DAIHATSU HIJET (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 122 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
122
Avg Mileage
69,244 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the DAIHATSU brand average of 71%.
At 28 years old, 76% of DAIHATSU HIJETs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 122 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,244 miles.
How does the 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET has 69,244 miles on the clock, 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.
How much does a 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
DAIHATSU HIJET by Year
Checking a specific DAIHATSU HIJET?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET
The 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET is a city car with a 993cc petrol engine. 122 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,244 miles at 28 years old, DAIHATSU HIJET 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 DAIHATSU HIJET Fuel Costs
The modest 993cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DAIHATSU HIJET Reliability Trend
Older DAIHATSU HIJETs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET
At 28 years old, the DAIHATSU HIJET 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 DAIHATSU HIJET
The DAIHATSU HIJET is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (-7%) from 4,351 tests
- TOYOTA STARLET (1998) 75% pass rate (-1%) from 3,819 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (1998) 73% pass rate (-3%) from 3,450 tests
- ROVER MINI (1994) 75% pass rate (-1%) from 2,681 tests