Citroen Ax (1991)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,660
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£230
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
954cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1,660/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 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 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Citroen brand average of 79%.
92% of MOT tests on Citroen Axs from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 75,954 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
75,954
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1991 Citroen Ax had 75,954 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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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 1991 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Citroen Ax by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 Citroen Ax
The 1991 Citroen Ax is a city car. Our records list a 954cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 75,954 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.
1991 Citroen Ax Fuel Costs
The modest 954cc 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 1991 Citroen Ax?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,660 (£138/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 1991 Citroen Ax
At 35 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 49 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.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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.
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 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(1991) | 92% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,660 |
| Rover Mini(1990) | 80% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,810+£150 |
| Peugeot 205(1990) | 80% | £1,398 | £230 | Grp 8-20 | £2,033+£373 |
| Nissan Figaro(1991) | 79% | £1,175 | £230 | Grp 1-8 | £1,960+£300 |
| Ford Fiesta(1991) | 84% | £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 1991 Citroen Ax
Is the 1991 Citroen Ax reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 1991 Citroen Axs ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1991 Citroen Ax cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,660 a year (£138 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 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 Citroen Ax?
92% of 49 MOT tests on the 1991 Citroen Ax ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 20th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 12%).
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 1991 Citroen Ax?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Citroen Ax is 75,954 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.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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2010 · 1398cc Diesel
Rover Mini
1990 · 998cc Petrol
Peugeot 205
1990 · 1360cc Petrol
Nissan Figaro
1991 · 980cc Petrol
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