VAUXHALL CAVALIER (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 148 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
148
Avg Mileage
87,153 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 82% of VAUXHALL CAVALIERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 148 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,153 miles.
How does the 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER has 87,153 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.
Best year to buy a VAUXHALL CAVALIER?
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%.
How much does a 1991 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 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 2024, 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 33 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 £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 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 33 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%.
Alternatives to the 1991 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-2%) from 5,191 tests
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (-2%) from 2,886 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+3%) from 2,672 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (-2%) from 1,931 tests