Honda Prelude (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 84 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2157cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2157cc30 years old84 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2157cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Honda Preludes from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 84 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,136 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models60th of 243(top 25%)

Rank among Honda models231st of 402(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+8%(75% avg)

vs Honda average-1%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,136

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Honda Prelude had 100,136 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1996 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Prelude by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2000	77%	284	102,974 mi
1999	70%	550	111,821 mi
1998	71%	516	112,825 mi
1997	73%	512	112,419 mi
1996	83%	84	100,136 mi
1995	62%	94	114,542 mi
1994	83%	70	104,487 mi
1993	74%	97	98,396 mi
1992	93%	127	99,113 mi
1991	78%	141	108,003 mi
1990	84%	105	97,614 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-4%

Mazda MX-5

1997 · 1800cc Petrol

£2,561/year

76%

-7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-8%

Volkswagen Golf

1998 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-12%

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About the 1996 Honda Prelude

The 1996 Honda Prelude is a family car. Our records list a 2157cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 84 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 100,136 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Prelude 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 Prelude Fuel Costs

The 2157cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 Prelude?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Prelude Reliability Trend

Older Honda Preludes tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 12 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1996 Honda Prelude

At 30 years old, the Honda Prelude 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 84 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

Watch out

With an average of 100k 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 Prelude 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 Prelude(1996)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Mazda MX-5(1997)	76%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Volkswagen Golf(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177

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 Prelude

Is the 1996 Honda Prelude reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1996 Honda Preludes ended in a pass, from 84 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Honda Prelude cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

83% of 84 MOT tests on the 1996 Honda Prelude ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 25%).

Which year Honda Prelude has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Honda Prelude has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 70%. 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 Prelude?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Honda Prelude is 100,136 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.