PEUGEOT 406 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 140 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
140
Avg Mileage
123,050 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 1996 PEUGEOT 406 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 28 years old, 77% of PEUGEOT 406s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 140 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,050 miles.
How does the 1996 PEUGEOT 406 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 PEUGEOT 406 has 123,050 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 1996 PEUGEOT 406 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.
PEUGEOT 406 by Year
Checking a specific PEUGEOT 406?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 PEUGEOT 406
The 1996 PEUGEOT 406 is a family car with a 1905cc diesel engine. 140 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 123,050 miles at 28 years old, PEUGEOT 406 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 PEUGEOT 406 Fuel Costs
The 1905cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 PEUGEOT 406?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
PEUGEOT 406 Reliability Trend
Older PEUGEOT 406s 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 PEUGEOT 406
At 28 years old, the PEUGEOT 406 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 PEUGEOT 406
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1995) 69% pass rate (-8%) from 5,077 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-12%) from 4,382 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1998) 71% pass rate (-6%) from 3,841 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+4%) from 2,336 tests