1988 Austin MINI Designer 1.0L Petrol · F398 DKJ
1988 Austin MINI Designer (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 1988. Recorded mileage 86,986 miles. MOT expired on 07 Jun 2024.
- Make & Model
- AUSTIN MINI DESIGNER
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Jun 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (15 Jul 2023)
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,986 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.0L
- 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.
F398 DKJ Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/06/2023
- 86,986 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
F398 DKJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1988 Austin Mini Designer (F398 DKJ) between June 2023 and June 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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 of th
When viewing this Mini, prioritise a detailed inspection of the bodywork. Classic Minis are notorious for rust in the subframes, sills, door bottoms, and around the windscreen seals. Ensure you bring a torch and a magnet to check for any signs of historical body filler or poor-quality repairs.
Ask the seller for any paper-based service history that predates the digital MOT system. As the digital record only shows the 2023 test, you have no evidence of how the vehicle was maintained or serviced during the vast majority of its life. Check that the 998cc engine starts from cold without excessive smoke or unusual knocking sounds.
The 998cc engine is relatively economical by modern standards, though parts availability for a vehicle of this vintage can be variable. Insurance may be cheaper if you qualify for a classic car policy, which often limits annual mileage but reduces premiums significantly.
Maintenance costs are difficult to predict for a 1988 vehicle. You should budget for regular preventative maintenance and potential repairs to ageing rubber seals, hoses, and electrical components. Factor in the cost of professional inspections to ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy.
Focus your inspection on the structural integrity of the vehicle. Pay close attention to the front and rear subframes, as corrosion here can be a significant failure point. Inspect the floor pans from underneath to ensure they have not been compromised by rust.
While the 2023 MOT was a pass with no defects recorded, this does not guarantee the current condition of the vehicle. Check all rubber gaiters, suspension bushes, and brake lines, as these can perish over time regardless of whether the car has been driven frequently or left in storage.
This 1988 Austin Mini Designer, finished in black, has covered 86,986 miles according to its most recent MOT test in June 2023. As a classic vehicle, its history is limited to the records available in the modern digital system. It represents a specific slice of British motoring history, but prospective buyers should account for the inherent risks associated with a 38-year-old vehicle.
There is no aggregate MOT data available for the Austin Mini Designer, reflecting its status as a classic vehicle that predates modern digital record-keeping.
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
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (F398 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as F398DKJ.
BEDFORD
MIDI
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
MZ
VAUXHALL
RASCAL
JAGUAR
XJS
MAZDA
626
YAMAHA
FZR1000
SUBARU
284 4WD PICK UP
FORD
ORION
BMW
M3
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.