Citroen Saxo (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,033

£169/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1360cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,033/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1360cc30 years old33 tests59k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1360cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,033

Per month£169/mo

Per week£39/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Citroen Saxos from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 58,636 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models72nd of 243(top half)

Rank among Citroen models260th of 589(top half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average+3%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

58,636

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Citroen Saxo had 58,636 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1996 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen Saxo by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	69%	126	69,450 mi
2003	72%	1,578	76,922 mi
2002	69%	1,735	75,449 mi
2001	70%	1,653	76,891 mi
2000	66%	884	74,512 mi
1999	69%	507	66,965 mi
1998	70%	359	75,611 mi
1997	67%	428	73,599 mi
1996	82%	33	58,636 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

-7%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-3%

Nissan Micra

1998 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,383/year

69%

-13%

Toyota Starlet

1998 · 1332cc Petrol

£2,183/year

75%

-7%

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About the 1996 Citroen Saxo

The 1996 Citroen Saxo is a small family car. Our records list a 1360cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 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 beats that benchmark.

With an average of 58,636 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Saxo 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 Citroen Saxo Fuel Costs

The 1360cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Citroen Saxo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,033 (£169/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen Saxo Reliability Trend

The Citroen Saxo has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 Citroen Saxo

At 30 years old, the Citroen Saxo 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 72%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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.

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 Citroen Saxo 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
Citroen Saxo(1996)	82%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£295
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£528
Nissan Micra(1998)	69%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383+£350
Toyota Starlet(1998)	75%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£150

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 Citroen Saxo

Is the 1996 Citroen Saxo reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1996 Citroen Saxos ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Citroen Saxo cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,033 a year (£169 a month): £1,398 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Citroen Saxo?

82% of 33 MOT tests on the 1996 Citroen Saxo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 72nd of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).

Which year Citroen Saxo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Citroen Saxo has the highest MOT pass rate at 72% and the 2000 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Citroen Saxo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Citroen Saxo is 58,636 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.