Dodge Ram (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 126 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,456

£205/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5654cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,456/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Dodge Ram

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel5654cc30 years old126 tests138k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 5654cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,456

Per month£205/mo

Per week£47/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

81% 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.

81% of MOT tests on Dodge Rams from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 126 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 138,496 miles.

Got a Dodge Ram you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models75th of 243(top half)

Rank among Dodge models36th of 59(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Dodge average-3%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

138,496

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Dodge Ram had 138,496 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Dodge Ram?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 81%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Dodge Ram by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	40	35,482 mi
2020	87%	38	46,005 mi
2019	95%	94	43,294 mi
2018	95%	138	49,917 mi
2017	88%	94	60,734 mi
2016	93%	100	59,647 mi
2015	89%	84	101,702 mi
2014	89%	72	92,792 mi
2013	82%	39	87,998 mi
2012	74%	70	104,899 mi
2011	93%	91	95,481 mi
2010	86%	102	82,245 mi
2009	88%	89	96,442 mi
2008	90%	39	102,901 mi
2007	81%	68	95,193 mi
2006	87%	128	126,631 mi
2005	87%	241	101,775 mi
2004	84%	308	98,467 mi
2003	88%	204	111,648 mi
2002	92%	123	136,827 mi
2001	81%	99	111,545 mi
2000	95%	41	153,098 mi
1999	81%	97	114,083 mi
1998	82%	85	120,150 mi
1997	95%	56	112,854 mi
1996	81%	126	138,496 mi
1994	96%	50	141,844 mi
1992	68%	76	116,482 mi
1990	97%	32	120,628 mi

Check a Specific Dodge Ram

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1996 Dodge Ram

The 1996 Dodge Ram is a large-engined car. Our records list a 5654cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 126 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 138,496 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Dodge Ram owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Dodge Ram Fuel Costs

The 5654cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1996 Dodge Ram?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,456 (£205/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Dodge Ram Reliability Trend

Newer Dodge Rams pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Dodge Ram

At 30 years old, the Dodge Ram 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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

Watch out

With an average of 138k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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.

Questions about the 1996 Dodge Ram

Is the 1996 Dodge Ram reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1996 Dodge Rams ended in a pass, from 126 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Dodge Ram cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,456 a year (£205 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 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 Dodge Ram?

81% of 126 MOT tests on the 1996 Dodge Ram ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 75th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).

Which year Dodge Ram has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Dodge Ram has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1996 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Dodge Ram?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Dodge Ram is 138,496 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.