Vauxhall Brava (1993)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3528cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,738/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

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

88% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Bravas from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 32 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,031 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1993 models33rd of 188(top 18%)

Rank among Vauxhall models402nd of 870(top half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 1993 models average+12%(76% avg)

vs Vauxhall average+4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,031

Average miles

229,400

Expected for age

The average 1993 Vauxhall Brava had 133,031 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1993 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Brava by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2002	71%	42	91,988 mi
2001	76%	92	107,383 mi
2000	72%	87	105,028 mi
1999	83%	148	106,415 mi
1998	72%	164	122,268 mi
1997	82%	136	124,719 mi
1996	84%	50	134,039 mi
1995	71%	34	117,909 mi
1993	88%	32	133,031 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-9%

Porsche 911

1995 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

+1%

Land Rover Range Rover

1994 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

-8%

Jaguar XJS

1995 · 4000cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

+1%

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About the 1993 Vauxhall Brava

The 1993 Vauxhall Brava is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3528cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 32 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1993 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 133,031 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1993 Vauxhall Brava?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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

Older Vauxhall Bravas tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.

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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 83%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Vauxhall Brava(1993)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche 911(1995)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Land Rover Range Rover(1994)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJS(1995)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

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 1993 Vauxhall Brava

Is the 1993 Vauxhall Brava reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1993 Vauxhall Bravas ended in a pass, from 32 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1993 Vauxhall Brava cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 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 1993 Vauxhall Brava?

88% of 32 MOT tests on the 1993 Vauxhall Brava ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 33rd of 188 models first registered in 1993 (top 18%).

Which year Vauxhall Brava has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Vauxhall Brava has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 1998 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1993 Vauxhall Brava?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 Vauxhall Brava is 133,031 miles, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.