Ford Transit (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,048 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,606

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2496cc Diesel

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 9 points below average.

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

£4.99

Check a specific Ford Transit

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

Diesel2496cc27 years old3,048 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2496cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,606

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

73% of MOT tests on Ford Transits from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 3,048 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,293 miles.

Got a Ford Transit you're looking at?

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

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models199th of 361(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models945th of 1,136(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-2%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-12%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,293

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Ford Transit had 105,293 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Ford Transit?

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

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1999 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1999 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

70%

-3%

Fiat Ducato

2001 · 2798cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

same

Mercedes Sprinter

2001 · 2151cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+2%

Check a Specific Ford Transit

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 1999 Ford Transit

The 1999 Ford Transit is a van. Our records list a 2496cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,048 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 105,293 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Transit owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 1999 Ford Transit?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Transit Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Transits pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Ford Transit

At 27 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 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

Watch out

With an average of 105k 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 1999 Ford Transit stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Transit(1999)	73%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606
Volkswagen Transporter(1999)	70%	£1,676	£375	n/a	£2,606same
Fiat Ducato(2001)	73%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£35
Mercedes Sprinter(2001)	75%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£35

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Ford Transit

Is the 1999 Ford Transit reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 1999 Ford Transits ended in a pass, from 3,048 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Ford Transit cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Transit?

73% of 3,048 MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Transit ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 199th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Transit has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Transit has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1992 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Ford Transit?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Transit is 105,293 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.