Vauxhall Cavalier (1991)
1991 Vauxhall Cavalier
CarHunch analysed 14,031 real MOT records for the 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier passes its MOT just 48.2% of the time on first attempt—well below the UK average of 80%—signalling a car that typically needs remedial work before it can be certified roadworthy. With only 8% ever recording a dangerous defect, safety failures aren't the primary concern, but the sheer frequency of issues is a red flag for buyers.
At nearly 118,000 miles on average, these are heavily worn examples, and that mileage burden shows in the figures: 1.07 failures and 2.2 advisories per test suggest rust, wear, and ageing components are routine problems rather than exceptions. Budget for pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic to identify which failures—likely exhaust, suspension, brakes, or lights—will cost most to fix, and factor repair costs into any offer.
What to check before buying a 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Vauxhall Cavalier
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 13,839 | 48.2% | 1.07 |
| Diesel (1%) | 185 | 48.4% | 1.25 |
| LPG (0%) | 5 | 59.8% | 1.2 |
| Electric (0%) | 2 | 50% | 0.5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier vehicles fall between 93,316 and 140,285 miles.
1991 Vauxhall Cavalier — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 49 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (23% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1991 Vauxhall Cavalier
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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17.5%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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16.9%
Oil leak
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14.1%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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13.2%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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12.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.8%
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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11.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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10.6%
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Vauxhall Cavalier?
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