HONDA NSX (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 62 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
62
Avg Mileage
95,385 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1996 HONDA NSX reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 28 years old, 97% of HONDA NSXs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 62 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,385 miles.
How does the 1996 HONDA NSX compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 HONDA NSX has 95,385 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.
Best year to buy a HONDA NSX?
The most reliable year is the 1997 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 85%. The 1996 sits between the two at 97%.
How much does a 1996 HONDA NSX 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.
HONDA NSX by Year
Checking a specific HONDA NSX?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 HONDA NSX
The 1996 HONDA NSX is a large car with a 2977cc petrol engine. 62 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 95,385 miles at 28 years old, 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 £1,592 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 HONDA NSX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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.
HONDA NSX Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA NSXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 HONDA NSX
At 28 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 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 HONDA NSX
The HONDA NSX is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-30%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (-20%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1997) 79% pass rate (-18%) from 4,853 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (1998) 78% pass rate (-19%) from 2,493 tests