NISSAN PATROL (1996)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 109 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,385
£199/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£735
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4169cc Diesel
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2385/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 4169cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 30 years old, 80% of NISSAN PATROLs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 109 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 146,298 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
146,298
Average miles
222,000
Expected for age
The average 1996 NISSAN PATROL has 146,298 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-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?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 74%. The 1996 sits between the two at 80%.
NISSAN PATROL by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 83% | 46 | 103,053 mi | |
| 2007 | 76% | 89 | 95,184 mi | |
| 2006 | 77% | 79 | 123,503 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 274 | 117,265 mi | |
| 2004 | 81% | 374 | 131,944 mi | |
| 2003 | 82% | 158 | 131,802 mi | |
| 2002 | 81% | 113 | 130,474 mi | |
| 2001 | 74% | 80 | 130,769 mi | |
| 2000 | 81% | 90 | 132,710 mi | |
| 1999 | 94% | 124 | 123,881 mi | |
| 1998 | 87% | 164 | 116,735 mi | |
| 1997 | 74% | 82 | 127,056 mi | |
| 1996 | 80% | 109 | 146,298 mi | |
| 1995 | 77% | 69 | 144,822 mi | |
| 1994 | 78% | 123 | 164,209 mi | |
| 1993 | 88% | 59 | 145,352 mi | |
| 1992 | 79% | 34 | 114,010 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1996 NISSAN PATROL
The 1996 NISSAN PATROL is a performance with a 4169cc diesel engine. 109 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 146,298 miles at 30 years old, NISSAN PATROL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 NISSAN PATROL Fuel Costs
The 4169cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 NISSAN PATROL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,385 (£199/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN PATROL Reliability Trend
Older NISSAN PATROLs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1996 NISSAN PATROL
At 30 years old, the NISSAN PATROL 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1996 NISSAN PATROL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 146k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1996 NISSAN PATROL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN PATROL(1996) | 80% | £1245 | £735 | Grp 35-50 | £2385 |
| TOYOTA LAND CRUISER(1997) | 76% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2050-£335 |
| TOYOTA LANDCRUISER AMAZON(1997) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £1900-£485 |
| JEEP WRANGLER 4.0 SPORT(1997) | 73% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2050-£335 |
| MERCEDES UNCLASSIFIED(1996) | 66% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2250-£135 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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