VAUXHALL CARLTON (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 127 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
127
Avg Mileage
99,575 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 87% of VAUXHALL CARLTONs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 127 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,575 miles.
How does the 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON has 99,575 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 CARLTON?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1991 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON 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 CARLTON by Year
Checking a specific VAUXHALL CARLTON?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON
The 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 127 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 99,575 miles at 33 years old, VAUXHALL CARLTON 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 CARLTON 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 CARLTON?
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 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL CARLTON Reliability Trend
The VAUXHALL CARLTON has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON
At 33 years old, the VAUXHALL CARLTON 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
Alternatives to the 1991 VAUXHALL CARLTON
The VAUXHALL CARLTON 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 (-7%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-3%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (-2%) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 1,798 tests