CITROEN BX (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 141 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1580cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1580cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 35 years old, 84% of CITROEN BXs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 141 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,919 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
128,919
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 CITROEN BX has 128,919 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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CITROEN BX by Year
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About the 1991 CITROEN BX
The 1991 CITROEN BX is a small family car with a 1580cc petrol engine. 141 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 128,919 miles at 35 years old, CITROEN BX 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 BX Fuel Costs
The 1580cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 BX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN BX Reliability Trend
Older CITROEN BXs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1991 CITROEN BX
At 35 years old, the CITROEN BX 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
Based on the 1991 CITROEN BX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 129k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 BX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN BX(1991) | 84% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867+£60 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867+£60 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£130 |
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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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
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