AUDI 80 (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 92 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1781cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1781cc
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
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 35 years old, 83% of AUDI 80s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 92 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,786 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,786
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 AUDI 80 has 115,786 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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 1990 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1991 sits between the two at 83%.
AUDI 80 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 AUDI 80
The 1991 AUDI 80 is a premium with a 1781cc petrol engine. 92 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 115,786 miles at 35 years old, AUDI 80 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.
1991 AUDI 80 Fuel Costs
The 1781cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 AUDI 80?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 80 Reliability Trend
The AUDI 80 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 AUDI 80
At 35 years old, the AUDI 80 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 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 AUDI 80's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 116k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1991 AUDI 80 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUDI 80(1991) | 83% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| ROVER MINI(1992) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
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
Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
1990 · 1990cc Petrol
FORD ESCORT
1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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