Citroen 2CV (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 499 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,960

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

602cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,960/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol602cc36 years old499 tests49k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 602cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,960

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

76% of MOT tests on Citroen 2CVs from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 499 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,756 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models121st of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Citroen models332nd of 589(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average-3%(79% avg)

vs Citroen average-3%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,756

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Citroen 2CV had 48,756 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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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Similar Cars to Consider

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

+4%

Nissan Figaro

1991 · 980cc Petrol

£1,960/year

79%

+3%

Ford Fiesta

1991 · 999cc Petrol

£1,810/year

84%

+8%

Vauxhall Nova

1991 · 993cc Petrol

£1,810/year

83%

+7%

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About the 1990 Citroen 2CV

The 1990 Citroen 2CV is a city car. Our records list a 602cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 499 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 48,756 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen 2CV 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 Citroen 2CV Fuel Costs

The modest 602cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 1990 Citroen 2CV?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,960 (£163/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1990 Citroen 2CV

At 36 years old, the Citroen 2CV 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.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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.

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 Citroen 2CV 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
Citroen 2CV(1990)	76%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£150
Nissan Figaro(1991)	79%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960same
Ford Fiesta(1991)	84%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£150
Vauxhall Nova(1991)	83%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£150

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 1990 Citroen 2CV

Is the 1990 Citroen 2CV reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 1990 Citroen 2CVs ended in a pass, from 499 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Citroen 2CV cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,960 a year (£163 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Citroen 2CV?

76% of 499 MOT tests on the 1990 Citroen 2CV ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 121st of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Citroen 2CV?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Citroen 2CV is 48,756 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.