Used car guide

1991 Citroen BX: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Citroen BX first registered in 1991: we looked at the 130 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 130 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

130MOTs of 1991 cars, done in 2023–2025
69%pass first time (all 1991 cars: 71%)
3,600typical miles a year
37%had oil and fluid leaks flagged

Common 1991 Citroen BX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Citroen BX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    37% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Suspension
    25% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    21% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Brakes
    20% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    12% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Citroen BX

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Citroen BX?

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Other years

Every year of the Citroen BX compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992151Oil and fluid leaks 34%
1990134Oil and fluid leaks 36%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Citroen BX cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score