VAUXHALL CAVALIER (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 148 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1396cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1396cc
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 35 years old, 82% of VAUXHALL CAVALIERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 148 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,153 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
87,153
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER has 87,153 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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 1990 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1991 sits between the two at 82%.
VAUXHALL CAVALIER by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
The 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER is a small family car with a 1396cc petrol engine. 148 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 87,153 miles at 35 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.
1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER Fuel Costs
The 1396cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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 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 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
At 35 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 87k 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 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL CAVALIER(1991) | 82% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867+£130 |
| ROVER MINI(1990) | 80% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| FORD ESCORT(1990) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£60 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£165 |
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.
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VAUXHALL MOKKA
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1991 · 1781cc Petrol
ROVER MINI
1990 · 998cc Petrol
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1990 · 1597cc Petrol
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