Toyota Corolla (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 180 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1587cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1587cc35 years old180 tests82k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1587cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/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

84% 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.

84% of MOT tests on Toyota Corollas from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 180 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 81,805 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models63rd of 172(top half)

Rank among Toyota models492nd of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+5%(79% avg)

vs Toyota average+0%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

81,805

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Toyota Corolla had 81,805 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 1995 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1991 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Corolla by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	100%	75	18,202 mi
2022	94%	401	42,043 mi
2021	94%	1,308	39,747 mi
2020	95%	2,524	57,912 mi
2019	93%	24,005	58,242 mi
2018	95%	86	48,003 mi
2017	93%	57	61,135 mi
2016	94%	79	90,072 mi
2015	89%	76	90,127 mi
2014	88%	122	71,225 mi
2012	78%	32	128,314 mi
2011	80%	40	100,568 mi
2010	80%	170	112,661 mi
2009	79%	2,149	118,336 mi
2008	79%	5,732	126,408 mi
2007	77%	7,949	119,960 mi
2006	77%	21,442	106,653 mi
2005	76%	19,418	108,282 mi
2004	73%	13,180	106,596 mi
2003	72%	9,687	104,448 mi
2002	74%	6,605	104,736 mi
2001	76%	3,343	97,253 mi
2000	75%	2,046	97,694 mi
1999	73%	3,483	102,510 mi
1998	72%	3,048	101,653 mi
1997	76%	1,582	102,772 mi
1996	80%	528	100,779 mi
1995	67%	522	98,779 mi
1994	76%	533	104,731 mi
1993	78%	469	107,208 mi
1992	81%	414	101,100 mi
1991	84%	180	81,805 mi
1990	81%	209	88,425 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

same

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-10%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+1%

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About the 1991 Toyota Corolla

The 1991 Toyota Corolla is a small family car. Our records list a 1587cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 180 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 81,805 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla Fuel Costs

The 1587cc 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 Toyota Corolla?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 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.

Toyota Corolla Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Corollas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1991 Toyota Corolla

At 35 years old, the Toyota Corolla 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%.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With 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 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 Toyota Corolla 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
Toyota Corolla(1991)	84%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

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 Toyota Corolla

Is the 1991 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1991 Toyota Corollas ended in a pass, from 180 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Toyota Corolla cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 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 1991 Toyota Corolla?

84% of 180 MOT tests on the 1991 Toyota Corolla ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 63rd of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

Which year Toyota Corolla has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Toyota Corolla has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1995 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Toyota Corolla?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Toyota Corolla is 81,805 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.