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AUDI 100 (1990)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 58 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2226cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2226cc36 years old58 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2226cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2226cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

83% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.

At 36 years old, 83% of AUDI 100s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 58 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,885 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 cars72th of 190(top 38%)
Rank among AUDI models924th of 1,079(top 86%)
vs national average+1%(82% avg)
vs 1990 cars average+4%(79% avg)
vs AUDI average-7%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,885

Average miles

vs

266,400

Expected for age

The average 1990 AUDI 100 has 129,885 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1991 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1990 sits between the two at 83%.

AUDI 100 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199477%95165,828 mi
199379%43167,094 mi
199292%49156,538 mi
199189%54129,101 mi
199083%58129,885 mi

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About the 1990 AUDI 100

The 1990 AUDI 100 is a premium with a 2226cc petrol engine. 58 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 129,885 miles at 36 years old, AUDI 100 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 AUDI 100 Fuel Costs

The 2226cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 AUDI 100?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

AUDI 100 Reliability Trend

The AUDI 100 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 AUDI 100

At 36 years old, the AUDI 100 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 58 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1990 AUDI 100's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 130k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1990 AUDI 100 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
AUDI 100(1990)83%£1592£430Grp 25-38£2427
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£560
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)84%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£560
MERCEDES 190 E(1992)79%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£410
VOLVO 900 SERIES(1992)70%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£410

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Audi Models

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Related Guides

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