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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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Petrol3615cc33 years old200 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3615cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3615cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 1993 cars60th of 194(top 31%)
Rank among VAUXHALL models557th of 882(top 63%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 1993 cars average+6%(76% avg)
vs VAUXHALL average-2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,327

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199479%39133,691 mi
199382%200104,327 mi
199290%8179,051 mi
199187%12799,575 mi

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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 out

At 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 risk

Larger 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 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 1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VAUXHALL CARLTON(1993)82%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
MERCEDES E(1995)79%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
PORSCHE 911(1995)89%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(1994)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
JAGUAR XJS(1995)89%£1592£250Grp 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.

Related Vauxhall Models

Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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