Honda NSX (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

97%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2977cc Petrol

Great Choice

97% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 15 points above average.

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

£4.99

Check a specific Honda NSX

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

Petrol2977cc30 years old62 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2977cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

97% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Honda brand average of 84%.

97% of MOT tests on Honda NSXs from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,385 miles.

Got a Honda NSX you're looking at?

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

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models5th of 243(top 3%)

Rank among Honda models36th of 402(top 9%)

vs average of all models+15%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+22%(75% avg)

vs Honda average+13%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,385

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Honda NSX had 95,385 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific Honda NSX?

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 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 99%, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 98%. The 1996 scores 97%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda NSX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	97%	33	14,949 mi
2017	98%	397	8,044 mi
2016	100%	37	29,153 mi
2004	100%	31	45,859 mi
2002	100%	34	50,288 mi
1998	94%	34	67,685 mi
1997	100%	57	79,327 mi
1996	97%	62	95,385 mi
1995	85%	55	72,773 mi
1993	96%	45	92,755 mi
1992	97%	77	83,101 mi
1991	99%	141	68,904 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-20%

BMW 3 Series

1997 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-18%

Porsche Boxster

1998 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-19%

Volvo 900 Series

1997 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,888/year

74%

-23%

Check a Specific Honda NSX

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 1996 Honda NSX

The 1996 Honda NSX is a large car. Our records list a 2977cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 95,385 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX Fuel Costs

The 2977cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Honda NSX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 1996 Honda NSX

At 30 years old, the Honda NSX 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 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 95k 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 1996 Honda NSX 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
Honda NSX(1996)	97%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,588
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£300
BMW 3 Series(1997)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£300
Porsche Boxster(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888+£300
Volvo 900 Series(1997)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£300

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 1996 Honda NSX

Is the 1996 Honda NSX reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 97% of MOT tests on 1996 Honda NSXs ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Honda NSX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Honda NSX?

97% of 62 MOT tests on the 1996 Honda NSX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 5th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 3%).

Which year Honda NSX has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Honda NSX has the highest MOT pass rate at 99% and the 2017 the lowest at 98%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Honda NSX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Honda NSX is 95,385 miles, 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.