Vauxhall Cavalier (1992)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 264 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1598cc34 years old264 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/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

84% 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.

84% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Cavaliers from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 264 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,740 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 models46th of 172(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models506th of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1992 models average+7%(77% avg)

vs Vauxhall average+0%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,740

Average miles

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier had 93,740 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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 1992 scores 84%. 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%

-4%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

same

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-10%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+1%

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About the 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier

The 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 264 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 93,740 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.

1992 Vauxhall Cavalier Fuel Costs

The 1598cc 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 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 1992 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. 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 94k 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 1992 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(1992)	84%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

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 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier

Is the 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1992 Vauxhall Cavaliers ended in a pass, from 264 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 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 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier?

84% of 264 MOT tests on the 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 46th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (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 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier is 93,740 miles, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.