Audi 90 (1991)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 70 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,588
£216/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2309cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
90% of MOT tests on Audi 90s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 70 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,737 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,737
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1991 Audi 90 had 110,737 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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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About the 1991 Audi 90
The 1991 Audi 90 is a premium car. Our records list a 2309cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 70 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 110,737 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi 90 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 90 Fuel Costs
The 2309cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 Audi 90?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1991 Audi 90
At 35 years old, the Audi 90 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. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger 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 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 111k 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 90 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi 90(1991) | 90% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 25-38 | £2,588 |
| BMW 3 Series(1990) | 84% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£177 |
| Mercedes 190 E(1992) | 79% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561-£27 |
| Saab 900(1993) | 73% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561-£27 |
| Ford Escort(1993) | 83% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411-£177 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1991 Audi 90
Is the 1991 Audi 90 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 1991 Audi 90s ended in a pass, from 70 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1991 Audi 90 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Audi 90?
90% of 70 MOT tests on the 1991 Audi 90 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 31st of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 19%).
What is the average mileage for a 1991 Audi 90?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Audi 90 is 110,737 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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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