MAZDA E SERIES (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 42 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
42
Avg Mileage
90,740 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1996 MAZDA E SERIES reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 28 years old, 69% of MAZDA E SERIESs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 90,740 miles.
How does the 1996 MAZDA E SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 MAZDA E SERIES has 90,740 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 MAZDA E SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 69%. The 1996 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 1996 MAZDA E SERIES 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.
MAZDA E SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76% | 51 | 92,371 mi |
| 2017 | 77% | 227 | 109,478 mi |
| 2015 | 70% | 341 | 118,471 mi |
| 2014 | 74% | 86 | 124,774 mi |
| 2013 | 69% | 71 | 132,287 mi |
| 2011 | 57% | 37 | 130,980 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 33 | 143,721 mi |
| 2004 | 79% | 92 | 128,761 mi |
| 2003 | 75% | 36 | 129,916 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 116 | 111,263 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 159 | 113,168 mi |
| 2000 | 69% | 163 | 113,518 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 84 | 134,044 mi |
| 1998 | 63% | 49 | 114,463 mi |
| 1996 | 69% | 42 | 90,740 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA E SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 MAZDA E SERIES
The 1996 MAZDA E SERIES is a family car with a 2184cc diesel engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 90,740 miles at 28 years old, MAZDA E SERIES 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 MAZDA E SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2184cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 1996 MAZDA E SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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.
MAZDA E SERIES Reliability Trend
The MAZDA E SERIES has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 MAZDA E SERIES
At 28 years old, the MAZDA E SERIES 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 79%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 MAZDA E SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998) 69% pass rate (same) from 12,811 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 10,084 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-4%) from 4,382 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1998) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 3,841 tests