CarCostCheck

Land Rover Range Rover (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 445 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3950cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol3950cc36 years old445 tests122k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3950cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,738
Per month£228/mo
Per week£53/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

87% 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.

87% of MOT tests on Land Rover Range Rovers from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 445 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,514 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models33rd of 182(top 19%)
Rank among Land Rover models452nd of 599(bottom 25%)
vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)
vs 1990 models average+8%(79% avg)
vs Land Rover average-3%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,514

Average miles

vs

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Land Rover Range Rover had 121,514 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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1990 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Land Rover Range Rover by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202194%2,23832,814 mi
202093%9,57839,387 mi
201994%15,07347,374 mi
201893%17,09155,725 mi
201791%16,00767,053 mi
201689%15,43175,342 mi
201590%18,19383,566 mi
201490%18,40891,266 mi
201388%27,42696,433 mi
201285%11,279104,314 mi
201183%9,884113,246 mi
201085%8,536117,917 mi
200983%6,616126,001 mi
200881%6,161134,655 mi
200782%9,247139,113 mi
200680%8,231138,207 mi
200579%6,574145,818 mi
200478%6,387142,710 mi
200377%4,923144,388 mi
200278%2,840138,390 mi
200180%2,198131,486 mi
200081%1,724136,195 mi
199979%2,067136,006 mi
199876%1,954134,955 mi
199778%1,748141,516 mi
199680%1,198148,041 mi
199579%1,060149,693 mi
199480%1,086140,134 mi
199381%1,021137,538 mi
199285%555122,921 mi
199185%604124,489 mi
199087%445121,514 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1990 Land Rover Range Rover

The 1990 Land Rover Range Rover is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3950cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 445 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 19% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 121,514 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Land Rover Range Rover 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 Land Rover Range Rover Fuel Costs

The 3950cc 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 1990 Land Rover Range Rover?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Land Rover Range Rover Reliability Trend

Newer Land Rover Range Rovers pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Land Rover Range Rover

At 36 years old, the Land Rover Range Rover 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger 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 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 122k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Land Rover Range Rover stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Land Rover Range Rover(1990)87%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738
Porsche 911(1990)91%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,588-£150
Jaguar XJS(1992)78%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,888+£150
TVR Griffith(1992)88%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1992)82%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738same

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 Land Rover Range Rover

Is the 1990 Land Rover Range Rover reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1990 Land Rover Range Rovers ended in a pass, from 445 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Land Rover Range Rover cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 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 Land Rover Range Rover?

87% of 445 MOT tests on the 1990 Land Rover Range Rover ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 33rd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 19%).

Which year Land Rover Range Rover has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Land Rover Range Rover has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1998 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Land Rover Range Rover?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Land Rover Range Rover is 121,514 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.

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Explore other Land Rover cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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