FORD MUSTANG (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 170 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
170
Avg Mileage
96,301 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1996 FORD MUSTANG reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 84% of FORD MUSTANGs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 170 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,301 miles.
How does the 1996 FORD MUSTANG compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 FORD MUSTANG has 96,301 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.
Best year to buy a FORD MUSTANG?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 76%. The 1996 sits between the two at 84%.
How much does a 1996 FORD MUSTANG 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.
FORD MUSTANG by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96% | 54 | 13,235 mi |
| 2021 | 91% | 923 | 15,949 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 2,330 | 18,792 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 3,200 | 23,848 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 5,727 | 30,511 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 5,161 | 33,418 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 6,644 | 36,878 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 797 | 42,568 mi |
| 2014 | 90% | 193 | 54,631 mi |
| 2013 | 90% | 223 | 53,084 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 250 | 63,500 mi |
| 2011 | 82% | 199 | 70,044 mi |
| 2010 | 86% | 242 | 71,217 mi |
| 2009 | 88% | 260 | 65,602 mi |
| 2008 | 88% | 463 | 57,208 mi |
| 2007 | 87% | 628 | 66,137 mi |
| 2006 | 86% | 651 | 73,935 mi |
| 2005 | 88% | 677 | 72,553 mi |
| 2004 | 82% | 147 | 59,270 mi |
| 2003 | 85% | 95 | 81,097 mi |
| 2002 | 92% | 75 | 77,428 mi |
| 2001 | 85% | 88 | 67,827 mi |
| 2000 | 76% | 128 | 75,538 mi |
| 1999 | 88% | 101 | 85,621 mi |
| 1998 | 90% | 70 | 115,083 mi |
| 1997 | 84% | 125 | 77,032 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 170 | 96,301 mi |
| 1995 | 84% | 137 | 92,168 mi |
| 1994 | 84% | 124 | 84,772 mi |
| 1991 | 98% | 48 | 73,234 mi |
Checking a specific FORD MUSTANG?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 FORD MUSTANG
The 1996 FORD MUSTANG is a performance with a 3800cc petrol engine. 170 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 96,301 miles at 28 years old, FORD MUSTANG 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 FORD MUSTANG Fuel Costs
The 3800cc 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 £1,592 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 FORD MUSTANG?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD MUSTANG Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MUSTANGs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 FORD MUSTANG
At 28 years old, the FORD MUSTANG 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 1996 FORD MUSTANG
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (-3%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+1%) from 3,337 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (-5%) from 2,442 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (-7%) from 2,154 tests