Chevrolet Astro (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 132 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4300cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol4300cc30 years old132 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4300cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data.

75% of MOT tests on Chevrolet Astros from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 132 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,259 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models127th of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Chevrolet models44th of 86(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Chevrolet average-1%(76% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,259

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Chevrolet Astro had 88,259 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Chevrolet Astro by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1997	82%	49	89,194 mi
1996	75%	132	88,259 mi
1995	60%	174	76,827 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

+6%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+2%

Porsche 911

1997 · 3800cc Petrol

£2,588/year

90%

+15%

Land Rover Range Rover

1998 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

76%

+1%

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About the 1996 Chevrolet Astro

The 1996 Chevrolet Astro is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4300cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 132 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 88,259 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Chevrolet Astro owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1996 Chevrolet Astro Fuel Costs

The 4300cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 1996 Chevrolet Astro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1996 Chevrolet Astro

At 30 years old, the Chevrolet Astro 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.

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 30 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 88k 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.

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 1996 Chevrolet Astro 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
Chevrolet Astro(1996)	75%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£150
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same
Porsche 911(1997)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Land Rover Range Rover(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888same

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 1996 Chevrolet Astro

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Astro reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1996 Chevrolet Astros ended in a pass, from 132 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Astro cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 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 1996 Chevrolet Astro?

75% of 132 MOT tests on the 1996 Chevrolet Astro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 127th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Chevrolet Astro has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Chevrolet Astro has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 1995 the lowest at 60%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Chevrolet Astro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Chevrolet Astro is 88,259 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.