Vauxhall Carlton (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 127 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,411

£201/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol1998cc35 years old127 tests100k 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

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

Per week£46/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

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Carltons from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 127 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,575 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models48th of 172(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models425th of 870(top half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+8%(79% avg)

vs Vauxhall average+3%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,575

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Vauxhall Carlton had 99,575 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Vauxhall Carlton by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1994	79%	39	133,691 mi
1993	82%	200	104,327 mi
1992	90%	81	79,051 mi
1991	87%	127	99,575 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-7%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

-3%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

-2%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-9%

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About the 1991 Vauxhall Carlton

The 1991 Vauxhall Carlton is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 127 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 99,575 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1991 Vauxhall Carlton

At 35 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.

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 35 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

Medium risk

With an average of 100k 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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton 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 Carlton(1991)	87%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£233
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£83

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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton

Is the 1991 Vauxhall Carlton reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1991 Vauxhall Carltons ended in a pass, from 127 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Vauxhall Carlton cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton?

87% of 127 MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Carlton ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 48th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

Which year Vauxhall Carlton has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Vauxhall Carlton has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 1993 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 1991 Vauxhall Carlton?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Carlton is 99,575 miles, 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.