VAUXHALL ASTRA (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 290 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
290
Avg Mileage
82,574 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 33 years old, 89% of VAUXHALL ASTRAs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 290 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,574 miles.
How does the 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA has 82,574 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a VAUXHALL ASTRA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1991 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific VAUXHALL ASTRA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA
The 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 290 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 20% of all 1991 cars for reliability.
With an average of 82,574 miles at 33 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.
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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA
At 33 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%.
Alternatives to the 1991 VAUXHALL ASTRA
The VAUXHALL ASTRA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-9%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-5%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (-4%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (-11%) from 1,798 tests