CarCostCheck

HONDA PRELUDE (1991)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 141 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1958cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1958cc35 years old141 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1958cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1958cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.

At 35 years old, 78% of HONDA PRELUDEs 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 108,003 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars102th of 179(top 57%)
Rank among HONDA models296th of 422(top 70%)
vs national average-4%(82% avg)
vs 1991 cars average+0%(78% avg)
vs HONDA average-6%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,003

Average miles

vs

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 HONDA PRELUDE has 108,003 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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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1991 sits between the two at 78%.

HONDA PRELUDE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200077%284102,974 mi
199970%550111,821 mi
199871%516112,825 mi
199773%512112,419 mi
199683%84100,136 mi
199562%94114,542 mi
199483%70104,487 mi
199374%9798,396 mi
199293%12799,113 mi
199178%141108,003 mi
199084%10597,614 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1991 HONDA PRELUDE

The 1991 HONDA PRELUDE is a family car with a 1958cc 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 108,003 miles at 35 years old, 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.

1991 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 £1,327 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 HONDA PRELUDE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 10 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1991 HONDA PRELUDE

At 35 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

Based on the 1991 HONDA PRELUDE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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.

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 108k 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 1991 HONDA PRELUDE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
HONDA PRELUDE(1991)78%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£330
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)84%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£330
FORD ESCORT(1990)85%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1677-£520
MAZDA MX-5(1991)78%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370

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 Honda Models

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