeizureModerate
The front single-piston floating brake calipers on the Piazza frequently suffer from seized sliding guide pins caused by water ingress, road grit, and heat degradation of the rubber pin gaiters. When the pins seize, the floating caliper can no longer centre itself over the rotor, forcing the single piston to push only the inboard pad against the disc. As the inboard pad wears down, the piston must travel excessively far out of its bore, causing extreme spongy pedal travel. Replacement Lotus-specification front discs are now virtually unobtainable, making early pin lubrication critical.
- Manual Gearbox Layshaft Bearing WhineModerate
The five-speed manual transmission is notorious for premature wear of its layshaft bearings. The fault manifests as a distinct mechanical whining noise audible through the gear lever in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gears, as well as when idling in neutral with the clutch pedal released. Because 4th gear is direct drive, it bypasses the layshaft and remains quiet. Isuzu specified 10W-30 engine oil rather than standard heavy hypoid gear oil for this gearbox; using incorrect oil drastically accelerates bearing failure.
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