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VAUXHALL BRAVA (1993)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3528cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol3528cc33 years old32 tests133k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3528cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3528cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.

At 33 years old, 88% of VAUXHALL BRAVAs from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 133,031 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1993 cars34th of 194(top 18%)
Rank among VAUXHALL models403th of 882(top 46%)
vs national average+6%(82% avg)
vs 1993 cars average+12%(76% avg)
vs VAUXHALL average+4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,031

Average miles

vs

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA has 133,031 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1993 sits between the two at 88%.

VAUXHALL BRAVA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200271%4291,988 mi
200176%92107,383 mi
200072%87105,028 mi
199983%148106,415 mi
199872%164122,268 mi
199782%136124,719 mi
199684%50134,039 mi
199571%34117,909 mi
199388%32133,031 mi

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About the 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA

The 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA is a performance with a 3528cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1993 cars for reliability.

With an average of 133,031 miles at 33 years old, VAUXHALL BRAVA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA Fuel Costs

The 3528cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VAUXHALL BRAVA Reliability Trend

The VAUXHALL BRAVA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA

At 33 years old, the VAUXHALL BRAVA 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 33 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Watch out

With an average of 133k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 1993 VAUXHALL BRAVA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VAUXHALL BRAVA(1993)88%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
MERCEDES E(1995)79%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
PORSCHE 911(1995)89%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1994)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
JAGUAR XJS(1995)89%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510

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 Vauxhall Models

Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.

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