Vauxhall Cavalier (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 148 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1396cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1396cc35 years old148 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1396cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Cavaliers from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 148 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,153 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models79th of 172(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models556th of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+3%(79% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-2%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,153

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier had 87,153 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1991 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Cavalier by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1995	74%	807	118,296 mi
1994	80%	543	112,299 mi
1993	84%	583	115,687 mi
1992	84%	264	93,740 mi
1991	82%	148	87,153 mi
1990	85%	129	108,560 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-2%

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

-2%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+3%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

-2%

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About the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier

The 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier is a small family car. Our records list a 1396cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 148 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 87,153 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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

Medium risk

With 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 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 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Vauxhall Cavalier(1991)	82%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£378
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810-£223
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178+£145
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier

Is the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1991 Vauxhall Cavaliers ended in a pass, from 148 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.

How much does a 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier?

82% of 148 MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 79th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

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% and the 1995 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier is 87,153 miles, 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.