MORGAN 4/4 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 126 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Total Tests (2024)
126
Avg Mileage
36,842 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 1996 MORGAN 4/4 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MORGAN brand average of 92%.
At 28 years old, 96% of MORGAN 4/4s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 126 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,842 miles.
How does the 1996 MORGAN 4/4 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 MORGAN 4/4 has 36,842 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 MORGAN 4/4?
The most reliable year is the 1992 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 85%. The 1996 sits between the two at 96%.
How much does a 1996 MORGAN 4/4 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MORGAN 4/4 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 93% | 58 | 6,920 mi |
| 2017 | 97% | 72 | 7,979 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 74 | 15,087 mi |
| 2015 | 93% | 56 | 9,762 mi |
| 2014 | 91% | 43 | 14,273 mi |
| 2013 | 98% | 40 | 23,620 mi |
| 2012 | 92% | 49 | 19,253 mi |
| 2011 | 93% | 59 | 22,869 mi |
| 2010 | 85% | 67 | 23,495 mi |
| 2009 | 97% | 64 | 27,310 mi |
| 2008 | 92% | 71 | 25,075 mi |
| 2007 | 92% | 48 | 22,160 mi |
| 2006 | 90% | 101 | 25,512 mi |
| 2005 | 94% | 36 | 34,902 mi |
| 2004 | 85% | 101 | 32,631 mi |
| 2003 | 92% | 95 | 27,848 mi |
| 2002 | 93% | 146 | 31,267 mi |
| 2001 | 90% | 123 | 31,005 mi |
| 2000 | 92% | 190 | 29,938 mi |
| 1999 | 88% | 225 | 31,196 mi |
| 1998 | 86% | 196 | 37,758 mi |
| 1997 | 90% | 147 | 26,958 mi |
| 1996 | 96% | 126 | 36,842 mi |
| 1995 | 90% | 88 | 35,940 mi |
| 1994 | 90% | 70 | 39,016 mi |
| 1993 | 91% | 45 | 39,520 mi |
| 1992 | 98% | 56 | 46,542 mi |
| 1991 | 88% | 60 | 45,038 mi |
| 1990 | 92% | 36 | 38,714 mi |
Checking a specific MORGAN 4/4?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 MORGAN 4/4
The 1996 MORGAN 4/4 is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 126 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 36,842 miles at 28 years old, MORGAN 4/4 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 MORGAN 4/4 Fuel Costs
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 MORGAN 4/4?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MORGAN 4/4 Reliability Trend
The MORGAN 4/4 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 MORGAN 4/4
At 28 years old, the MORGAN 4/4 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 98%.
Alternatives to the 1996 MORGAN 4/4
The MORGAN 4/4 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (-21%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (-17%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (-21%) from 5,268 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (-27%) from 4,351 tests