VAUXHALL CAVALIER (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 129 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
129
Avg Mileage
108,560 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 34 years old, 85% of VAUXHALL CAVALIERs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 129 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,560 miles.
How does the 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER has 108,560 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.
How much does a 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VAUXHALL CAVALIER by Year
Checking a specific VAUXHALL CAVALIER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
The 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 129 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 108,560 miles at 34 years old, VAUXHALL CAVALIER 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.
1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL CAVALIER 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.
Buying a Used 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
At 34 years old, the VAUXHALL CAVALIER 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.
Alternatives to the 1990 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
The VAUXHALL CAVALIER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-5%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-1%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (same) from 2,672 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1991) 78% pass rate (-7%) from 1,798 tests