Citroen BX (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 141 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1580cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1580cc35 years old141 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1580cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

84% of MOT tests on Citroen BXs from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 141 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 128,919 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models66th of 172(top half)

Rank among Citroen models222nd of 589(top half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+5%(79% avg)

vs Citroen average+5%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

128,919

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Citroen BX had 128,919 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Citroen BX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	77%	111	151,888 mi
1992	73%	153	135,676 mi
1991	84%	141	128,919 mi
1990	77%	151	127,972 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

same

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-10%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+1%

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About the 1991 Citroen BX

The 1991 Citroen BX is a small family car. Our records list a 1580cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 141 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 128,919 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen BX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

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 £1,398 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 1991 Citroen BX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 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

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

Watch out

With 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 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 1991 Citroen BX 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 BX(1991)	84%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

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 BX

Is the 1991 Citroen BX reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1991 Citroen BXs ended in a pass, from 141 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Citroen BX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 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 1991 Citroen BX?

84% of 141 MOT tests on the 1991 Citroen BX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 66th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

Which year Citroen BX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Citroen BX has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 1992 the lowest at 73%. 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 BX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Citroen BX is 128,919 miles, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.