Citroen Ax (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1360cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1360cc36 years old56 tests82k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1360cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Citroen brand average of 79%.

88% of MOT tests on Citroen Axs from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 56 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 81,835 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models29th of 182(top 16%)

Rank among Citroen models146th of 589(top 25%)

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

vs 1990 models average+9%(79% avg)

vs Citroen average+9%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

81,835

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Citroen Ax had 81,835 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1990 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen Ax by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	80%	40	67,349 mi
1996	71%	199	67,593 mi
1995	77%	243	68,482 mi
1994	73%	117	81,190 mi
1993	68%	106	82,470 mi
1992	62%	90	92,686 mi
1991	92%	49	75,954 mi
1990	88%	56	81,835 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-8%

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

-8%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

-3%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

-8%

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About the 1990 Citroen Ax

The 1990 Citroen Ax is a small family car. Our records list a 1360cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 56 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 81,835 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Ax 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 Ax Fuel Costs

The 1360cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Ax?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen Ax Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen Axs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Citroen Ax

At 36 years old, the Citroen Ax 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 56 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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 82k 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.

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 Ax 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 Ax(1990)	88%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£378
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£223
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178+£145
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033same

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 Ax

Is the 1990 Citroen Ax reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1990 Citroen Axs ended in a pass, from 56 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Citroen Ax cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Citroen Ax?

88% of 56 MOT tests on the 1990 Citroen Ax ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 29th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 16%).

Which year Citroen Ax has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Citroen Ax has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1993 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Citroen Ax?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Citroen Ax is 81,835 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.