Vauxhall Calibra (1992)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc34 years old46 tests104k 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

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

74% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Calibras from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,492 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 models117th of 172(bottom half)

Rank among Vauxhall models696th of 870(bottom 21%)

vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)

vs 1992 models average-3%(77% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-10%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,492

Average miles

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1992 Vauxhall Calibra had 104,492 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1992 scores 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Calibra by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	76%	84	112,623 mi
1997	83%	346	114,525 mi
1996	82%	433	110,370 mi
1995	83%	222	103,825 mi
1994	88%	148	117,683 mi
1993	94%	68	110,305 mi
1992	74%	46	104,492 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+6%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+10%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+11%

Mercedes E

1994 · 2199cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+5%

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About the 1992 Vauxhall Calibra

The 1992 Vauxhall Calibra is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 104,492 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Calibra 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.

1992 Vauxhall Calibra 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 1992 Vauxhall Calibra?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Calibra Reliability Trend

The Vauxhall Calibra has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1992 Vauxhall Calibra

At 34 years old, the Vauxhall Calibra 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 46 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 34 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

Watch out

With an average of 104k 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 1992 Vauxhall Calibra 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 Calibra(1992)	74%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£383
Mercedes E(1994)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£327

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 1992 Vauxhall Calibra

Is the 1992 Vauxhall Calibra reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 1992 Vauxhall Calibras ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1992 Vauxhall Calibra cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Vauxhall Calibra?

74% of 46 MOT tests on the 1992 Vauxhall Calibra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 117th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (bottom half).

Which year Vauxhall Calibra has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Vauxhall Calibra has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1996 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1992 Vauxhall Calibra?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Vauxhall Calibra is 104,492 miles, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.