VAUXHALL RASCAL (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 157 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
157
Avg Mileage
40,761 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 34 years old, 72% of VAUXHALL RASCALs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 157 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,761 miles.
How does the 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL has 40,761 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VAUXHALL RASCAL by Year
Checking a specific VAUXHALL RASCAL?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL
The 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL is a city car with a 970cc petrol engine. 157 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 40,761 miles at 34 years old, VAUXHALL RASCAL 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.
1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL Fuel Costs
The modest 970cc 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 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL RASCAL Reliability Trend
Older VAUXHALL RASCALs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL
At 34 years old, the VAUXHALL RASCAL 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.
Alternatives to the 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (+8%) from 2,886 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (+8%) from 1,931 tests
- NISSAN FIGARO (1991) 79% pass rate (+7%) from 1,029 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1991) 84% pass rate (+12%) from 854 tests