CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1991)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,007 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests (2024)

2,007

Avg Mileage

143,826 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,595

Is the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER reliable?

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 33 years old, 74% of VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,007 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 143,826 miles.

How does the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER compare?

Rank among all 1991 cars128th out of 179(top 72%)
Rank among all VOLKSWAGEN models906th out 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

The average 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has 143,826 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 TRANSPORTER?

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%.

How much does a 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 1588cc)
£905
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,595
Per month£133/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202189%12938,291 mi
202089%1,31143,632 mi
201988%25,91555,696 mi
201886%37,53566,926 mi
201785%38,46776,077 mi
201684%37,80587,209 mi
201582%34,50395,309 mi
201481%30,466105,350 mi
201382%27,985115,923 mi
201280%24,759125,395 mi
201179%23,700133,523 mi
201077%21,463140,851 mi
200976%17,431142,178 mi
200875%25,818153,577 mi
200775%27,476161,773 mi
200673%23,355167,933 mi
200572%20,813174,693 mi
200473%19,211180,024 mi
200371%13,745173,749 mi
200269%12,401177,596 mi
200170%12,405176,472 mi
200070%9,140176,792 mi
199970%12,854176,887 mi
199869%12,811173,402 mi
199769%10,120163,637 mi
199667%8,643173,387 mi
199569%5,077166,204 mi
199469%3,632147,650 mi
199369%2,096137,070 mi
199270%2,260140,629 mi
199174%2,007143,826 mi
199073%3,481131,256 mi

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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 2024, 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 33 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 £1,595 (£133/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £135 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 33 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%.

Alternatives to the 1991 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

The VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel small family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: