VAUXHALL CARLTON (1992)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 81 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3615cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3615cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 34 years old, 90% of VAUXHALL CARLTONs from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 81 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,051 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
79,051
Average miles
251,600
Expected for age
The average 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON has 79,051 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-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
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About the 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON
The 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON is a performance with a 3615cc petrol engine. 81 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1992 cars for reliability.
With an average of 79,051 miles at 34 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.
1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON Fuel Costs
The 3615cc 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 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON
At 34 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. Note: with only 81 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1992 VAUXHALL CARLTON's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 CARLTON stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL CARLTON(1992) | 90% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| PORSCHE 911(1990) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1994) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1993) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1994) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
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
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PORSCHE 911
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1994 · 3950cc Petrol
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1993 · 3980cc Petrol
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