HYUNDAI ACCENT (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 58 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
58
Avg Mileage
70,183 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 28 years old, 66% of HYUNDAI ACCENTs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 58 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,183 miles.
How does the 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT has 70,183 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1996 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
HYUNDAI ACCENT by Year
Checking a specific HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT
The 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT is a small family car with a 1495cc petrol engine. 58 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 88% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 70,183 miles at 28 years old, HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT Fuel Costs
The 1495cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 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 HYUNDAI ACCENT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI ACCENT Reliability Trend
Newer HYUNDAI ACCENTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT
At 28 years old, the HYUNDAI ACCENT 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 74%. Note: with only 58 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (+9%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+13%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+9%) from 5,268 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (+3%) from 4,351 tests