Volkswagen Jetta (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 217 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol1595cc35 years old217 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1595cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/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

87% 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.

87% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Jettas from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 217 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,890 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models47th of 172(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models573rd of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+8%(79% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+2%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,890

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Volkswagen Jetta had 126,890 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Volkswagen Jetta by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	90%	40	62,425 mi
2017	81%	593	59,639 mi
2016	82%	1,321	75,513 mi
2015	80%	2,021	83,208 mi
2014	78%	1,754	96,885 mi
2013	77%	1,876	100,152 mi
2012	78%	2,074	113,174 mi
2011	78%	1,645	116,779 mi
2010	79%	1,138	113,968 mi
2009	77%	1,967	118,308 mi
2008	72%	3,010	130,113 mi
2007	74%	3,885	133,468 mi
2006	74%	3,004	135,613 mi
2005	62%	66	148,664 mi
1991	87%	217	126,890 mi
1990	82%	157	126,764 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-7%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

-3%

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-13%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

-2%

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About the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta

The 1991 Volkswagen Jetta is a small family car. Our records list a 1595cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 217 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 126,890 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Jetta owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1991 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Costs

The 1595cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Volkswagen Jetta?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Trend

The Volkswagen Jetta has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 1991 Volkswagen Jetta

At 35 years old, the Volkswagen Jetta 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

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.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 127k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Volkswagen Jetta 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
Volkswagen Jetta(1991)	87%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

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 Volkswagen Jetta

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1991 Volkswagen Jettas ended in a pass, from 217 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 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 Volkswagen Jetta?

87% of 217 MOT tests on the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 47th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

Which year Volkswagen Jetta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta has the highest MOT pass rate at 87% and the 2008 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta is 126,890 miles, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.