VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 49 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests (2024)
49
Avg Mileage
149,661 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 33 years old, 73% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,661 miles.
How does the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 149,661 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1991 sits between the two at 73%.
How much does a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 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.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96% | 115 | 28,795 mi |
| 2022 | 95% | 112 | 32,575 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,883 | 48,544 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 3,693 | 51,051 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 10,401 | 64,414 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 17,765 | 78,744 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 23,604 | 91,978 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 25,422 | 104,333 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 26,110 | 113,668 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 26,568 | 119,255 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 22,147 | 127,390 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 25,128 | 136,337 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 30,407 | 143,692 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 21,533 | 142,381 mi |
| 2009 | 77% | 21,442 | 142,464 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 17,841 | 148,772 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 15,448 | 152,684 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 10,368 | 152,502 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 7,453 | 156,295 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 6,247 | 161,943 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 5,106 | 162,240 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 3,237 | 159,288 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,897 | 161,435 mi |
| 2000 | 68% | 891 | 164,572 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,147 | 167,995 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 946 | 154,291 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 150,194 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 142 | 140,487 mi |
| 1995 | 68% | 107 | 149,628 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 86 | 126,099 mi |
| 1993 | 85% | 94 | 188,041 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 83 | 145,928 mi |
| 1991 | 73% | 49 | 149,661 mi |
| 1990 | 81% | 54 | 146,491 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 1781cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 1991 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 149,661 miles at 33 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1781cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 33 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+7%) from 5,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+11%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+12%) from 2,672 tests
- ROVER MINI (1992) 76% pass rate (+3%) from 2,492 tests