TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2498cc Diesel
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 12 points below average.
Check a specific TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2498cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the TALBOT brand average of 66%.
At 35 years old, 70% of TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 Ds from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,230 miles.
Got a TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,230
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D has 82,230 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.
Looking at a specific TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D?
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 74% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1991 sits between the two at 70%.
TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Talbot Express 1500 d
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 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D
The 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D is a large car with a 2498cc diesel engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 1991 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 82,230 miles at 35 years old, TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D 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 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D Fuel Costs
The 2498cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D Reliability Trend
The TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D
At 35 years old, the TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D 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 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 74%. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 82k 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 1991 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D(1991) | 70% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| LAND ROVER DEFENDER(1991) | 76% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| TALBOT EXPRESS(1993) | 66% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2250+£55 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1992) | 70% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| MERCEDES 300(1991) | 81% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
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 Talbot Models
Explore other Talbot cars or similar models in the same category.
TALBOT EXPRESS
1993 · 2500cc Diesel
TALBOT EXPRESS 1300 D
1992 · 2498cc Diesel
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
1991 · 2500cc Diesel
TALBOT EXPRESS
1993 · 2500cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
1992 · 2370cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Talbot Express 1500 d.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest 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
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 TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a TALBOT EXPRESS 1500 D? 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