LANCIA DELTA (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 162 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
Check a specific LANCIA DELTA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1995cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this LANCIA DELTA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 36 years old, 84% of LANCIA DELTAs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 162 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,346 miles.
Got a LANCIA DELTA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,346
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 LANCIA DELTA has 83,346 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific LANCIA DELTA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1993 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 84%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
LANCIA DELTA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Lancia Delta
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 1990 LANCIA DELTA
The 1990 LANCIA DELTA is a family car with a 1995cc petrol engine. 162 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 83,346 miles at 36 years old, LANCIA DELTA 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 LANCIA DELTA Fuel Costs
The 1995cc 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 1990 LANCIA DELTA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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.
LANCIA DELTA Reliability Trend
The LANCIA DELTA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 LANCIA DELTA
At 36 years old, the LANCIA DELTA 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
Based on the 1990 LANCIA DELTA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-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 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 1990 LANCIA DELTA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LANCIA DELTA(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1991) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
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 Lancia Models
Explore other Lancia cars or similar models in the same category.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Lancia Delta.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific LANCIA DELTA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a LANCIA DELTA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data