The picture
Demio: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 973 MOT tests, the Demio returns 66.8% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a torn suspension dust cover round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 73,222, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
147 occurrences · 15.1% of tests
- 02
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
119 occurrences · 12.2% of tests
- 03
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
117 occurrences · 12.0% of tests
- 04
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
63 occurrences · 6.5% of tests
- 05
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
50 occurrences · 5.1% of tests
- 06
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
44 occurrences · 4.5% of tests
- 07
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
35 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
34 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 09
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
30 occurrences · 3.1% of tests
- 10
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
28 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£90–£320
If every one of this Demio's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Tools that pre-empt a retest.
Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Demio?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Demio and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.