CITROEN AX (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,230
£103/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
954cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1230/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 954cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 35 years old, 92% of CITROEN AXs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,954 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
75,954
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 CITROEN AX has 75,954 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 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1991 sits between the two at 92%.
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 with a 954cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 75,954 miles at 35 years old, 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 £955 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 CITROEN AX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,230 (£103/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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
The CITROEN AX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
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 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 CITROEN AX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN AX(1991) | 92% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1230 |
| ROVER MINI(1990) | 80% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£160 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572+£342 |
| NISSAN FIGARO(1991) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£310 |
| FORD FIESTA(1991) | 84% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£160 |
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 Citroen Models
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ROVER MINI
1990 · 998cc Petrol
PEUGEOT 205
1990 · 1360cc Petrol
NISSAN FIGARO
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