FORD TRANSIT (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,488 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
2,488
Avg Mileage
111,525 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1996 FORD TRANSIT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 28 years old, 72% of FORD TRANSITs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,488 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,525 miles.
How does the 1996 FORD TRANSIT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 FORD TRANSIT has 111,525 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a FORD TRANSIT?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1996 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1996 FORD TRANSIT cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD TRANSIT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 323 | 35,036 mi |
| 2020 | 93% | 396 | 37,700 mi |
| 2019 | 84% | 4,596 | 70,103 mi |
| 2018 | 83% | 33,964 | 82,895 mi |
| 2017 | 81% | 80,031 | 91,785 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 78,382 | 102,215 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 69,792 | 114,311 mi |
| 2014 | 77% | 59,048 | 121,986 mi |
| 2013 | 74% | 41,052 | 129,239 mi |
| 2012 | 71% | 30,494 | 135,773 mi |
| 2011 | 70% | 37,679 | 144,725 mi |
| 2010 | 69% | 31,633 | 149,702 mi |
| 2009 | 69% | 22,453 | 145,382 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 24,707 | 141,767 mi |
| 2007 | 70% | 19,383 | 141,931 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 11,184 | 133,893 mi |
| 2005 | 70% | 5,914 | 122,440 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 4,246 | 120,795 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,430 | 128,589 mi |
| 2002 | 71% | 3,715 | 128,093 mi |
| 2001 | 71% | 2,701 | 124,676 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 1,926 | 117,269 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 3,048 | 105,293 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 3,080 | 107,320 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 2,561 | 109,450 mi |
| 1996 | 72% | 2,488 | 111,525 mi |
| 1995 | 72% | 2,214 | 102,420 mi |
| 1994 | 72% | 1,403 | 70,530 mi |
| 1993 | 73% | 621 | 65,259 mi |
| 1992 | 66% | 888 | 58,057 mi |
| 1991 | 69% | 851 | 58,872 mi |
| 1990 | 71% | 1,042 | 58,958 mi |
Checking a specific FORD TRANSIT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 FORD TRANSIT
The 1996 FORD TRANSIT is a large car with a 2496cc diesel engine. 2,488 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 111,525 miles at 28 years old, FORD TRANSIT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 FORD TRANSIT Fuel Costs
The 2496cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 FORD TRANSIT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD TRANSIT Reliability Trend
Newer FORD TRANSITs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 FORD TRANSIT
At 28 years old, the FORD TRANSIT 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Alternatives to the 1996 FORD TRANSIT
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998) 69% pass rate (-3%) from 12,811 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+4%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1998) 77% pass rate (+5%) from 3,539 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1997) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 2,880 tests