VAUXHALL RASCAL (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 157 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
970cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 970cc
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 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 36 years old, 72% of VAUXHALL RASCALs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 157 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,761 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
40,761
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL has 40,761 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-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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VAUXHALL RASCAL by Year
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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 2026, 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 36 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 £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 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 36 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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.
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 1990 VAUXHALL RASCAL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL RASCAL(1990) | 72% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| ROVER MINI(1990) | 80% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£140 |
| PEUGEOT 205(1990) | 80% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572+£42 |
| NISSAN FIGARO(1991) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
| FORD FIESTA(1991) | 84% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£140 |
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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