VAUXHALL CAVALIER (1995)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 807 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 31 years old, 74% of VAUXHALL CAVALIERs from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 807 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,296 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
118,296
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER has 118,296 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
VAUXHALL CAVALIER by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
The 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 807 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1995, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 118,296 miles at 31 years old, VAUXHALL CAVALIER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1995 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 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% 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 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER
At 31 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1995 VAUXHALL CAVALIER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 31 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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
Watch outWith an average of 118k 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 1995 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(1995) | 74% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£400 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1997) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1997) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£200 |
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.
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