Vauxhall Cavalier
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 6 model years from 2,474 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests
2,474
Highest Pass Rate
1990 (85%)
Years Covered
6
About the Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier was MOT tested 2,474 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 6 model years (1990 to 1995), with an average pass rate of 82%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 129 tests. The 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 11 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
Older Vauxhall Cavaliers tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 108,560 miles, while the newest (1995) averages 118,296 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1995 detailsHow reliable is the Vauxhall Cavalier?
Vauxhall Cavalier by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Vauxhall Cavalier
Is the Vauxhall Cavalier reliable?
Across its 6 model years in our data (1990 to 1995), the Vauxhall Cavalier averages an 82% MOT pass rate, from 2,474 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1990 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.
Which year Vauxhall Cavalier has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Vauxhall Cavaliers more reliable?
Older Vauxhall Cavaliers tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
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