How much does a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has a 87% MOT pass rate based on 217 tests in 2026. This ranks 47 out of 179 cars from 1991.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is most reliable?

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 62%.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (1991)

Q: Is the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 217 tests. That's 5 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

The average mileage for a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is 126,890 miles, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 217 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,807

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1595cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £1807/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

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1595cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,807

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/wk

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

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 35 years old, 87% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 217 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,890 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars47th of 179(top 26%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models578th of 1,118(top 52%)

vs national average+5%(82% avg)

vs 1991 cars average+9%(78% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average+2%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,890

Average miles

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 126,890 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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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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

£1,867/year

80%

-7%

BMW 3 SERIES

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£1,867/year

84%

-3%

ROVER MINI

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£1,722/year

74%

-13%

FORD ESCORT

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,677/year

85%

-2%

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About the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is a small family car with a 1595cc petrol engine. 217 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 126,890 miles at 35 years old, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 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 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 £1,137 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 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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

Newer VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

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

Based on the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA(1991)	87%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1807
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867+£60
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)	84%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867+£60
ROVER MINI(1993)	74%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£85
FORD ESCORT(1990)	85%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£130

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.