Honda Accord (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 60 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1997cc36 years old60 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

80% 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 falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

80% of MOT tests on Honda Accords from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 60 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 94,120 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models102nd of 182(bottom half)

Rank among Honda models268th of 402(bottom half)

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

vs 1990 models average+1%(79% avg)

vs Honda average-4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

94,120

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Honda Accord had 94,120 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 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1990 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Accord by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	91%	33	22,983 mi
2019	88%	52	67,854 mi
2018	94%	31	73,072 mi
2017	94%	35	86,553 mi
2016	88%	43	97,345 mi
2015	89%	271	81,606 mi
2014	85%	749	87,396 mi
2013	81%	907	97,568 mi
2012	81%	2,112	113,227 mi
2011	82%	2,295	119,584 mi
2010	81%	2,197	125,954 mi
2009	78%	5,596	129,840 mi
2008	77%	5,176	132,715 mi
2007	74%	5,915	136,128 mi
2006	72%	5,204	138,856 mi
2005	74%	5,384	133,682 mi
2004	72%	4,569	134,145 mi
2003	72%	2,962	129,469 mi
2002	68%	1,035	104,275 mi
2001	69%	1,077	103,074 mi
2000	67%	1,358	103,738 mi
1999	71%	1,533	104,025 mi
1998	72%	615	103,030 mi
1997	68%	258	91,465 mi
1996	67%	178	111,129 mi
1995	82%	122	116,256 mi
1994	72%	87	102,804 mi
1993	67%	73	102,106 mi
1992	80%	81	107,686 mi
1991	74%	86	103,994 mi
1990	80%	60	94,120 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

same

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+4%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+5%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-2%

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About the 1990 Honda Accord

The 1990 Honda Accord is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 60 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 94,120 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Honda Accord?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Accord Reliability Trend

Newer Honda Accords pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Honda Accord

At 36 years old, the Honda Accord 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 60 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 94k 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 Honda Accord 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
Honda Accord(1990)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£233
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83

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 Honda Accord

Is the 1990 Honda Accord reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 1990 Honda Accords ended in a pass, from 60 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Honda Accord cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 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 1990 Honda Accord?

80% of 60 MOT tests on the 1990 Honda Accord ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 102nd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (bottom half).

Which year Honda Accord has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 Honda Accord has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1996 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Honda Accord?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Honda Accord is 94,120 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.