Vauxhall Nova (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 404 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

993cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol993cc35 years old404 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 993cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/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

83% 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.

83% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Novas from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 404 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,880 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models71st of 172(top half)

Rank among Vauxhall models525th of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+4%(79% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-1%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

67,880

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Vauxhall Nova had 67,880 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 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1991 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Nova by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	81%	162	56,463 mi
1992	89%	571	55,783 mi
1991	83%	404	67,880 mi
1990	82%	239	53,270 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

-3%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

-3%

Nissan Figaro

1991 · 980cc Petrol

£1,960/year

79%

-4%

Ford Fiesta

1991 · 999cc Petrol

£1,810/year

84%

+1%

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About the 1991 Vauxhall Nova

The 1991 Vauxhall Nova is a city car. Our records list a 993cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 404 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 67,880 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Nova 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 Nova Fuel Costs

The modest 993cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 Nova?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Nova Reliability Trend

The Vauxhall Nova has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 Vauxhall Nova

At 35 years old, the Vauxhall Nova 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

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.

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 Nova 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 Nova(1991)	83%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810same
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033+£223
Nissan Figaro(1991)	79%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,960+£150
Ford Fiesta(1991)	84%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810same

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 Nova

Is the 1991 Vauxhall Nova reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1991 Vauxhall Novas ended in a pass, from 404 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Vauxhall Nova cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 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 Nova?

83% of 404 MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Nova ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 71st of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

Which year Vauxhall Nova has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Vauxhall Nova has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1993 the lowest at 81%. 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 Nova?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Vauxhall Nova is 67,880 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.