How much does a 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA?

The 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA has a 86% MOT pass rate based on 293 tests in 2026. This ranks 41 out of 190 cars from 1990.

Which year VAUXHALL ASTRA is most reliable?

The 2021 VAUXHALL ASTRA has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 69%.

VAUXHALL ASTRA (1990)

Q: Is the 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of VAUXHALL ASTRAs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 293 tests. That's 4 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA?

The average mileage for a 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA is 81,120 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 293 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1998cc36 years old293 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,047

Per month£171/mo

Per week£39/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 36 years old, 86% of VAUXHALL ASTRAs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 293 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,120 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 cars41th of 190(top 22%)

Rank among VAUXHALL models450th of 882(top 51%)

vs national average+4%(82% avg)

vs 1990 cars average+7%(79% avg)

vs VAUXHALL average+2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

81,120

Average miles

266,400

Expected for age

The average 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA has 81,120 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1990 sits between the two at 86%.

VAUXHALL ASTRA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	2,970	27,427 mi
2020	92%	4,475	26,991 mi
2019	89%	33,060	42,098 mi
2018	87%	51,686	52,807 mi
2017	87%	75,171	60,945 mi
2016	85%	92,988	67,472 mi
2015	80%	81,105	75,336 mi
2014	79%	90,897	83,696 mi
2013	79%	101,969	92,423 mi
2012	78%	91,949	99,582 mi
2011	76%	80,762	103,274 mi
2010	74%	92,611	101,930 mi
2009	72%	70,480	103,723 mi
2008	72%	73,447	110,589 mi
2007	71%	71,923	112,772 mi
2006	70%	44,771	110,721 mi
2005	69%	29,377	109,353 mi
2004	71%	15,813	105,208 mi
2003	72%	13,965	107,198 mi
2002	69%	10,704	106,657 mi
2001	71%	5,902	102,050 mi
2000	70%	3,065	102,733 mi
1999	69%	3,316	102,882 mi
1998	70%	1,873	95,727 mi
1997	71%	1,790	90,370 mi
1996	72%	988	94,211 mi
1995	74%	1,055	96,905 mi
1994	77%	750	95,369 mi
1993	77%	540	96,579 mi
1992	84%	207	90,202 mi
1991	89%	290	82,574 mi
1990	86%	293	81,120 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

-6%

BMW 3 SERIES

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£1,867/year

84%

-2%

FORD ESCORT

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,677/year

85%

-1%

MAZDA MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

-8%

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About the 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA

The 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 293 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 1990 cars for reliability.

With an average of 81,120 miles at 36 years old, VAUXHALL ASTRA 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 VAUXHALL ASTRA Fuel Costs

The 1998cc 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 VAUXHALL ASTRA?

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 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VAUXHALL ASTRA Reliability Trend

Newer VAUXHALL ASTRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA

At 36 years old, the VAUXHALL ASTRA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

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 81k 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 1990 VAUXHALL ASTRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VAUXHALL ASTRA(1990)	86%	£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.