Peugeot 406 (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 140 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,327

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1905cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,327/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1905cc30 years old140 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1905cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,327

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Peugeot brand average of 83%.

77% of MOT tests on Peugeot 406s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 140 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,050 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models109th of 243(top half)

Rank among Peugeot models483rd of 709(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+2%(75% avg)

vs Peugeot average-6%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,050

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Peugeot 406 had 123,050 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Peugeot 406 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	68%	373	142,734 mi
2003	68%	1,181	150,072 mi
2002	69%	1,132	144,648 mi
2001	70%	973	142,375 mi
2000	70%	752	140,312 mi
1999	71%	902	127,727 mi
1998	71%	783	126,345 mi
1997	73%	377	124,640 mi
1996	77%	140	123,050 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

1998 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,527/year

65%

-12%

Mercedes C

1997 · 2155cc Diesel

£2,456/year

81%

+4%

Volkswagen Polo

1998 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,327/year

71%

-6%

Volkswagen Passat

1998 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,327/year

71%

-6%

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About the 1996 Peugeot 406

The 1996 Peugeot 406 is a family car. Our records list a 1905cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 140 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 123,050 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,327 (£194/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 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 30 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.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 123k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 risk

Always 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 Peugeot 406 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Peugeot 406(1996)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327
Ford Fiesta(1998)	65%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527+£200
Mercedes C(1997)	81%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,456+£129
Volkswagen Polo(1998)	71%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327same
Volkswagen Passat(1998)	71%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Peugeot 406

Is the 1996 Peugeot 406 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1996 Peugeot 406s ended in a pass, from 140 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Peugeot 406 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,327 a year (£194 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Peugeot 406?

77% of 140 MOT tests on the 1996 Peugeot 406 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 109th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).

Which year Peugeot 406 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Peugeot 406 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 2004 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Peugeot 406?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Peugeot 406 is 123,050 miles, 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.