Vauxhall Astra (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 290 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc35 years old290 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

89% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astras from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 290 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,574 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models36th of 172(top 21%)

Rank among Vauxhall models341st of 870(top half)

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

vs 1991 models average+10%(79% avg)

vs Vauxhall average+5%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,574

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Vauxhall Astra had 82,574 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1991 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,411/year

80%

-9%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

-5%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

-4%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-11%

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About the 1991 Vauxhall Astra

The 1991 Vauxhall Astra is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 290 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 82,574 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1991 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 £1,631 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 Vauxhall Astra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Astra Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Astras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1991 Vauxhall Astra

At 35 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

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 35 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 83k 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 Vauxhall Astra 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
Vauxhall Astra(1991)	89%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£233
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83

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 Vauxhall Astra

Is the 1991 Vauxhall Astra reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 1991 Vauxhall Astras ended in a pass, from 290 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Vauxhall Astra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 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 Vauxhall Astra?

89% of 290 MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Astra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 36th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 21%).

Which year Vauxhall Astra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Astra has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Vauxhall Astra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Astra is 82,574 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.