CarCostCheck

FORD PROBE (1994)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 107 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 5 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft
£4.99

Check a specific FORD PROBE

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

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Petrol2497cc32 years old107 tests80k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2497cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2497cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

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 FORD PROBE

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 32 years old, 77% of FORD PROBEs from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 107 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,289 miles.

Got a FORD PROBE you're looking at?

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

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1994 cars101th of 212(top 48%)
Rank among FORD models891th of 1,167(top 76%)
vs national average-5%(82% avg)
vs 1994 cars average+1%(76% avg)
vs FORD average-8%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,289

Average miles

vs

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1994 FORD PROBE has 80,289 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Looking at a specific FORD PROBE?

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

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 71%. The 1994 sits between the two at 77%.

FORD PROBE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
199771%278110,722 mi
199677%20298,506 mi
199574%33095,045 mi
199477%10780,289 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Check a Specific Ford Probe

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.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 1994 FORD PROBE

The 1994 FORD PROBE is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 107 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 80,289 miles at 32 years old, FORD PROBE 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.

1994 FORD PROBE Fuel Costs

The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 1994 FORD PROBE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD PROBE Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 1994 FORD PROBE

At 32 years old, the FORD PROBE 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1994 FORD PROBE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 32 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 80k 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.

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 1994 FORD PROBE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD PROBE(1994)77%£1592£430Grp 25-38£2577
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)67%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2597+£20
PEUGEOT BOXER(1995)68%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217-£360
MERCEDES E(1994)79%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1995)80%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£330

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Ford Models

Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Ford Probe.

Check a specific FORD PROBE

Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Premium History Check

Buying a FORD PROBE? Our premium check covers:

  • Stolen check (PNC)
  • Outstanding finance
  • Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
  • Previous owners count
Just £4.99 per check

Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data

Share this page

X
GB