VAUXHALL NOVA (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 404 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Total Tests (2024)
404
Avg Mileage
67,880 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,390
Is the 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 33 years old, 83% of VAUXHALL NOVAs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 404 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,880 miles.
How does the 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA has 67,880 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 NOVA?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1991 sits between the two at 83%.
How much does a 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA 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 NOVA by Year
Checking a specific VAUXHALL NOVA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA
The 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 404 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 67,880 miles at 33 years old, 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 £955 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 NOVA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 (£116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 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 33 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%.
Alternatives to the 1991 VAUXHALL NOVA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (-3%) from 2,886 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (-3%) from 1,931 tests
- NISSAN FIGARO (1991) 79% pass rate (-4%) from 1,029 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1991) 84% pass rate (+1%) from 854 tests