Honda Prelude (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 105 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1958cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1958cc36 years old105 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1958cc)

~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

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.

84% of MOT tests on Honda Preludes from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 105 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,614 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models60th of 182(top half)

Rank among Honda models215th of 402(bottom half)

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

vs 1990 models average+5%(79% avg)

vs Honda average+0%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,614

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Honda Prelude had 97,614 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 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1990 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Prelude by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2000	77%	284	102,974 mi
1999	70%	550	111,821 mi
1998	71%	516	112,825 mi
1997	73%	512	112,419 mi
1996	83%	84	100,136 mi
1995	62%	94	114,542 mi
1994	83%	70	104,487 mi
1993	74%	97	98,396 mi
1992	93%	127	99,113 mi
1991	78%	141	108,003 mi
1990	84%	105	97,614 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

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+1%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-6%

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About the 1990 Honda Prelude

The 1990 Honda Prelude is a family car. Our records list a 1958cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 105 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 97,614 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Prelude 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 Prelude Fuel Costs

The 1958cc 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 Prelude?

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 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Prelude Reliability Trend

Older Honda Preludes tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 12 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1990 Honda Prelude

At 36 years old, the Honda Prelude 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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 98k 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 Prelude 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 Prelude(1990)	84%	£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 Prelude

Is the 1990 Honda Prelude reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1990 Honda Preludes ended in a pass, from 105 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 1990 Honda Prelude 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 Prelude?

84% of 105 MOT tests on the 1990 Honda Prelude ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

Which year Honda Prelude has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Honda Prelude has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 70%. 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 Prelude?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Honda Prelude is 97,614 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.