FORD UNCLASSIFIED (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
125,531 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,900
Is the 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 28 years old, 86% of FORD UNCLASSIFIEDs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 125,531 miles.
How does the 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED has 125,531 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1996 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED 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 UNCLASSIFIED by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 319 | 16,529 mi |
| 2020 | 90% | 240 | 37,713 mi |
| 2019 | 96% | 211 | 47,454 mi |
| 2018 | 88% | 195 | 38,658 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 213 | 47,686 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 152 | 60,609 mi |
| 2015 | 84% | 303 | 69,351 mi |
| 2014 | 82% | 200 | 66,491 mi |
| 2013 | 86% | 338 | 72,228 mi |
| 2012 | 75% | 446 | 87,499 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 129 | 96,284 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 116 | 103,666 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 129 | 103,310 mi |
| 2008 | 81% | 192 | 103,519 mi |
| 2007 | 77% | 236 | 96,050 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 159 | 91,424 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 171 | 94,480 mi |
| 2004 | 81% | 97 | 66,897 mi |
| 2003 | 79% | 68 | 87,194 mi |
| 2002 | 85% | 54 | 75,694 mi |
| 2001 | 83% | 59 | 99,105 mi |
| 2000 | 87% | 39 | 88,838 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 68 | 103,453 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 38 | 80,916 mi |
| 1997 | 66% | 62 | 94,805 mi |
| 1996 | 86% | 70 | 125,531 mi |
| 1995 | 77% | 73 | 117,708 mi |
| 1994 | 62% | 52 | 76,199 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 35 | 96,954 mi |
| 1992 | 86% | 37 | 69,543 mi |
| 1990 | 76% | 34 | 75,159 mi |
Checking a specific FORD UNCLASSIFIED?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
The 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED is a large car with a 2490cc diesel engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 125,531 miles at 28 years old, FORD UNCLASSIFIED owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED Fuel Costs
The 2490cc 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 UNCLASSIFIED?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD UNCLASSIFIED Reliability Trend
Newer FORD UNCLASSIFIEDs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
At 28 years old, the FORD UNCLASSIFIED 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 FORD UNCLASSIFIED
The FORD UNCLASSIFIED is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998) 69% pass rate (-17%) from 12,811 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (-10%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1998) 77% pass rate (-9%) from 3,539 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (-14%) from 3,080 tests