LDV 400 (1996)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,088
£257/month
MOT Pass Rate
57%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
3528cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
57% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 25 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 25 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the LDV brand average of 69%.
57% of MOT tests on LDV 400s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 62,884 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,884
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1996 LDV 400 had 62,884 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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About the 1996 LDV 400
The 1996 LDV 400 is a van. Our records list a 3528cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 3% of 1996 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 62,884 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, LDV 400 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 LDV 400 Fuel Costs
The 3528cc 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 LDV 400?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 57% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1996 LDV 400
At 30 years old, the LDV 400 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. Note: with only 46 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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 57% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Questions about the 1996 LDV 400
Is the 1996 LDV 400 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 57% of MOT tests on 1996 LDV 400s ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 25 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1996 LDV 400 cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1996 LDV 400?
57% of 46 MOT tests on the 1996 LDV 400 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 237th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom 3%).
What is the average mileage for a 1996 LDV 400?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 LDV 400 is 62,884 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.
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