How much does a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

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

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 2,007 tests in 2026. This ranks 128 out of 179 cars from 1991.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is most reliable?

The 2020 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 67%.

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1991)

Q: Is the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,007 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

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

The average mileage for a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is 143,826 miles, which is below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,007 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1588cc Diesel

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Diesel1588cc35 years old2,007 tests144k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1588cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1588cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 35 years old, 74% of VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,007 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,826 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars128th of 179(top 72%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models906th of 1,118(top 81%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 1991 cars average-4%(78% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average-11%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,826

Average miles

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has 143,826 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1991 sits between the two at 74%.

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	129	38,291 mi
2020	89%	1,311	43,632 mi
2019	88%	25,915	55,696 mi
2018	86%	37,535	66,926 mi
2017	85%	38,467	76,077 mi
2016	84%	37,805	87,209 mi
2015	82%	34,503	95,309 mi
2014	81%	30,466	105,350 mi
2013	82%	27,985	115,923 mi
2012	80%	24,759	125,395 mi
2011	79%	23,700	133,523 mi
2010	77%	21,463	140,851 mi
2009	76%	17,431	142,178 mi
2008	75%	25,818	153,577 mi
2007	75%	27,476	161,773 mi
2006	73%	23,355	167,933 mi
2005	72%	20,813	174,693 mi
2004	73%	19,211	180,024 mi
2003	71%	13,745	173,749 mi
2002	69%	12,401	177,596 mi
2001	70%	12,405	176,472 mi
2000	70%	9,140	176,792 mi
1999	70%	12,854	176,887 mi
1998	69%	12,811	173,402 mi
1997	69%	10,120	163,637 mi
1996	67%	8,643	173,387 mi
1995	69%	5,077	166,204 mi
1994	69%	3,632	147,650 mi
1993	69%	2,096	137,070 mi
1992	70%	2,260	140,629 mi
1991	74%	2,007	143,826 mi
1990	73%	3,481	131,256 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

PEUGEOT 205

1992 · 1769cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

same

FIAT DUCATO

1993 · 1929cc Diesel

£1,927/year

63%

-11%

RENAULT TRAFIC

1992 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,927/year

63%

-11%

CITROEN C15

1993 · 1769cc Diesel

£1,927/year

56%

-18%

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About the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is a small family car with a 1588cc diesel engine. 2,007 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 143,826 miles at 35 years old, VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Fuel Costs

The 1588cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Reliability Trend

Newer VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

At 35 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER 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 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 144k 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 TRANSPORTER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1991)	74%	£905	£165	Grp 12-25	£1625
PEUGEOT 205(1992)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£102
FIAT DUCATO(1993)	63%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1927+£302
RENAULT TRAFIC(1992)	63%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1927+£302
CITROEN C15(1993)	56%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1927+£302

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.