Suzuki Vitara (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 72 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1590cc35 years old72 tests59k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1590cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

75% of MOT tests on Suzuki Vitaras from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 72 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 59,290 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models125th of 172(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models200th of 305(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average-4%(79% avg)

vs Suzuki average-7%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

59,290

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Suzuki Vitara had 59,290 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1991 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Suzuki Vitara by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	100%	72	22,420 mi
2020	95%	4,235	27,215 mi
2019	93%	20,279	34,769 mi
2018	91%	19,013	43,397 mi
2017	90%	18,219	52,028 mi
2016	89%	17,560	60,293 mi
2015	87%	8,946	67,238 mi
2012	81%	48	79,931 mi
2011	69%	96	79,926 mi
2010	81%	37	73,858 mi
2009	78%	93	90,408 mi
2008	76%	131	99,249 mi
2007	73%	79	86,898 mi
2006	71%	48	100,718 mi
2005	67%	165	105,427 mi
2004	72%	153	104,538 mi
2003	66%	122	97,237 mi
2002	68%	156	104,850 mi
2001	67%	123	99,320 mi
2000	63%	198	81,169 mi
1999	67%	629	87,489 mi
1998	71%	554	96,676 mi
1997	77%	256	78,489 mi
1996	75%	333	91,162 mi
1995	71%	388	87,987 mi
1994	73%	316	70,294 mi
1993	69%	153	49,039 mi
1992	80%	132	52,908 mi
1991	75%	72	59,290 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+5%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+9%

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-1%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+10%

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About the 1991 Suzuki Vitara

The 1991 Suzuki Vitara is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 72 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 59,290 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Vitara 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 Suzuki Vitara Fuel Costs

The 1590cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Suzuki Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Suzuki Vitara Reliability Trend

Newer Suzuki Vitaras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1991 Suzuki Vitara

At 35 years old, the Suzuki Vitara 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 72 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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.

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 Suzuki Vitara 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
Suzuki Vitara(1991)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£83
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£145
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£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 Suzuki Vitara

Is the 1991 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1991 Suzuki Vitaras ended in a pass, from 72 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Suzuki Vitara?

75% of 72 MOT tests on the 1991 Suzuki Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 125th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (bottom half).

Which year Suzuki Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Suzuki Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Suzuki Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Suzuki Vitara is 59,290 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.