VAUXHALL CARLTON (1993)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 200 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3615cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3615cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 82% of VAUXHALL CARLTONs from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 200 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,327 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
104,327
Average miles
244,200
Expected for age
The average 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON has 104,327 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 82%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VAUXHALL CARLTON by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON
The 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON is a performance with a 3615cc petrol engine. 200 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 104,327 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.
1993 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 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 1993 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 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 1993 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(1993) | 82% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| MERCEDES E(1995) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE 911(1995) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1994) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1995) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
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.
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