Hyundai Matrix (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,407 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,144

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1500cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2,144/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel1500cc20 years old1,407 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1500cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,144

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

69% of MOT tests on Hyundai Matrixs from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 1,407 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,630 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models435th of 554(bottom 22%)

Rank among Hyundai models359th of 414(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-13%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average-4%(73% avg)

vs Hyundai average-14%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,630

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Hyundai Matrix had 82,630 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2006 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Matrix by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	70%	290	81,091 mi
2009	72%	593	80,570 mi
2008	68%	860	79,049 mi
2007	66%	1,123	83,907 mi
2006	69%	1,407	82,630 mi
2005	65%	1,253	83,632 mi
2004	75%	991	84,127 mi
2003	67%	332	81,262 mi
2002	64%	164	77,002 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2007 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+3%

Vauxhall Corsa

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+3%

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About the 2006 Hyundai Matrix

The 2006 Hyundai Matrix is a small family car. Our records list a 1500cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,407 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 82,630 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Matrix owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 Hyundai Matrix Fuel Costs

The 1500cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2006 Hyundai Matrix?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,144 (£179/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Hyundai Matrix Reliability Trend

The Hyundai Matrix has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2006 Hyundai Matrix

At 20 years old, the Hyundai Matrix 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 83k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2006 Hyundai Matrix 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
Hyundai Matrix(2006)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144
Ford Fiesta(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£83
Vauxhall Astra(2008)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Vauxhall Corsa(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200

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 2006 Hyundai Matrix

Is the 2006 Hyundai Matrix reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2006 Hyundai Matrixs ended in a pass, from 1,407 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Hyundai Matrix cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,144 a year (£179 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Hyundai Matrix?

69% of 1,407 MOT tests on the 2006 Hyundai Matrix ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 435th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 22%).

Which year Hyundai Matrix has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Hyundai Matrix has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2002 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Hyundai Matrix?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Hyundai Matrix is 82,630 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.