DODGE RAM (1996)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 126 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,385
£199/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£735
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5654cc Diesel
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2385/year to run. Close to the national average.
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.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 5654cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this DODGE RAM
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 30 years old, 81% of DODGE RAMs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 126 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 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?
Mileage Analysis
138,496
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1996 DODGE RAM has 138,496 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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?
The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1996 sits between the two at 81%.
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 performance with a 5654cc diesel engine. 126 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, 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 138,496 miles at 30 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,385 (£199/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
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. If you're flexible on year, the 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1996 DODGE RAM's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Related Dodge Models
Explore other Dodge cars or similar models in the same category.
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Dodge Ram.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific DODGE RAM
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a DODGE RAM? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data