Volkswagen Passat (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1781cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol1781cc35 years old49 tests150k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1781cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

73% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Passats from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 149,661 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models136th of 172(bottom 22%)

Rank among Volkswagen models925th of 1,086(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average-6%(79% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-12%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

149,661

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Volkswagen Passat had 149,661 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1991 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

+7%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+11%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+12%

Rover Mini

1992 · 1300cc Petrol

£2,183/year

76%

+3%

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About the 1991 Volkswagen Passat

The 1991 Volkswagen Passat is a family car. Our records list a 1781cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 149,661 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 Passat?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1991 Volkswagen Passat

At 35 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 150k 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 Passat 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 Passat(1991)	73%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£150
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178-£383
Rover Mini(1992)	76%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183-£378

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 Passat

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1991 Volkswagen Passats ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Volkswagen Passat cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Volkswagen Passat?

73% of 49 MOT tests on the 1991 Volkswagen Passat ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 136th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (bottom 22%).

Which year Volkswagen Passat has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1995 the lowest at 68%. 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 Passat?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Volkswagen Passat is 149,661 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.