FORD PROBE (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 202 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
202
Avg Mileage
98,506 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1996 FORD PROBE reliable?
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 28 years old, 77% of FORD PROBEs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 202 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,506 miles.
How does the 1996 FORD PROBE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 FORD PROBE has 98,506 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 FORD PROBE 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 PROBE by Year
Checking a specific FORD PROBE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 FORD PROBE
The 1996 FORD PROBE is a family car with a 1991cc petrol engine. 202 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 98,506 miles at 28 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.
1996 FORD PROBE Fuel Costs
The 1991cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 PROBE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 1996 FORD PROBE
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 FORD PROBE
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-10%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (-2%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+2%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (-2%) from 5,268 tests