Honda NSX (1991)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 141 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,588
£216/month
MOT Pass Rate
99%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2970cc Petrol
Great Choice
99% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 17 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 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 17 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Honda brand average of 84%.
99% of MOT tests on Honda NSXs 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 68,904 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
68,904
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1991 Honda NSX had 68,904 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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Honda NSX by Year
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About the 1991 Honda NSX
The 1991 Honda NSX is a large car. Our records list a 2970cc 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. It ranks in the top 4% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 68,904 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX Fuel Costs
The 2970cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 Honda NSX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 99% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1991 Honda NSX
At 35 years old, the Honda NSX 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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 Honda NSX 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 NSX(1991) | 99% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,588 |
| Mercedes 300(1992) | 83% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738+£150 |
| Porsche 911(1991) | 91% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588same |
| Porsche 944(1990) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738+£150 |
| Porsche 968(1993) | 85% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,738+£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 Honda NSX
Is the 1991 Honda NSX reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 99% of MOT tests on 1991 Honda NSXs ended in a pass, from 141 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1991 Honda NSX cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 Honda NSX?
99% of 141 MOT tests on the 1991 Honda NSX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 6th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 4%).
Which year Honda NSX has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Honda NSX has the highest MOT pass rate at 99% and the 2017 the lowest at 98%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1991 Honda NSX?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Honda NSX is 68,904 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 Honda Models
Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.
Honda Civic
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
Honda Jazz
2009 · 1300cc Petrol
Honda CR-V
2007 · 1998cc Petrol
Mercedes 300
1992 · 2996cc Petrol
Porsche 911
1991 · 3164cc Petrol
Porsche 944
1990 · 2969cc Petrol
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